Starwood Hotels & Resorts debuts The St. Regis Abu Dhabi

St. Regis' Latest Addition in the Middle East Features the World's Highest Suspended Hotel Suite, Gary Rhodes' First Restaurant in Abu Dhabi and the first Hommage Gentleman's Grooming Atelier in the GCC

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates –September 2 , 2013–St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: HOT), introduces GCC's newest luxury address with opening of The St. Regis Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi has become an attractive destination for GCC tourists, thanks to its status as a business hub and a regional tourism destination. Hotel guest arrivals this year passed 1.5 million by the end of July, an impressive 10 percent increase over the same period last year, according to a recent report from the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi). With upcoming trade shows, and sports and cultural events, hotel guests are expected to increase, TCA Abu Dhabi said.

Located on the vibrant Corniche in the heart of the UAE capital, The St. Regis Abu Dhabioffers bespoke luxury that combines the brand's unique legacy with exceptional Arabian hospitality. The St. Regis Abu Dhabi is part of Nation Towers and is the third St. Regis hotel to open in the Middle East since the brand was introduced to the region in 2011.

“We are proud to unveil The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, and we look forward to offering the bespoke guest experiences and unparalleled luxury for which the St. Regis brand is renowned,” said Oliver Key, General Manager, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi. “We are excited to offer one-of-a-kind experiences to global travellers and local residents alike, including access to the world's highest suspended suite, the first Gary Rhodes restaurant in the emirate and the first Hommage Gentleman's Grooming Atelier in the GCC.”

“We are delighted to partner with Starwood to offer Abu Dhabi's business and leisure travellers such an iconic address in the UAE capital,” said Mr. Hamad Al Shamsi, Chief Executive Officer, International Capital Trading. “With The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, we will continue to contribute to the growth of the emirate's travel and tourism sectors, enhancing Abu Dhabi's expansion plans to realize its vision for Abu Dhabi 2030.

The St. Regis Abu Dhabi features 283 sumptuously-appointed guest rooms, including 55elegant suites, all offering panoramic waterfront views of the Arabian Gulf. Designed by Hirsch Bedner Associates(HBA) together with local designers, the hotel's understated interiors were inspired by the region's rich heritage and the St. Regis brand's legacy: designed with the colours of the local sands, the traditional cuisine and souks in mind, HBA has imagined a luxurious setting in Abu Dhabi that is steeped in a sophisticated Art Deco past.

The World's Highest Suspended Hotel Suite

The extravagant Abu Dhabi Suite is the world's highest suspended hotel suite – loftily positioned 200 metres above ground between the two towers and offering magnificent panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf, the Corniche and the city skyline. The 1,085 square metre Abu Dhabi Suite combines contemporary design with a traditional Arabic influence. The opulent suite will feature cascading strands of crystals, 24-carat gold leaf accents, leather wall tiles, jewel-toned velvet upholstered walls and intricate glass mosaic patterns. The Abu Dhabi Suite will feature three bedrooms, a grand majlis with a soaring ceiling, private elevator access, spa and movie theatre, as well as a kitchen, dining room and a fully-equipped gym.

Exquisite Culinary Experiences

The St. Regis Abu Dhabi offers eight culinary venues including Rhodes 44, which marks the first restaurant in Abu Dhabi by famed Michelin-starred chef Gary Rhodes, and the iconic St. Regis Bar, which follows in the tradition of the St. Regis brand's legendary New York hotel. The St. Regis Abu Dhabi also introduces Villa Toscana which serves regional specialties from Tuscany, Umbria and Emilia-Romagna in Italy. Guests may also enjoy unique dining experiences, tea and other fine beverages at Crystal Lounge, Cafe44, The Tea Lounge, Azura and Spa Café.

Luxury Leisure Facilities and Bespoke Services

The hotel has over 3,000 square metres of leisure facilities, including the indulgent Reméde Spa for ladies, two outdoor swimming pools and the first Hommage Gentleman's Grooming Atelier in the UAE. Guests can enjoy private access to the hotel's Nation Riviera Beach Club, which is poised to become one of the most sought-after leisure destinations in Abu Dhabi when it opens later this year. Ideal for special celebrations and functions, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi also offers more than 4,800 square metres of state-of-the-art meeting and event space.

Renowned hallmarks of the St. Regis brand provided at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi include the signature St. Regis Butler Service who provide an ever-present, yet unobtrusive anticipatory service, customising each stay according to specific tastes and preferences.

For more information on The St. Regis Abu Dhabi please visit www.stregis.com/abudhabi.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts in the Middle East

The St. Regis brand made its debut in the Middle East in 2011 with The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, also located in Abu Dhabi, and opened The St. Regis Doha in Qatar last year. St. Regis will also make its debut in Dubai and Amman in the next few years.

Starwood currently operates nearly 50 hotels in the Middle East and continues to strengthen its long-established position as one of the leading luxury hotel operators in the region. Starwood currently has over 30 hotels in the pipeline in the region of which more than 30% include hotels under the company's luxury brands - St. Regis, The Luxury Collection and W Hotels.