Starwood Announces New Luxury Collection Hotel to Debut in Peru in 2010

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(NEW YORK, NY) - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide (NYSE: HOT) in a franchise agreement with Libertador Hotels, Resorts & Spas, today announced the opening of Hotel Paracas. The luxury resort will be the first of three Luxury Collection hotels opening in Peru over the next two years.

Located on Peru's southern Pacific coast and surrounded by the Paracas National Reserve and the Ballestas Islands, Hotel Paracas features 120 guest rooms with private terraces, a 5,000 square foot spa, two outdoor pools, more than 5,000 square feet of event space and two signature restaurants and lounges.

The Luxury Collection and Libertador will also soon unveil Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa in the sacred valley of Urubamba followed by the 2011 opening of Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Cusco, the capital of the ancient Incan Empire. Each spectacular property will seamlessly integrate local customs, culture and natural influences to offer global travelers unique and exceptional experiences in one of Latin America's most culturally diverse destinations.

"The Luxury Collection brand has important penetration in South America and allows us to keep the identity of places we have and cherish," says Libertador Hotels, Resorts & Spas CEO Jorge Melero. "Our strategic plan for the next five years extends beyond Peru's borders, and we look forward to future collaborations with Starwood."

"The new Luxury Collection hotel in Paracas will provide guests with a magical setting enhanced by exceptional service and indigenous design," said Osvaldo Librizzi, President of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Latin America.

A scenic three-hour drive south of Lima, Hotel Paracas offers limitless opportunities to experience Peru's rich history and natural wonders. Guests can enjoy one of the world's largest wildlife reserves from a private 52-foot luxury yacht with excursions to the Ballestas Islands and the Paracas Nature Reserve, a 900,000-acre marine park along the country's pristine southern Pacific coast.

Guests are also invited to explore the region's mesmerizing Nazca Lines, one of ancient Peru's most impressive petroglyphs in the desert, which can be best experienced via the hotel's private airplane.

"The Luxury Collection is a portal to the world's most exciting and desirable destinations, offering guests unique, authentic and enriching experiences at spectacular destinations around the world," said Paul James, Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection. "Celebrated for its pristine location and ecological wonders, Hotel Paracas adds another jewel to The Luxury Collection brand's glittering portfolio."

Designed by world renowned architect Bernardo Fort-Bresciawith interiors by Caparra Entelman & Associates, Hotel Paracas is inspired by the region's ecological wonders, stunning Pacific setting and diverse heritage. Combining rich imported fabrics with indigenous textiles and ceramics to reflect Peru's heritage, the interiors feature subtle yet striking bamboo and rattan accents to complement the seaside surroundings and offer a soothing yet luxurious environment.

Guest rooms feature private terraces with breathtaking views of the Pacific, 400-thread Peruvian cotton sheets and locally sourced wood furniture. Abstract designs on fabrics and floor coverings reflect the geometric patterns found on ancient Paracas textiles created by the Pre-Incan ancient Paracas people who are celebrated for their advanced textile manufacturing skills. Guests can choose from three types of rooms including bungalows, villas, and chalets. All rooms offer state-of-the-art modern technology, including 37" LCD TVs, Wi-Fi enabled-high speed Internet access and iPod docking stations.

Dining at Hotel Paracas indulges the senses with diverse, sea-inspired menus ranging from modern interpretations of authentic Peruvian cuisine to exceptional Mediterranean fare. Signature dishes include the Costa Sur, grilled sole and garlic sautéed prawns served with loche pumpkin honey, orange purée and asparagus, as well as the more traditional Peruvian Cebiches and Tiraditos, thin slices of fish marinated in lemon or chili rocoto cream; desserts include Tocinillo del Cielo, coconut crème caramel served in traditional Peruvian colonial style and Grapes Evolution, a Pisco-scented Madeleine cake with flambé grapes and borgoña grape sorbet.

The hotel's bar, lounge and both swimming pools face directly onto the Pacific Ocean, inviting guests to further relax amidst breathtaking sunsets over the Pacific. The main pool area also includes private day beds and serves light fare and international cocktails with a special Pisco (Peruvian brandy) menu featuring various twists on Peru's national signature, the Pisco Sour.

The perfect destination for a wedding or business affair, Hotel Paracas offers more than 5,000 square feet of event space with state of the art technology and access to its 24-hour business center. Guests are invited to unwind at the hotel's luxurious spa, featuring a variety of indigenous treatments, sauna, steam room and fitness center.

Libertador Hotels, Resorts & Spas is Peru's largest hotel owner and operator and in collaboration with Starwood will debut the first Westin in South America with the opening of Libertador Westin Lima by the end of 2010. The award-winning hotels and resorts that make up The Luxury Collection are some of the world's most iconic properties, including The Grande Bretagne; Hotel Marqués de Riscal; Mystique; Hotel Danieli; The U.S. Grant, The Palace Hotel and The Phoenician.

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