Four Points By Sheraton Kuching Opens Doors To Malaysia Travelers

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(News Source:  Starwood Hotels & Resorts)

(KUCHING, MALAYSIA) -- Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced the opening of Four Points by Sheraton Kuching, the first new international hotel to open in Kuching, Malaysia in almost two decades.  Owned by Global Ulpine Sdn. Bhd., the newly constructed hotel is also the brand's first open in South East Asia.  Four Points by Sheraton Kuching offers 421 spacious rooms, comfortable beds, and a lively, social atmosphere.

Located just minutes from Kuching International Airport, Four Points by Sheraton Kuching is adjacent to the Gyratory roundabout, 15 minutes south of the city center. Guests can explore the local area on foot or take a short taxi ride to discover the city's diverse selection of shops, restaurants, temples and bazaars. Nearby attractions include Sarawak Cultural Village, Damai Beach and the orangutans of Borneo at the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre.

"Four Points by Sheraton is delighted to welcome guests to Kuching, one of Malaysia's most colorful and dynamic cities," said Sandy Swider, Vice President, Four Points by Sheraton. "Four Points by Sheraton gives guests just what they need - comfortable rooms, an inviting social atmosphere and extras to help them feel fulfilled at the end of the day."

"We're extremely excited to introduce the Four Points by Sheraton brand to Malaysia," said Mal McArdle, General Manager of Four Points by Sheraton Kuching. "We offer guests approachable and straightforward hospitality - a style that will work really well for the Kuching market."

Developed and owned by Global Upline Sdn. Bhd., Four Points by Sheraton Kuching combines modern architectural design with practical use of space.  The hotel is opening just 11 months following the start of construction.

"The simple functionality of our design allows us to introduce the Four Points' honest, uncomplicated hospitality to a market that's hungry for a new international hospitality brand," said Bobby Ting, Assistant Managing Director of Global Upline. "This property is testament to our ability to deliver turnkey projects to the market in an accelerated timeframe."

Boasting high ceilings and tall glass windows in its spacious lobby, the hotel showcases the revitalized design aesthetic of Four Points by Sheraton with simple furnishings, clean lines, classic forms and a contemporary look. All guestrooms will offer the signature Four Points by Sheraton Four Comfort Bed, large workspace with ergonomic desk chair, 32-inch plasma television and a laptop-sized safe. Premier category of rooms also offer iPod entertainment docks, complimentary Wi-Fi and access to the Premier Lounge, while the bathroom offers a refreshing rainforest shower and sleek, vanity sink.

Extensive banquet and conferencing facilities cater to meetings and functions of all kinds.  The hotel's stylish Rainforest Ballroom can accommodate up to 1,300 people for a sit-down banquet and is one of the largest banquet spaces in the city. To improve traffic flow, the hotel features a separate main entrance for larger groups and banquet and conference attendees as well as individual elevators to the Ballroom and meeting facilities.

Four Points by Sheraton Kuching also offers three restaurants and lounges on the lobby level including the Eatery, an all-day dining restaurant serving up international delicacies and local favorites for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Designed for buffets with live cooking stations and colorful treats for children of all ages, The Eatery can accommodate up to 306 people and includes two private rooms.  Wrapped, a café-deli is ideal a quick, simple bite and a great coffee and The Lounge provides the perfect ambience for light business discussions or relaxing cocktails with friends.

The state-of-the-art fitness center is outfitted with the latest in Technogym equipment. Additional facilities include an outdoor swimming pool and pool bar, a spa with eight treatment rooms, steam room and sauna and a 24-hour business center.  WiFi is available and complimentary in the lobby and other public spaces.

As an added service to guests, Four Points by Sheraton Kuching will be the first hotel in the city to offer guests complimentary shuttle transfers between the hotel and the airport as well as to and from the city's commercial center.

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