aloft Hotels Makes Its Debut in Guangzhou, Showcasing the City’s Cool Vibe

aloft Guangzhou University Town Becomes the First International Brand Hotel in the District, Reflecting the Innovative Needs of Next-Gen Travelers

China, Guangzhou, December 5, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced the grand opening of aloft Guangzhou University Town, the first aloft® hotel in the Guangzhou area. Strategically located in the heart of Guangzhou University Town and invested in by Fangyuan Group, the 272-room aloft Guangzhou University Town blends urban inspiration with loft-style design and offers a vibrant social scene through live music performances.

The newly opened aloft Guangzhou University Town is the district’s first international brand hotel, providing a dynamic social space for next-generation travelers.

“aloft Guangzhou University Town is not only our first aloft property in Guangzhou, but also the very first international brand hotel in the university town,” said Vincent Ong, Senior Director of Brand Management, Asia Pacific, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “We are excited to bring the energy of the aloft brand to the vibrant millennial generation through live music, cutting-edge technology, and a lively social atmosphere.”

Situated on Xiaoguwei Island in southeastern Guangzhou, aloft Guangzhou University Town lies in the heart of Guangzhou University Town — an area known as the “Southern Information Harbor” and “Intelligence Hub,” serving as a national center for high-end talent cultivation, scientific research, and academic exchange.

As one of China’s premier university districts, Guangzhou University Town is home to ten higher education institutions. Most of these campuses are within walking distance of the hotel. The hotel is also just a stone’s throw from the Lingnan Impression Garden and offers easy access to popular city attractions such as the former site of the Whampoa Military Academy and the Memorial Museum of the 1911 Revolution. It is a mere 25-minute drive from the Canton Fair Complex and Zhujiang New Town CBD, and about 50 minutes from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.

Designed with a focus on cutting-edge technology and the preferences of the millennial generation, aloft Guangzhou University Town features 272 loft-style rooms, all equipped with the brand’s signature signature plush king beds, spacious showers, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, and bath amenities created exclusively for aloft by Bliss® Spa. Guests can connect their laptops or music players to the 42-inch LCD TV via the plug-and-play One-Touch device, blending work and play seamlessly. The hotel also features the brand’s iconic Arf^SM dog-friendly program, welcoming pets under 18 kilograms to stay with their owners free of charge — complete with a complimentary dog bed, bowl, treats, and toys.  -- This offering is the first of its kind in Guangzhou.

aloft Guangzhou University Town offers energetic, open common spaces designed for socializing. The hotel’s signature all-day dining restaurant,JuJuLe,serves a variety of international and local dishes, satisfying every craving with both à la carte and buffet options. The elegantly minimalistYun Shan Shi YiChinese Restaurant features six private dining rooms and is helmed by top-tier Cantonese chefs from across the nation, offering classic Cantonese cuisine and innovative Chinese dishes.aloft Energy:Station^SM is a 24-hour grab-and-go destination, offering everything from light meals and fusion snacks to healthy options. You can even craft your own cappuccino. In addition, the hotel’s unique “Strategy Meeting Rooms” offer over 500 square meters of event space, including a dedicated 345-square-meter banquet hall — all outfitted with state-of-the-art AV equipment and high-speed internet access.

WXYZ^SM The hotel bar not only serves a colorful array of cocktails, but also provides a perfect spot to unwind, recharge, and enjoy a lively social scene, featuring fun table games and billiards. For musically inclined guests, the hotel offers a “Soundtrack by aloft” platform. You can relax in the vibrant space brought to you byLayover: Station,^SM or recharge both body and mind at the well-equipped, 24-hourEnergy: Station^SMandPutongindoor pool.

To celebrate its opening, aloft Guangzhou University Town is offering a special introductory rate of just RMB 398 per night for a loft room, including complimentary Wi-Fi and a late check-out until 2:00 PM. For more details or to make a reservation, please call (86)(20) 3100 0888 or visit www.alofthotels.com.

About aloft Hotels

Part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, aloft Hotels has over 100 properties across 14 countries around the world, bringing a fresh take to traditional hospitality. aloft caters to the millennial generation with modern lifestyles that combine cutting-edge technology, energetic vibes, and distinctive design. For more information, visit www.alofthotels.com. Like all Starwood brands, aloft proudly participates in the industry’s most rewarding loyalty program, SPG, which you can learn more about at www.spg.com.

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading companies in the world’s hotel and leisure industry, with more than 1,200 properties in 100 countries and territories and over 181,400 associates at its owned and managed properties. As a well-known global brand, Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator, and franchisor of hotels, resorts, and residences, with a portfolio of internationally renowned brands including: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, Aloft®, and Element®. Starwood also boasts the industry-leading and award-winning loyalty program – SPG (Starwood Preferred Guest), through which members can earn and redeem points for hotel stays, room upgrades, and flights, all without blackout dates. In addition, Starwood owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., whose villa-style resorts and VIP privileges across Starwood brands offer a world-class vacation experience. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com/cn.