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W Hotels Opens First Western Europe Hotel with W Barcelona

October 2, 2009

W Hotels Worldwide unveiled a new flagship hotel, W Barcelona, rising high above the Mediterranean and designed by world-renowned Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill. Situated at Nova Bocana, where the Barceloneta beach boardwalk commences, the hotel has a commanding presence against Barcelona’s waterfront and skyline. The 26-story, sail-shaped W Barcelona sits perpendicular to the dock, showcasing sea and city views from virtually every guest room.

“Taking the W brand into the dynamic city of Barcelona, a European hub known for fashion, design and architecture, will mark a true milestone in W Hotels’ global expansion into the world’s most exciting and vibrant destinations,” said Eva Ziegler, global brand leader for W Hotels Worldwide and Le Méridien. “W Barcelona offers stunning architecture and innovative design from Ricardo Bofill, a renowned architect. His leading-edge design will set a dramatic stage for the W brand’s unique lifestyle positioning, soon to become a true flagship hotel for the W brand, offering insider access to a world of Wow.”

W Barcelona will provide a contemporary lifestyle experience with a complete service offer. The hotel will feature 473 guest rooms, including 67 suites, two WOW suites and one Extreme WOW suite. The property will also offer guests Spain’s first Bliss Spa; a signature restaurant by famed Michelin-Star rated and acclaimed Catalan Chef Carles Abellan; Eclipse, a glamorous rooftop bar with stunning vistas overlooking the Mediterranean from London-based nightlife gurus Ignite Group (the creative minds behind famed London nightclub Boujis); the signature W lounge welcome experience featuring W BAR for cocktails and WAVE Restaurant; WET, a glamorous infinity-edged pool and bar, all surrounded by multiple sun terraces, inspiring exterior lounge decks, fully equipped cabanas, and one ultra-exclusive Extreme WOW Cabana with Jacuzzi and lounge deck. The hotel also features SWEAT state-of-the-art fitness facility outfitted with Technogym equipment featuring panoramic views of the Mediterranean, complemented by resident DJ sets to inspire high energy work out sessions.

W Barcelona also has more than 2,500 square meters of meeting and event space, including a unique Great Room (W Hotels’ interpretation of a ballroom) with unobstructed sea views, making W Barcelona an ideal hotel for special events, meetings and celebrations. All of these offerings will be supported by the W brand’s signature Whatever/Whenever service promise, providing guests whatever they want.

“W Barcelona is now the third W Hotel in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, following the openings of W Istanbul and W Doha Hotel & Residences earlier this year,” said Roeland Vos, president of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, EAME. “The W brand continues its fantastic growth and is on track to open ten more W Hotels in some of the region’s most sought after destinations, including London, Paris, and Milan.”

W Barcelona is accepting reservations, including group arrivals and event bookings effective immediately. To celebrate its debut, the hotel has introduced an exclusive opening offer for guests starting at €249, which includes two welcome cocktails, daily breakfast for two, complimentary appetizer or dessert with dinner at W Barcelona’s signature restaurant, Bliss Spa gift set, VIP access to Eclipse, the hotel’s rooftop destination bar, and an upgrade from a Wonderful Room to the next available room type. This limited offer is valid for stays between Oct. 1, 2009 and Feb. 27, 2010. For more information, visit www.whotels.com.

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