BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR PLANET IS THE GOAL AS W DOHA RECREATES A FOREST FOR EARTH HOUR 2011

W Doha to Raise Awareness of Deforestation And The Depletion of The Earth’s Natural Resources by Recreating a Rain Forest in the Hotel’s Vast Living Room

Doha, March 27, 2011– By recreating a forest in the hotel’s vast lobby this Saturday night, W Doha will join millions around the world to send a powerful message about hope for a brighter future for the planet.

In observance of Earth Hour, the global environmental awareness event created by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), this Saturday 26th March W Doha will turn off its lights and turn on the sounds and smells of a forest, right across the hotel’s vast two storey lobby, to raise awareness of deforestation and the depletion of the earth’s natural resources. 

Last year, Earth Hour 2010 became the biggest Earth Hour ever. A record 128 countries and territories joined the global display of climate action.  Iconic buildings and landmarks from Asia Pacific to Europe and Africa to the Americas switched off. People across the world from all walks of life turned off their lights and came together in celebration and contemplation of the one thing we all have in common – our planet.

To underscore parent Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.’s (NYSE:  HOT) dedication to environmental sustainability, W Doha will also share other energy-saving measures during Earth Hour, March 26 at 8:30 p.m. local time.  Among them:  Turning off exterior signage lighting; dimming or turning off non-essential interior lighting; using candlelight in appropriate public areas such as restaurants and bars; and using in-room voicemail messages and in-room television messages to inform guests about Earth Hour observances.

Earth Hour is drawing strong support from Starwood hotels around the globe.  Last year, unlit hotels offered striking visual imagery that provided an apt symbol of Earth Hour. 

“This year W Doha is making its contribution to Earth Hour’s global happening in two different but complimentary ways – by recreating a forest in the hotel’s Living Room to raise awareness of deforestation and the depletion of the earth’s natural resources and turning off our lights to save energy,” said Safak Guvenc, General Manager, W Doha.

This year will mark Starwood’s third annual participation in Earth Hour, making it one of the biggest worldwide companies to make a global statement with a voluntary hour of darkness.  

W’s loyalty program, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) has enlisted its members to participate in Earth Hour by offering to light up their Starpoints balance with 100 extra Starproints when they pledge to observe Earth Hour by switching off their lights for one full hour on Saturday, March 26.

About Earth Hour
Earth Hour is a global grassroots movement encouraging individuals, businesses and governments around the world to take positive actions for the environment, and celebrating their commitment to the planet by switching off their lights for one designated hour.
The highlight of Earth Hour 2011 will see the world’s most iconic landmarks go dark for one designated hour, as hundreds of millions of people transcend race, religion, culture, society, generation and geography, switching off their lights in a global celebration of their commitment to protect the one thing that unites us all – the planet.  Earth Hour 2011 will take place on Saturday 26 March at 8.30PM.  More at earthhour.org.
About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1025 properties in 100 countries and territories with 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft®, and ElementSM. Starwood Hotels also owns 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.
About W Doha Hotel & Residences: W Doha is a leading-edge, contemporary lifestyle experience with a complete service offering, including 260 guest rooms including 43 suites, and 138 W branded Residences. To experience W’s approach to B&F (Beverage and Food), W Doha features three stylish bars for guests to mix and mingle including the signature W Living Room experience; Wahm, a modern poolside lounge, and Crystal Lounge, a sleek, fashionable spot where guests can sip cool cocktails and groove to the latest world beats. In addition, W Doha boasts three signature restaurants, including modern cuisine at Spice Market and Market by Jean-Georges, both concepts created by three stars Michelin Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. W Doha offers the signature Bliss® Spa, New York’s hottest spa to unwind, Alexandre Zouari hair salon from Paris to bring the signature Parisian flair and glamour in Doha and Teuscher Chocolates of Switzerland from Zurich, all introduced in the Middle East for the first time W Doha is conveniently located in the West Bay of Doha on the Qatar peninsula, providing easy access to Doha’s world-class shopping destinations, pristine beaches and water sports facilities, first-class greens of Doha Golf Club, and scenic Corniche waterfront district. www.whotels.com/doha.