Silver Lining in Tough Times:Travelers Say Economy, More Than Environment, is Making Them Waste-Conscious

But "Green Habits" Slip on the Road, Says New Survey Commissioned by Element
Hotels
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.--(Business Wire)--
Tough times may be turning road warriors into eco-warriors.

The faltering economy - not the fragile environment - is the biggest motivator
for frequent travelers who have become "more conscious of waste" according to a
survey commissioned by Element Hotels, which is launching The Element Eco-Travel
Index, an annual index of green travel habits among frequent travelers. Element
is Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.`s (NYSE: HOT) newest lifestyle
hotel brand, and green trailblazer and innovation lab for environmentally
sustainable construction, building and operational practices. Element is the
first major hotel brand to mandate that all its properties pursue the U.S. Green
Building Council`s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
certification for high-performance buildings.

According to The Element Eco-Travel Index, nearly 78 percent of respondents said
they are paying more attention to wasteful habits like "leaving the lights on,
leaving the TV on, [or] leaving the faucet running." But more than 41 percent
say their vigilance about squandering resources is "due to the economy, while
just 28 percent claim it`s "due to the environment."

Eco-conscious habits slip during trips, The Element Eco-Travel Index also
reveals. Though nearly half (46 percent) of frequent travelers say they "always"
recycle glass and plastic at home, that number dips to 36 percent on the road.
Conserving water matters at home - more than 34 percent say they limit shower
time or lawn-watering - but only 20 percent watch water consumption while
traveling. Only about one-third of travelers surveyed consider themselves
"outstanding" in their personal "green programs," with most feeling more like
"green beginners."

"Whether they`re motivated by saving money or saving the planet, travelers
clearly want the opportunity to follow green practices on the road," said Brian
McGuinness, Senior Vice President of Specialty Select brands, Starwood Hotels &
Resorts Worldwide, Inc. "That`s why we built green choices into the Element
guest experience. The more accessible, intuitive, and enjoyable green options
are, the more travelers are going to embrace them."

Among other findings in The Element Eco-Travel Index, which polled 1,008 people
who had stayed in a hotel at least three nights in the last twelve months and
usually spend at least $100 per night on a hotel room:

* More than 65 percent of respondents said they`re more likely to change sheets
and towels daily in a hotel versus in their home.

* Women tend to take "green habits" on the road more than men do. Men were more
likely than women to change sheets and towels daily and leave the lights on
while sleeping.
* At home, just under 35 percent of travelers said they always conserve energy
by lowering the thermostat, but just 25 percent say they do the same on the
road.

This survey was conducted by Cedarhurst-based STUDYLOGIC LLC via telephone.

About Element Hotels

The Element brand`s green features are cleverly designed to be as aesthetically
appealing as they are eco-friendly, so guests never compromise on style and
comfort. Element Hotels are equipped with energy-efficient, stainless steel
appliances and lighting, amenity dispensers in the showers to reduce waste and
water-efficient faucets and fixtures. Guests can continue daily routines such as
recycling paper and plastics, while those driving hybrid cars are rewarded with
priority parking. Even the ubiquitous "Do Not Disturb" sign has been replaced
with an environmentally-friendly magnet. For more information, please visit
www.elementhotels.com.

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is 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.

Media:
Gabrielle Etrog-Cohen, 212-228-1500
gabrielle@njfpr.com
OR
Starwood Hotels & Resorts
Stacy Trevino, 914-640-8513
stacy.trevino@starwoodhotels.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009