White Plains, N.Y. / Singapore – April 17, 2007 – Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) announces eleven new franchise agreements with ITC Limited. Illustrating Starwood’s strategy to aggressively grow its footprint in India – the fastest growing Asia Pacific market for international spending – the franchise agreements also represent the introduction of The Luxury Collection brand and the expansion of the Sheraton brand into the country. As a result of Starwood’s expansion into India, travelers will soon have access to 23 hotels in the country under the Sheraton, Westin, The Luxury Collection and Le Méridien brand umbrellas. “We are thrilled to introduce The Luxury Collection brand to India and to expand the footprint of the Sheraton brand, perfectly complementing our existing portfolio of properties, ” commented Miguel Ko, President of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Asia Pacific. “We are eager to embrace the tremendous growth opportunities in both the gateway and secondary cities of India.” As part of the agreement and following significant renovations in recent months, seven existing Sheraton hotels in India will be re-flagged under Starwood’s The Luxury Collection brand. Additionally, franchise agreements for three existing Sheraton hotels have been extended and an existing Welcomhotel in Delhi will be re-branded as a Sheraton. The seven Luxury Collection hotels are located in Bangalore, New Delhi, Agra, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Kolkata and the four Sheraton properties are located in Chennai, Jaipur and New Delhi. The Luxury Collection ITC Mughal – Agra The Luxury Collection ITC Mughal Agra hotel is situated near the center of the city of Agra on 35 acres of beautifully landscaped lawns and gardens and in close proximity to the Taj Mahal. Among its accolades, the hotel has received the Aga Khan Award for excellence in Mughal Architecture and has been awarded the British Safety Council’s Sword of Honour Award for its commitment of safety. The hotel offers 285 guestrooms, over 6, 000 square feet of meeting facilities and a Taj Mahal viewing observatory. The Luxury Collection ITC Windsor Manor - Bangalore The garden city of Bangalore, with its pleasant year-round climate and cosmopolitan atmosphere, provides the graceful setting for The Luxury Collection ITC Windsor Manor. The hotel’s architecture dates back to the British Regency period, with 240 guest rooms and suites designed to re-create the elegance and fine living of the era. The hotel is located three miles from the center of the city and seven miles from the airport. With a fully equipped business center and seven meeting rooms, the hotel is ideal for business and leisure travelers alike. The Luxury Collection ITC Kakatiya - Hyderabad Commemorating the legendary spirit of the Kakatiya dynasty, The Luxury Collection ITC Hotel Kakatiya envelopes each guest in Kakatiya art and sculpture. Overlooking the picturesque Hussain Sagar Lake, The Luxury Collection ITC Hotel Kakatiya offers 188 elegantly furnished rooms and suites, along with state-of-the art business and conference facilities. The hotel is ideally located in the new commercial heart of Hyberabad and is just six minutes from the airport. The Luxury Collection ITC Sonar Bangla - Kolkata The Luxury Collection ITC Sonar Bangla is located in Kolkata – commonly referred to as the intellectual capital of the country. Surrounded by 16 acres of lush greenery and water, the hotel boasts a relaxed, yet luxurious ambience with 238 guestrooms, eight meeting rooms and the finest leisure facilities, including a spa, tennis courts, and a chip-and-putt golf course. The hotel’s Executive Club Rooms are also the largest in the city in their category. The Luxury Collection ITC Grand Central-Mumbai The vibrant center of Mumbai is now home to The Luxury Collection ITC Grand Central, Mumbai. India’s tallest hotel, at 30 stories, the hotel reflects the colorful patchwork of cultures that the city is known for – its colonial past, modern present, old English charm, warm Indian hospitality, as well as modern facilities for business and leisure travelers. The hotel offers the finest business and leisure facilities, 242 guest rooms and suites and 6 conference suites. The Luxury Collection ITC Grand Maratha-Mumbai Located a mere 10 minutes from the Mumbai International Airport, The Luxury Collection ITC Grand Maratha celebrates the spirit of Mumbai, the economic powerhouse and the entertainment capital of India. Designed in a classical style, the hotel... Sheraton Chola Hotel, Chennai Ideally situated in the bustling commercial capital of Chennai, the Chola Sheraton is located in the city where the British chapter of Indian history began. The hotel is just seven miles from the airport, three miles from the railroad station, and one mile from downtown Madras. The hotel welcomes guests with 92 oversized guest rooms and suites, concierge services, as well as five meeting rooms. Source: www.hotel-online.com