JED ARROGANTE JOINS SAN DIEGO’S THE US GRANT™ HOTEL AS SALES MANAGER FOR U.S. AND INTERNATIONAL MARKETS

SAN DIEGO, Calif.– Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. today announced the appointment of hospitality executive Jed Arrogante to the position of sales manager, U.S. and International Small Markets, for downtown San Diego’s landmark THE US GRANT ™ - A Luxury Collection Hotel. The 1910 hotel, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the newest member of Starwood’s Luxury Collection®, re-opens at 326 Broadway, the heart of downtown San Diego in October following a meticulous $52 million historic restoration.

Arrogante brings to THE US GRANT extensive sales experience, most recently as senior sales manager at the Claremont Resort and Spa in Berkeley, Calif. He previously was a sales manager with the Sheraton Suites in Fort Lauderdale, before which he worked with Radisson Hotels and Suites in St. Louis, Leading Hotels of the World in Chicago, and the four Bass Hotels and Resorts’ properties in San Francisco.

“We’re delighted to have Jed join THE US GRANT’s pre-opening sales team,” said Mark J. Dibella, director of sales and marketing. “His experience in hospitality sales and event management, coupled with his keen affinity for our luxury landmark hotel and vibrant downtown San Diego, will prove especially gratifying for the customers in his sphere of specialization.”

The recipient of a Bachelor of Arts degree in marketing communication, with an emphasis in advertising from Chicago’s Columbia College, Arrogante is affiliated with multiple sales and planning organizations including: HSMAI, Meeting Professionals International, Financial and Insurance Conference Planner and Starwood Education Planning Committee.

Originally developed by Ulysses S. Grant Jr. in honor of his father, 18th U.S. President and Civil War hero Ulysses S. Grant, the 270-room US GRANT Hotel is nearing the completion of sweeping historic restoration and renovation project that will set a new definition for the melding of timeless architecture, exquisitely cosmopolitan interior design, and state-of-the-art conveniences and technologies. The hotel features 47 suites, including a pair of two-level Presidential Suites; a pair of 4,000-square-foot rooftop terraces; 33,000 square feet of function space ranging from intimate board and meeting rooms to a trio of spectacular ballrooms; and the famous Grant Grill restaurant with its urbane Grant Lounge.

Now owned by the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, which has invested nearly $100 million in the property, its restoration and original commissioned artwork for it, THE US GRANT is managed as an elite Luxury Collection Hotel by Starwood Hotels and Resorts.

THE US GRANT™ is the world-class embodiment of the history, vitality and singularly dynamic character of downtown San Diego. The landmark hotel re-opens in November 2006 as a member of the elite Starwood Luxury Collection after a meticulous $52 million renovation and historic restoration by its owner, the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation. Located at 326 Broadway, San Diego, Calif., 92101, THE US GRANT opened in 1910. The 11-story hotel has been listed on the National Registrar of Historic Places since 1979. When completed, the historically chic hotel will offer 270 guest rooms, including 47 suites; 33,000 square feet of ballroom and special event space weaving elegance and history with 21stcentury technology; and a contemporary interpretation of the legendary Grant Grill and Lounge. The hotel is steps from the city’s trendy Gaslamp Quarter, theater and financial districts, and minutes from San Diego Bay, Balboa Park and the area’s famed visitor attractions. With new custom-designed furnishings, décor and original works of art in both public spaces and guest rooms, THE US GRANT is an urban sanctuary in the heart of one of America’s most cosmopolitan cities. For additional in information, please call (619) 232-3121, or visit THE US GRANT online at: www.luxurycollection.com/usgrant.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 850 properties in more than 95 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood® Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels and resorts with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, Sheraton®, Westin®, Four Points® by Sheraton, W®, Le Méridien® and the recently announced aloftSM. 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.


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