Starwood Adds New Timeshare Resort in AZ

WHITE PLAINS, NY— Starwood Vacation Ownership has announced that it will soon begin construction on a new vacation ownership resort in Arizona under the Westin brand, the Westin Keirland Villas, to be located in the planned community of Kierland, AZ. The first phase of the resort, involving 51 two-bedroom villas, is set to open in mid-2004. Pre-sales will begin in January pending approval from the Arizona Department of Real Estate. This is Starwood’s third vacation ownership resort in AZ, and the first in that state under the Westin brand. The two extant Starwood ownership resorts in AZ, the Villas of Cave Creek and Sheraton’s Desert Oasis, are both sold out, according to Jeffrey Adler, president of Starwood Vacation Ownership. Adler also notes that the Phoenix/Scottsdale Valley area, where the new resort will be located, is extremely popular for vacation ownerships. Upon completion, the new resort will have 158 villas. The resort is planned to emphasize family-oriented luxury, with kitchens suitable for gourmet cooking, large dining rooms, and an amenities package that includes a family-oriented pool with a water slide and outdoor fireplace as well as an adult-only pool, spas, and a fitness center. Pre-sale prices will range from the mid-teens to the mid-twenties for a one-week ownership. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has more than 750 properties in more than 80 countries and 110,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Brands include St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Sheraton, Westin, Four Points by Sheraton, W brands, as well as Starwood Vacation Ownership.