The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts debuts in Australia

Sydney : Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced it has reached an agreement with Lilianfels Hotel Blue Mountains Pty Ltd and Echoes Hotel Blue Mountains Pty Ltd to rebrand Lilianfels and Echoes resorts in Blue Mountains, Australia. Under The Luxury Collection brand, the two hotels will become Lilianfels, A Luxury Collection Resort, Blue Mountains, Australia and Echoes, A Luxury Collection Resort, Blue Mountains, Australia. They are scheduled to debut on 13^th February 2012.

 "We are thrilled to introduce The Luxury Collection brand to Australia with the signings of two renowned resorts,” said Sean Hunt, Regional Vice President, Starwood Pacific Hotels & Resorts. “As we welcome Lilianfels and Echoes to The Luxury Collection’s esteemed portfolio, we celebrate their distinctive character, indigenous charm and unparalleled service that allow guests to experience the scenic Blue Mountains in a unique way.”

“The Luxury Collection is experiencing a great wave of global growth this year in the Asia Pacific,” continued Paul James, Global Brand Leader, St. Regis and The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts. “This is a significant milestone for the brand and continues Starwood’s expansion in Australia and the Pacific region where we currently operate 13 hotels.” 

The Luxury Collection brand is an ensemble of more than 75 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts in more than 30 countries. All of these hotels are internationally recognized as being among the world’s finest. As the newest members of The Luxury Collection brand, Lilianfels and Echoes join a portfolio of celebrated and iconic properties around the world including The Gritti Palace in Venice, Hotel Alfonso XIII in Seville, Hotel Pulitzer in Amsterdam, The Romanos in Costa Navarino and The Chatwal in New York City.