Starwood to Open New China Ski Resort

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(Changbaishan, China) -- Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide announced April 4th it will open its first dual-branded ski resort complex here near the Changbai Mountains later this year. The Westin Changbaishan and Sheraton Changbaishan Resort will open in August 2012, adjacent to the slopes of Changbai Mountains, one of China s leading ski areas.

The highly anticipated resort complex will lengthen Starwood's lead as the largest international luxury and "upper upscale hotel operator" in China. Starwood is teaming up with Dalian Wanda Group on the dual-brand resort.

"We look forward to introducing both Westin and Sheraton to Changbai Mountains with this spectacular, new ski resort complex where guests will enjoy world-class amenities set against the backdrop of one of China's most visually stunning mountain ranges," said Stephen Ho, Starwood's Senior Vice President of Development for Asia Pacific. "China is both our fastest growing global market and our richest source of loyal travelers, and we expect that this dual-branded Starwood resort development will resonate with Chinese travelers who stick with the brands they know and love."

The Westin and Sheraton resort complex is close to Yingfu Expressway and just six miles to Changbaishan Airport. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, the Changbai mountain range extends through several countries and is home to 200 animal and bird species. Guests will enjoy downhill skiing on trails surrounded by unspoiled pine forests, as well as ice skating and ice fishing.

The world-famous Changbai Mountains are known as one of the most beautiful areas in China. Endowed with rich natural resources and amazing scenery, the more than 494,000 acre nature reserve has been established to protect the Changbai Mountains natural environment and eco-system.

Offering ski-in/ski-out access, the Westin Changbaishan Resort will inspire well-being with breathtaking mountain views, world-class dining, a Westin Kids Club, signature Heavenly Spa and an indoor swimming pool. All 257 guestrooms will be equipped with Westin's signature Heavenly Bed.

Sheraton Changbaishan Resort will offer 296 guest rooms and suites with mountain or ski views, as well as a Sheraton Club lounge and Sheraton Club rooms with upgraded amenities. The heart of the lobby will feature the Link@Sheraton experience with Microsoft, a social hub where connections, whether face-to-face or webcam-to-webcam, take place.

Ideal for meetings of all sizes, as well as social functions and weddings, the resort complex will offer more than 37,000 square feet of meeting space including a 13,362 square-foot ballroom and a spacious pre-function space.

Dalian Wanda was founded in 1988 and operates in five major industries including commercial real estate properties, luxury hotels, tourism investment, cultural industry, and department store chains. The company has assets of $31 billion and annual income of $17 billion.

The company has already opened 49 Wanda Plazas, 28 five-star hotels, 730 cinema screens, 40 department stores and 45 all inclusive karaoke centers throughout the country. By 2015, the company is projecting $48 billion in assets and $32 billion in income.