The Westin Governor Morris Re-Opens after Multi-Million Dollar Renovat

    Business Editors

    WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 21, 2005--After completing a multi-million dollar renovation, Westin Hotels & Resorts, Starwood's upper-upscale brand, announces the re-opening of The Westin Governor Morris in historic Morristown, New Jersey. Welcoming its first guests today, the rejuvenated property features a sophisticated contemporary look in its lobby, 224 stylishly appointed guest rooms, expanded and enhanced meeting space, an elegant new signature restaurant and Martini lounge, a new Espresso Bar, and an expansive fitness center. Internationally renowned designer Dayna Lee Berner was instrumental in creating an elegant new ambiance at the hotel that exudes the brand's concept of modern luxury. The hotel is owned by Amerimar Enterprises of Philadelphia, and New York City-based Angelo Gordon & Co.
    The hotel now features all of Westin's branded signature amenities and services, such as the Westin Heavenly Bed(R), Westin Heavenly Bath(R), and a WestinWORKOUT(R) Powered By Reebok fitness center, in addition to the enhanced amenities exclusive to The Westin Governor Morris.
    "We are pleased about the re-opening of The Westin Governor Morris," said Sue Brush, senior vice president, Westin Hotels & Resorts. "This property is a designer's showplace featuring a spectacular new look and we're thrilled to be working with a high-profile designer such as Ms. Berner in the renovation process. The hotel will attract a sophisticated clientele and will serve as one of the area's primary leisure and business venues."
    "We are confident that our stylish, serene haven will invigorate our return guests and entice new clientele to experience our luxurious hotel," said Antoine Berberi, the hotel's general manager. "This extensive renovation affords The Westin Governor Morris the opportunity to offer our social event, corporate and leisure clientele a contemporary suburban-chic ambiance, first-class amenities and services, and an extraordinary dining experience that is unlike any other in the New Jersey area."
    In her design scheme, Berner added contemporary details, while respecting the property's traditional architecture and environment. Modern details such as Federal, Regency and American Sheridan furniture were mixed in the lobby with a classic stone fireplace, and stone walls similar to those seen in the New Jersey countryside.
    Berner, principal designer for POWERSTRIP Studio of Hollywood, Calif., is renowned for her remarkable designs of such prestigious properties as Hotel Derek in Houston, W Los Angeles Hotel, and W New Orleans Hotel. She is also celebrated for her work designing sets for Hollywood motion pictures, where she has worked with many of Hollywood's top directors. She was even nominated for an Emmy Award for her work on a private concert by Sting entitled "Sting in Tuscany." She has worked with more than 20 movies and 30 commercials, serving as Art Director, Set Director or Production Designer.
    Suites feature such amenities as plasma screen televisions and advanced Bose sound systems. Among the suites available are: a Hospitality Suite, which is perfect for hosting small gatherings or for wedding couples; three Conference Suites, which are ideal for informal corporate meetings; and three Presidential Suites.
    Meeting and banquet space also has been enhanced at the hotel with a sophisticated new look, and has been greatly expanded from 15,000 square feet to 25,000 square feet. The hotel features the 7,569-square-foot Governor's Ballroom, the 4,056-square-foot State Ballroom, 14 breakout rooms, two superior executive boardrooms, a large hospitality suite, 24-hour business center, wireless high-speed Internet access throughout the public areas, copying and printing services, and advanced audiovisual and technical capabilities.
    Additionally, The Westin Governor Morris is also now home to an exceptional new restaurant named Copeland. Under the direction of award-winning Executive Chef Thomas Ciszak, the sophisticated yet relaxed restaurant features signature New American cuisine, a sensational seafood raw bar, a carefully selected wine list, an extraordinary Martini lounge, and a private Wine Room.
    Taking great pride in their keen attention to detail, The Westin Governor Morris offers the ideal combination of exclusivity, first-class personal service and superb catering capabilities for any social event including weddings, religious celebrations, fundraiser galas and community functions.
    Westin Hotels & Resorts, with 121 hotels and resorts in 31 countries and territories, is owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and voted the number one upscale hotel brand for three years in Business Travel News' Annual U.S. Hotel Chain survey. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 750 properties in more than 80 countries and 110,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. With internationally renowned brands, Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels and resorts including: St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Sheraton, Westin, Four Points by Sheraton, W brands, as well as Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com

-- Please contact Starwood's new, toll-free media hotline at (866)4-STAR-PR (866-478-2777) for photography or additional information. --

-- JOURNALISTS - PLEASE NOTE: JOIN STARWOOD'S PRESS RELEASE ALERT SERVICE TO RECEIVE STARWOOD COMPANY NEWS AND INFORMATION -- To become a member, simply access the Starwood website, at: www.starwood.com/press Once you reach the home page, enter your e-mail address, and click "Subscribe".

--30--AD/ny*

CONTACT: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. Ellen Gallo, 914/640-8167 Mark Ricci, 914/640-8496 or First Marketing Group International Karen Lamonica, 407/788-7070

KEYWORD: NEW YORK NEW JERSEY INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TRAVEL SOURCE: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

Copyright Business Wire 2005