Media Contacts:
Joyce Cusmano, Sojourn Communications Group
313-885-8228 or JJCusmano@aol.com
Brad Minor
Starwood Hotels & Resorts
914.640.3687
brad.minor@starwoodhotels.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit Opens and Inspires
Renewal in Fully Restored, Iconic Building
The 1924 Detroit Landmark Re-opens Following a Comprehensive $200 million Renovation
Detroit, MI. (October 21, 2008) – Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today
announces the grand opening of The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit, following a massive $200 million
historic renovation by the Cleveland, Ohio-based developer, The Ferchill Group. The grand opening
celebration, Book Cadillac: Next Chapter, is scheduled for October 25 and is expected to be attended by
1,000 guests including Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm, and Detroit Mayor Kenneth Cockrel, Jr.
The Italian-renaissance-style hotel originally opened its doors in 1924 on what was called the “Fifth
Avenue of the Midwest,” earning distinction as the tallest hotel in the world. Now the revitalized hotel
reclaims its position as Detroit’s premier hotel and number one choice for sophisticated social events.
The spectacular property features 453 elegant rooms and more than 60 branded residences, as well as
30,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space, and the Westin brand’s full range of refreshing
signature amenities and services.
Underscoring the hotel’s highly anticipated return after 24 years, The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit has
already booked more than 15,000 room nights, 25 weddings and numerous corporate and civic events. A
member of the National Registry of Historic Places, the renowned hotel boasts a storied history as the
site of numerous galas and host to celebrated guests including U.S. Presidents, top sports personalities
and Hollywood stars. The hotel is ideally located at the center of downtown Detroit, close to numerous
corporate headquarters, Fox Theatre, Ford Field and Joe Louis Arena.
“No one thought the Book would ever open again,” said Ferchill Group Chairman and CEO John
Ferchill, owner and developer of The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit. “We proved them wrong. I could
not be happier at how this hotel looks and feels – it’s elegant, sophisticated and inviting, and has all the
signature services and amenities that Westin hotels offer worldwide. This is a great asset for Detroit and
the region. We believe that this hotel will be a major catalyst to bring more people to the city to live,
work, play and invest in Detroit’s future.”
Highlights of the renovation include Italian crystal from Murano, Italy in the hotel’s ballrooms, stately
ionic columns and capitals, a fully restored original grand staircase, tall arched windows and
architectural flourishes, complemented by custom-designed contemporary furnishings and décor. The
hotel’s three magnificent ballrooms include the Woodward Ballroom – the hotel’s largest banquet space
offering 7,766 square feet, the Venetian Ballroom and the more intimate Crystal Ballroom.
Unwind – a Westin Evening RitualSM is now held at the Westin Book Cadillac’s impressive Motor Bar
adjacent to the guest reception area on the hotel’s second level. A Detroit tradition from the 50s through
the 70s, the Motor Bar was frequented by local celebrities and other Detroiters at the end of the work
day. The lofty 30 foot ceiling is embellished with Italian Renaissance details, while stately windows line
the lounge area, creating an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere. The hotel’s other signature services
and amenities include The Westin Heavenly® Bed, Westin Heavenly® Bath, a 24-hour Westin
WORKOUT® fitness center and Westin Service Express®. Guests may also take advantage of the
Westin Running Concierge service for fresh air exercise, a business center and gift shop.
Celebrity Iron Chef Michael Symon’s new restaurant, Roast, opens to the public on October 26. Located
on the street level, Roast is expected to reshape Detroit’s restaurant scene. Open-pit roasting will be the
focus of the menu, which will feature hearty steaks, chops and seafood selections. A 17-foot communal
dining table takes center stage for single diners and other guests, while an impressive display of 1,000
bottles of wine towers over the bar. Symon, the recipient of many prestigious culinary awards, is known
for his two award-winning restaurants in Cleveland: Lola and Lolita. He also appears on the “Iron Chef”
series and is host of “Dinner: Impossible,” both produced and televised by the Food Network. Roast
will serve dinner only through the end of year and add lunch in January.
Breakfast and lunch is served in the hotel’s Boulevard Room with a menu of fresh offerings featuring
SuperFoods – fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins that are considered best for providing the most
disease-fighting and health-enhancing benefits due to their high nutrients and antioxidants content.
From blueberries to salmon, the menu offers healthy and appetizing choices. The WBC Gourmet Grab
& Go, an upscale coffee house, will open October 31 and feature breakfast foods plus Panini
sandwiches, fresh salads, soups and desserts. WBC is located on the hotel’s street level with hotel and
street access.
Spa 19 24Grille will occupy the 8,000 square foot retail space located on the Michigan Avenue side of
The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit. Spa19 will offer a complete rejuvenating day spa experience for
hotel guests and visitors and two private dining areas, where guests can top off the spa experience with
an exclusive spa menu by 24Grille. Facing Michigan Avenue with seasonal outdoor seating, 24Grille
will promote a casual and comfortable atmosphere for lunchtime crowds, after work gatherings, and
late-night fun. Spa19 24Grille is slated to open in late November and is owned and operated by
Entourage Restaurant Group, a Detroit based hospitality company.
Offering dramatic views of Detroit’s international waterfront and downtown area, the Westin branded
residences are housed on the building’s top nine floors. Of the more than 60 privately-owned
condominiums priced between $360,000 and $1.2 million, 55 have already been sold. A Westin
Residence Concierge is available daily and owners have the option of enjoying hotel amenities including
the fitness center and indoor pool, housekeeping, catering and dry cleaning.
For information and reservations for The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit please go to
www.bookcadillacwestin.com or call 313-442-1600. The hotel is located at 1114 Washington
Boulevard. For inquires about Westin Residences, contact Esquire Properties at 313-580-2200.
About Westin Hotels & Resorts
Westin Hotels & Resorts, with more than 150 hotels and resorts in more than 31 countries and
territories, is owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT). Starwood Hotels &
Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with
approximately 900 properties in more than 100 countries and 155,000 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 AloftSM, 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.
(Note: This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities regulations. Forward-looking
statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and involve risks and uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual
results or events to differ materially from those anticipated at the time the forward-looking statements are made. These risks and
uncertainties are presented in detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Although we believe the expectations
reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that our expectations will
be attained or that results and events will not materially differ. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking
statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.)
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