Press Release Source: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

Sheraton Opens Its Doors and Warmly Welcomes Travelers to Jacksonville, Florida
Tuesday July 22, 1:14 pm ET
The Newly Constructed Sheraton Jacksonville Hotel Offers Signature Brand Offerings and Area's First Shula's 347 Grill

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT - News) and Driftwood Hospitality announced today that Sheraton Jacksonville Hotel has opened its doors and is warmly welcoming guests. The newly constructed 159-room hotel offers guests Sheraton’s signature amenities and services designed to provide a welcoming atmosphere and exceptional guest experience. The opening of the Sheraton Jacksonville is part of the most aggressive global expansion in the Sheraton’s history -- with 54 hotels scheduled to open and 20,000 new rooms to be added to the brand by 2009.

Sheraton Jacksonville Hotel is located in southeast Jacksonville in the heart of Deerwood Park and just minutes away from popular Jacksonville attractions such as the Avenues Shopping Mall, the Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, University of North Florida-UNF, and the new St. Johns Town Center Mall. Jacksonville’s sunny beaches are also just a short drive away.

“We are proud to welcome the Sheraton Jacksonville Hotel to our brand’s growing portfolio of more than 400 hotels around the world,” said Hoyt Harper, Senior Vice President for Sheraton Hotels and Resorts. “Sheraton anticipates the needs of travelers who crave familiarity and comfort by providing spacious accommodations, updated technology and signature amenities – all designed to make them feel at home from the moment they walk in the door.”

Guests of Sheraton Jacksonville Hotel are invited to relax with fellow travelers in the hotel’s energetic and interactive lobby space. There, they will find the Link@Sheraton(sm) experienced with Microsoft(R) communications hub, which delivers the technology services guests expect while on the road, allowing them to check their email, research local attractions and even print boarding passes. Sheraton Jacksonville Hotel also provides 856 square feet of meeting space in two meeting rooms as well as related services, including AV, catering and event planning.

Press Release