Press Release - December 03, 2008

WESTIN MAKES IT'S DEBUT IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

Austin, TX (December 3, 2008) – A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled today to officially kickoff the beginning of construction on the Westin Austin at The Domain in Austin, Texas – an eye-catching, modern landmark and sophisticated lifestyle center. The property, which is owned by affiliation of Merrillville, IN-based White Lodging and Indianapolis, IN-based Simon Property Group, marks the introduction of the Westin brand to Austin, Texas. Expected to open in early Summer 2010, The Westin Austin at the Domain will offer luxurious accommodations and a sensory-rich environment designed to create an oasis of effortless style, efficient service and complete serenity.

Located in northwest Austin, within The Domain – Austin’s newest and prestigious lifestyle and residential center, guests will be steps away from over 700,000 square feet of high-end shopping including Niemen Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Tiffany’s and an abundance of restaurants like Joe DiMaggio’s, Kona Grill and McCormick and Schmicks.  Nearby businesses include Dell, IBM, Tokyo Electron, Apple, Pearson, Advanced Micro Devices and more.  The hotel will feature 340 guestrooms and suites, indoor pool, fitness center, full-service restaurant and over 13,000 square feet of meeting space.    

We are excited to announce the ground breaking of this iconic project,” said White Lodging’s Deno Yiankes, president and ceo of investments and development.  “The Westin Austin at The Domain brings to the area tremendous, luxury and prestige - qualities that are synonymous with the Westin name.  The amenity-driven brand has an international vision for high quality, and that concept will be reflected in this hotel.”

"The Westin Hotel brand is the perfect complement to the first-class, mixed-used center Simon has developed,” stated Senior Vice President of Development for Simon Property Group, Kathy Shields.  “We believe that the hotel, combined with the relaxing and elegant retail and dining environment of The Domain will make The Westin the preferred hotel destination for visitors to Austin. We could not be happier."

In the lobby, the Westin Sensory Welcome will evoke a sense of tranquility and well-being by weaving together white tea scent, music and mood lighting. In their rooms, hotel guests will refresh in the Heavenly Bath® and restore in the Heavenly Bed®, a custom ensemble featuring a pillow-top mattress set, a cozy down blanket, three crisp sheets, a comforter, duvet and five plush pillows.

Guests of the Westin Austin at the Domain will have a chance to maintain their wellness routine while on the road in hotel’s WestinWorkout® fitness center, while business travelers will appreciate the more than 13,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. Unwind: A Westin Evening Ritual will feature the tastes, sights and sounds of Austin, giving guests a chance to socialize and transition from day to night in the lobby each night.  In their rooms, guests can relax in 10-layers of luxurious comfort in Westin’s signature Heavenly Bed® and awaken their senses with the Westin Heavenly Bath® experience. 

For advance sales information regarding the Westin Austin at the Domain, please call 512-782-8317.  Employment inquiries should be directed to careers.whitelodging.com. 

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