Announcing the First ELEMENT Hotel Outside of the United States Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. today announces an agreement with Manga Hotels International to develop the first ELEMENT hotel outside of the United States in Toronto, Canada - ELEMENT Toronto Downtown. Opening in January 2009, the ELEMENT Toronto Downtown will offer a fresh perspective on the extended stay experience through smart design, modern style and natural touches.

Launched in the fall of 2006, ELEMENT Hotels is inspired by Westin Hotels & Resorts and will re-define the extended-stay segment - the fastest growing segment in the hotel industry - by giving guests a place to flourish while on the road. The ELEMENT Toronto Downtown will be conveniently situated on Front Street West, just minutes from Toronto's booming downtown financial district, as well as the relaxing shores of Lake Ontario. Guests will also enjoy close proximity to Toronto's lively city center, where they can visit art museums, sample cuisine from around the world, and ascend the world-famous CN Tower, which offers bird's-eye views of the city.

'The city's vibrant business community, combined with the excitement and culture of the downtown area, make Toronto the perfect match for the ELEMENT brand,' said Nicholas Lakas, director, ELEMENT Hotels. 'Every aspect of the ELEMENT Toronto Downtown is designed to help guests thrive and be at their best while they are traveling.'

At ELEMENT Toronto, rejuvenation will begin the moment guests enter the open, sophisticated lobby. With natural light streaming through a multi-storied window wall and the tranquil sounds of water and soothing music, the hotel will evoke a sense of calm and serenity. The vitality and movement of the lobby will be matched by the energy of the hotel's outdoor fire pit and barbecue, where a regular nightly gathering will give guests an opportunity to interact, while sipping a glass of wine or beer.

The smart design and clever use of space in the hotel's 220 guest rooms will be aimed at encouraging guest productivity while facilitating relaxation. The hotel's open, modular flow will blend together each part of the guestroom to create a residential feel. Each private space - guestroom - will feature multi-purpose, modular furniture, an entertainment center with a swiveling flat-screen television and a large desk with open shelving and custom-designed closets. Guests will also appreciate Westin's renowned Heavenly Bed(R), a fully equipped kitchen and sleek, contemporary bathroom with oversized spa shower.

The ELEMENT Toronto Downtown will also feature 700 square feet of meeting space, an integrated technology center, a state-of-the-art fitness center and café seating where a complimentary breakfast will be served daily. The ELEMENT breakfast offering is designed to meet the busy lifestyle of today's business traveler, as well the relaxed approach of a leisure guest. It will include signature hot breakfast sandwiches, morning smoothies and a great cup of coffee. Intuitive staff will provide guests the personalized attention they need and the space they desire to live a complete and balanced life while at the hotel.

It is the notion of essential space, whether public or private, that will inspire the ELEMENT Toronto Downtown to create surroundings perfectly suited to the guest that inspire rejuvenation while on the road. The ELEMENT Toronto Downtown will provide guests with space to thrive while on the road.

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