W Hotels Unveils W South Beach – a Flagship Hotel for Miami on the Shores of Florida’s Most Fashionable Beach

W Hotels Worldwide, the hotel category buster and industry innovator, today unveils its latest insider escape with the grand opening of W South Beach and The Residences at W South Beach, the W brand’s 31^st hotel property. Owned and developed by Tristar Capital and RFR Realty and executed on behalf of ownership by Related of New York, W South Beach is located beachside in the burgeoning arts and entertainment district of Miami Beach. This oceanfront landmark is set to inspire jet set guests and locals alike with spectacular design that sets the stage for W’s fully integrated contemporary lifestyle experience: 408 W-branded residences, including Ocean Suites, Beach Bungalows, and the signature Extreme WOW suite (W’s reinterpretation of the Presidential suite); Wall, an exclusive bar and ultra-lounge operated in partnership with world-renowned Miami nightlife impresarios and restaurateurs; celebrity dining hotspot Mr. Chow; Soleà, the signature restaurant serving contemporary Mediterranean cuisine; Grove, a whimsical outdoor garden; Bliss®, New York’s hottest spa, arriving in Miami for the first time; WET, with two alluring pools and stylish cabanas; more than 10,000 square feet of ultra-modern meeting and event space; SWEAT® state-of-the-art fitness center; basketball court; tennis court, and W Hotels The Store, the W brand’s twist on the traditional hotel gift shop.

"W South Beach will serve as a flagship hotel for the W brand globally,” said Eva Ziegler, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide and Le Méridien. "The hotel will provide guests and locals alike with W’s outstanding signature programming set in a stunning, cutting-edge design environment on the shores of one of the world’s most glamorous and fashionable beaches.”

"The launch of W South Beach marks a new era in Miami’s glamorous history,” said David Edelstein, principal of Tristar Capital, which owns the hotel along with RFR Realty. "Our vision was to develop a world-class hotel with a new standard of design and style that embraces the vibrant spirit of South Beach.”

A Landmark on the Shores of Florida's Most Fashionable Beach

W South Beach is the product of renowned designers and artists, including architect Costas Kondylis in collaboration with NBWW & Associates, Anna Busta of Studio B Design, landscape designer Paula Hayes and twice Grammy-nominated photographer Danny Clinch. Together they have combined organic architectural elements with a contemporary design to create an iconic and high-end urban design ambiance that pays homage to the area’s art deco heritage and offers guests an insider escape in the center of all the action.

Architect Costas Kondylis created a new landmark that recalls Miami’s modern architectural legacy with its dynamic and whimsical façade. The unique design of the building positions rooms on a 25-degree angle, providing guests with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. The stunning W Living Room (W’s take on the traditional hotel lobby), has been designed by Anna Busta and features dramatic artwork from noted collector Aby Rosen’s private collection. Strongly influenced by art deco elements, the Living Room features sleek floors inlaid with bronze and wood with a terrazzo border and a row of white quartzite columns set against a soaring 120-foot-long marble wall. An eclectic yet sophisticated mix of furnishings create intimate conversation areas throughout the space, including tufted leather ottomans, sofas imported from Italy, velvet curtains in eggplant purple, modern white and gray sofas complemented by oversized, inlaid horn tables, armchairs covered in white pony or slate velvet and white pony rugs splashed with Gold paint. A shimmering, 20-foot-high beaded curtain set off by glass walls ushers guests into the W Living Room Bar, offering views of WET pool deck and the hotel’s lush garden known as the Grove.

Escape into the Grove by Celebrated Landscape Artist Paula Hayes

Developed by conceptual landscape artist Paula Hayes in collaboration with Anna Busta, the Grove was inspired by the many beautiful gardens found in the Provence region of France. Designed to transport guests into another world, this serene garden is an escape from the hustle and bustle of South Beach, featuring winding paths amongst the swamp lily and flowering grasses, lanterns from the late 19^th Century, sheets of poetry suspended from sea grape trees and 1920s-era objects discovered in French flea markets.

Flirt, Sip and Mix from Dusk to Dawn at The Wall

Guests of The Wall ultra-lounge will experience the first partnership of Miami nightlife giants Nicola Siervo and Karim Masri, co-owners of celebrity-hangout Mokai and hotspot Quattro restaurant, and brothers Francis and Eric Milon, nightlife pioneers behind The Opium Group, which owns iconic South Beach venues Mansion, SET, Louis Bar-Lounge, Opium at The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Privé Las Vegas at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Miami’s newest nightlife destination has been designed to entertain celebrities and jet setters alike from dusk to dawn, seducing and captivating guests throughout several spaces. Designed by Anna Busta, the ultra-lounge captivates guests with its seductive gold-and-black motif, including dark walls, a lacquered bar, Cappellini stools and a ceiling of fine copper mesh. The focal point of the space is a vintage gold sofa inspired by Le Corbusier, created exclusively for W South Beach.

Savor Legendary Chinese Cuisine at Mr. Chow Miami

Famed celebrity eatery Mr. Chow debuts in Miami on the ground floor of W South Beach. Mr. Chow Miami offers iconic dishes along with new and creative recipes prepared by Executive Chef Nick Du, a specialist in regional Chinese cuisines who is known as one of the best chefs in Beijing and throughout China. Designed by Michael Chow, the beautiful space includes his signature elements such as the stepped entrance that puts guests into the spotlight, modern screens and black lacquer furniture as well as unique elements including the 125-foot gold-leaf and Swarovski crystal chandelier designed by Chow himself. The expansive space, with seating for approximately 300 guests, includes outdoor seating that overlooks fashionable Collins Avenue. As part of Michael Chow’s dedication to art, a known artist has been commissioned to develop an exclusive video animation that will be projected on the walls of the outside dining area.

Munch and Mingle at Soleá

Soleá, the second restaurant at W South Beach, offers contemporary Mediterranean cuisine in a stylish yet relaxed atmosphere. Chef Michael Gilligan has created a globally inspired menu that incorporates a Latin flare such as foie gras and goat cheese empanadas, sea scallop tiradito and sautéed langoustines with sherry, tomatoes and tarragon. Designed by Anna Busta, the 234-seat restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor dining overlooking the hotel’s whimsical Grove garden. Soleá features walnut floors throughout, two stunning wine walls, a VIP dining area, communal tables made from single slabs of fallen maple wood, oversized banquettes in rich chocolate brown leather, and glowing glass lanterns hanging on the walls and from the ceilings, creating intimate dining spaces throughout. Soleá is operated by nightlife and restaurant industry impresarios Nicola Siervo and Karim Masri of KNR Food Concepts (Sosta, Quattro).

Indulge at Miami’s First Bliss^® Spa

Bliss Spa boasts more than 7,000-square-feet of tension-fighting facilities at W South Beach. With a focus on waxing, skincare services, and manicures and pedicures, bliss south beach also provides massage and body treatments. Seven treatment rooms and bliss trademark touches such as rhythm & blues tunes, a retail beauty boutique, and the legendary brownie buffet, make bliss south beach the ultimate destination for stylish jet setters and spa and beauty-loving locals. W South Beach guests and residents also receive "BIP” (Bliss Important Person) status for priority reservations and exclusive in-room sampling. Additionally, all guests can enjoy sought after sink side bliss amenities in all guestrooms and suites.

Relax and Escape into a Stylish Personal Oasis

Residences and guestrooms at W South Beach range in size from 574 square-feet to more than 3,000 square-feet with nine-foot ceilings and expansive glass balconies that allow for unparalleled views of South Beach and the glistening Atlantic Ocean. As W’s first all condo hotel, guestrooms offer contemporary, stylish living with soft shades of teal and white, a sleek floor made of white ceramic tiles with a wood grain finish, and floor-to-ceiling screens that delineate the living and sleeping areas. Modern Italian steel grey sofas are positioned strategically in front of the flat screen plasma televisions inviting guests to chill out before going out, while the photographs of legendary rock photographer Danny Clinch – works of artists ranging from Missy Elliot to Elvis Costello – adorn the walls in guestrooms as well as elevator landings throughout the property.

Oversized bathrooms feature Cippolino marble vanity countertops with black and gray veining, high-end chrome fixtures and spacious showers. For a true escape, select suites feature Japanese soaking tubs. Many of W South Beach’s guestrooms feature an Asco stacked washer and dryer and a state-of-the-art kitchenette with a Sub-Zero refrigerator, Wolf range, stainless steel microwave, custom lacquered Italian cabinets with either granite or synthetic quartzite countertops, a deep sink basin and chrome fixtures. All guestrooms and suites feature the signature Munchie Box (W Hotels’ re-interpretation of the traditional hotel Mini Bar) and state-of-the-art entertainment system which includes two plasma televisions, CD and DVD player and docking station for MP3 players, setting the stage for a night on the town or for winding down after a day at the beach.

The Residences at W South Beach offer owners a combination of stylish one, two, and three bedroom condominiums with all the signature W comforts, services and amenities available to hotel guests. Residences are still available and can be purchased by contacting the Welcome Center at 305-531-4449. In addition to W Hotels’ signature services, W South Beach offers the W brand’s signature Whatever/Whenever® service promise, providing both hotel guests and residents with whatever they want – from a personal shopping consultation at South Beach’s most exclusive boutiques to private jet service from MIA – whenever they want it, as long as it’s legal!

More than a hotel brand, W Hotels has established itself as an iconic contemporary lifestyle brand, offering guests unprecedented insider access to a world of "Wow” through leading-edge design, fashion, nightlife, celebrities, entertainment and other trendsetting activities. W Hotels has changed the hospitality landscape with a series of industry firsts in the past 10 years, including: the transformation of the hotel lobby into the W Living Room experience; the introduction of the W brand’s signature Whatever/Whenever service promise as a vehicle to fulfill every guest’s dreams, as long as its legal; extension of the lifestyle experience into retail through W Hotels the Store; the reinterpretation of the hotel mini-bar into the Munchie Box; and the reinvention of the presidential suite into W’s "Extreme Wow” and "Wow” suites.

About W Hotels Worldwide®

W Hotels is an innovative contemporary lifestyle brand and the hotel category buster with 31 properties in the most vibrant destinations around the world. Inspiring, iconic, innovative and influential, W Hotels provides the ultimate in insider access to a world of "Wow.” Each hotel offers a unique mix of innovative design and passions around fashion, music, entertainment, design, architecture, pop culture, and everything in between. W Hotels are unique and individual expressions of modern living, reflected in the brand’s sensibility to a holistic lifestyle experience with cutting-edge design, contemporary restaurant concepts, glamorous nightlife experiences, and signature spas. With 10 years of proven success, W Hotels will more than double its footprint by 2011. In North America and Latin America, W Hotels have been announced in Austin, Boston, Hollywood, Huntington Beach, Downtown New York, Santiago, and Washington, D.C. In Europe, W Hotels have been announced in Athens, Barcelona, London, Manchester, Milan, Paris and St. Petersburg. In Asia, W has announced properties in Bangkok, Guangzhou, Macao-Studio City, Shanghai and Yokohama. In Africa and the Middle East, W has announced properties in Marrakech, Amman, and Dubai. W has plans to open W Retreats in Bali, Koh Samui, Vieques Island and Verbier, the latter of which will serve as W Hotels’ first ski retreat. For more information, visit www.whotels.com.

About Nicola Siervo and Karim Masri

Nightlife and restaurant industry impresarios Nicola Siervo and Karim Masri have successfully revolutionized the Miami scene with stylish, conceptualized venues including Mokai and Quattro Celebrated by The New York Times, Elle and People magazines, Siervo and Masri are known for creating intimate hotspots featuring impeccable quality that combine innovation with luxury. Owen Wilson, John Mayer, Lindsay Lohan, Diddy, Kevin Spacey, Molly Simms, Justin Timberlake and Scarlett Johansson are only a handful of celebrities that consider Mokai and Quattro must stop destinations while visiting Miami. Siervo and Masri are credited with creating intimate hotspots designed to forever raise the bar of style and design.

Siervo and Masri are expanding their holdings in Miami by teaming up with The Opium Group to launch Wall at W South Beach. They are also managing partners of KNR Food Conepts, which will open both Sosta Pizzeria in Miami and Quattro Gastronomia Italiana at Trump SoHo in New York in 2009.

About The Opium Group

The Opium Group is Miami Beach’s most successful nightlife operator, internationally recognized for pioneering the South Beach nightlife renaissance with high-end VIP venues Mansion, SET, Louis Bar-Lounge, Opium at The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, and Privé Las Vegas at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Heralded in the pages of Time, People Magazine, Harpers Bazaar, USA Today and The New York Times for the chicest hotspots in Miami, guests ranging from Pamela Anderson and Justin Timberlake to Lindsay Lohan and Jay Z to Prince and Beyonce have visited The Opium Group’s glamorous venues. With more than 500 employees, The Opium Group’s plans for expansion include this partnership with W Hotels, as well as new venues debuting in Las Vegas and the Miami market.

About Bliss Spas

Founded in 1996, bliss was spotted by beauty-obsessed buzz-makers and quickly massaged its way to the top. There are currently 16 bliss spas worldwide: bliss soho, bliss57 and bliss49 (at W New York) in Manhattan, bliss san francisco (at W San Francisco), bliss chicago (at W Chicago-Lakeshore), bliss los angeles (at W Los Angeles – Westwood), bliss dallas (at W Dallas – Victory), bliss atlanta (at W Atlanta – Midtown and at W Atlanta – Downtown), bliss scottsdale (at W Scottsdale), bliss hoboken (at W Hoboken), bliss fort lauderdale (at W Fort Lauderdale), bliss washington dc (at W Washington DC), bliss london in the UK, bliss hong kong (at W Hong Kong), and bliss doha (at W Doha). Bliss bath, body and skincare amenities can be found in room at W Hotels nationwide. Bliss retails its bath, body and skincare lines through its bliss catalog, blissworld.com web site and at international retailers including Bloomingdale's, Bluemercury, Harrod's, Harvey Nichols, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Sephora, and Ulta.