Le Meridien Opens in Gurgaon

GURGAON, INDIA - 11 March 2015 - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced the opening of Le Méridien Gurgaon, Delhi NCR, following the rebranding of an existing hotel. The opening of Le Méridien Gurgaon signifies the brand's robust growth in 2015 as Le Méridien plans to debut more new hotels than any other year since Starwood acquired the brand in 2005. In Asia Pacific, Le Méridien is on track to open eight new hotels this year in vibrant locations, including Paro, Bhutan; Dhaka, Bangladesh; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Putrajaya, Malaysia and Qingdao and Leshan, China.

"Le Méridien is enjoying strong growth momentum worldwide, resonating with creative and curious minded travelers who have an affinity for the arts, culture and cuisine," said Brian Povinelli, Global Brand Leader, Le Méridien and Westin. "As India's important hospitality market with tremendous growth potential, Gurgaon has long been on our short list of dynamic Indian cities that share our brand passions. We are confident that Le Méridien Gurgaon will provide a unique experience, unlocking the destination through locally influenced design, programming and cuisine."

Owned by Oriental South Delhi Hotels Private Limited, Le Méridien Gurgaon is strategically located within the bustling business hub of Gurgaon, offering convenient access to major corporate parks and thoroughfares, such as Global Business Park, DLF Cyber City and Golf Course Road. It also lies within close proximity to notable cultural centers, including Epicenter, Kingdom of Dreams as well as renowned art galleries. The hotel exemplifies the perfect combination of style and comfort to unlock Gurgaon, which has emerged as a melting pot of ethnicities with an enriched local culture and a variety of arts, music, cuisine and cultural festivities.

The hotel features 285 guestrooms, including 22 suites, with contemporary furnishings; a renovated signature dining venue, Latest Recipe; and a new Longitude bar. Guests will immediately be enthralled by a modern façade, which opens into the hotel's signature and award-winning arrival experience, Le Méridien Hub™.

Re-interpreting the traditional lobby into a social gathering place, the Hub experience is defined by four unique elements: large-scale artwork in high impact areas; the sensory experience, illustrated through Le Méridien's signature scent, sound and use of light; UNLOCK ART™ program, featuring artist designed key card collections that offer access to a local art gallery; and a 24-hour curated soundtrack by French Bossa Nova band Nouvelle Vague. Le Méridien Hub™ also features the signature Master Barista, a role designed to meet the growing demands of coffee lovers at every Le Méridien hotel worldwide. The Master Baristas lead coffee-related initiatives at each hotel, serve as a coffee cultural ambassador, and maintain knowledge of current coffee trends within the destination.

Other hotel amenities include 1,600 square meters of conference and meeting space, encompassing a divisible grand ballroom with an 8 meter tall ceiling and area of 390 square meters that opens to well landscaped lawns; a well-equipped Fitness Center and pool; a tranquil spa; and a bar, Ikandy, setting the after-dark scene with live music, transformative lighting and innovative offerings.

"We are very proud to be a part of this rebranding effort, offering a great new hospitality option in the bustling millennium city of Gurgaon," said Ms. Raunaq Kohli of Oriental South Delhi Hotels Private Limited. "We are confident that the hotel, combining chic modern design with Le Méridien's focus on the arts, creative cuisine and inspiring local culture, will create uniquely memorable experiences and strengthen guest loyalty, one customer at a time."

"Today is an important day as we welcome our guests to Le Méridien, Gurgaon, Delhi NCR. We look forward to helping our guests unlock this unique destination through a redefined, contemporary experience," said David Hopcroft, General Manager, Le Méridien Gurgaon, Delhi NCR.

Le Méridien Gurgaon, Delhi NCR opened its doors with the brand's signature First Night celebrations, drawing a glitterati of curious minded guests from Gurgaon and Delhi. French Bossa Nova band Nouvelle Vague, a LM100 member and the brand's global music partner, infused the Hub with their live beats, transforming the space into a completely social sphere. Flying in from the UK, The People Pile engaged guests with their alternative and energetic technical dance performances. In addition, the evening included an art performance that recalls traces of Gurgaon history; a tantalizing culinary repertoire, including local flavored éclairs; and sparkling drinks that kept spirits high.