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The Historic Westin St. Francis Finishes Its Largest Restoration In June 2009

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - The Westin St. Francis is nearing the completion of a $40 million project that celebrates the hotel's rich past complemented by modern luxury, innovation and design. Anticipated for completion in June 2009, this is the largest project the hotel has undertaken since the reconstruction after The Great 1906 San Francisco Earthquake. Known as the "Grand Dame" of Union Square, The Westin St. Francis opened in 1904, and has been a symbol of elegance for San Francisco for more than a century.
The Westin St. Francis has been in the hearts and minds of people from around the world," states Jon Kimball, General Manager of The Westin St. Francis. "The hotel has truly become a San Francisco icon, and this endeavor reaffirms our commitment to our guests as we honor the past and create new memories for decades to come."

Highlights of The Westin St. Francis' $40 million restoration project include the following:

A Turn Back In Time
The days of old-world glamour have returned to the marble-pillared historic Main Lobby when the Great Magneta Clock made its grand homecoming in the newly renovated lobby in July 2008. Led by internationally acclaimed architecture and design firm Rockwell Group, the lobby has been restored back to its original setting, yet with more modern furnishings and lighting fixtures. Soothing shades of chocolate brown and cream permeate the space, complemented by reproductions of the lobby's four original beaded globe chandeliers and plush carpeting that reflects the hexagonal pattern of the beautiful wood carved ceiling.

Meet Me At CLOCK BAR
The Main Building Lobby also welcomed the addition of award-winning chef Michael Mina's first-ever cocktail lounge in July 2008, aptly named CLOCK BAR. Also designed by Rockwell Group, the 1,260 square feet, 55-seat CLOCK BAR features a warm and elegant environment with a dark palette and luxurious materials including rosewood walls, black burned wood floors, and rich leather banquettes and lounge chairs in midnight blue and chocolate brown. The central focus of the space is two columns clad entirely in hand blown champagne and amber colored glass. At the top of both columns are ticker clocks showing the time in New York, Rome, Tokyo, San Francisco, Paris and Chicago. Loosely woven screens of copper and bronze threads provide elegant window sheaths and a stitched gold wall covering adorns a portion of the walls. To complement the traditional aesthetic of the adjacent Main Building Lobby, the bar is adorned with a reproduction of the original ceiling molding.

CLOCK BAR offers handcrafted cocktails with fresh hand-squeezed juices, housemade tonic and ginger beer, the finest spirits and hand-cut ice chiseled from a block behind the bar. A modern-day twist on classic bar food is reflected in delicious small plates and flavorful finger foods. Cocktail and food pairings are offered regularly, highlighting seasonal ingredients and trends, as well as featured cocktails and spirits.

A Fresh New Look
A $9 transformation to all 614 guestrooms and common areas in the Main Building will be revealed in early Summer 2009. Led by San Francisco-based Kevin Joyce Design, guestrooms bridge the world between the old and new with a fresh sophistication that perfectly showcases the classically beautiful 1906 architecture. Subtle textures and a neutral color palette of ecru, bronze and dark brown tones complement the traditional curved high ceilings, ornate moldings and crystal chandeliers. Radiating elegance and luxury, guestrooms boast custom-designed classic dark wood furniture topped with gold and silver granite, luxurious bronze-patterned carpeting, light-colored wall coverings with a unique "hammered" appearance, velvety chaise lounges, contemporary abstract artwork, signature Westin Heavenly Beds™, 37" flat screen televisions and ergonomic desk chairs. Hallways and common areas have been refreshed with a fusion of present-day and classic San Francisco - contemporary furniture and plush carpeting are juxtaposed with time-honored black and white historical photography of the hotel and San Francisco.

A New Level of Opulence
Led by New York Design Firm Alexandra Champalimaud & Associates, approximately two million dollars was invested in the complete redesign of the two Main Building signature suites, State and Chairman's, completed in Fall 2007. The 2500 square foot, two-level Chairman's Suite features three bedrooms, a large living room, a spacious entrance hall and a dining room with a full kitchen. The completed look celebrates the room's gorgeous natural lighting and city views, and is styled with elegant, contemporary furnishings. The luxurious State Suite gives the feel of a sophisticated urban apartment and boasts a sauna, Jacuzzi, grand piano and formal dining area. Overlooking Union Square, the State Suite has a wonderful view of the San Francisco skyline.

Six luxurious Specialty Suites located on the 31st floor of the Tower Building (Windsor, Shangri-La, Bayview, Union Square, Golden Gate and Pacific) were recently unveiled after undergoing a $2 million renovation by Kevin Joyce Design.

Special Improvements
Additional hotel upgrades include: wireless Internet access throughout the hotel; the installation of self check-in "pods" and the addition of bathrooms in the Tower Lobby; a complete renovation of the Californian and Elizabethan function space; a refresh of Caruso's; the installation of new digital reader boards, allowing for easier hotel navigation; a newly upgraded $400,000 security system and a $2 million elevator modernization.

About The Westin St. Francis
Opened more than a century ago on March 21, 1904, The Westin St. Francis still today maintains its preeminence as San Francisco's center of social, theatrical and business life. Renowned for luxury accommodations and excellent service, The Westin St. Francis continues to preserve its rich history and elegance while enhancing the guest experience with fresh, innovative concepts. The only hotel located on San Francisco's famous Union Square, The Westin St. Francis is just steps from The City's best shopping, dining, theatres and art galleries. For reservations and more information, please call (415) 397-7000, toll free (800) 917-7458 or visit www.westinstfrancis.com.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
One of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 960 properties in 97 countries and 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 Element SM. 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.