Convention Center

Starwood Hotels & Resorts is on a mission to open its 1000th hotel and resort, and throughout 2009 the North American Division made contributions. Starwood recently announced that it executed 25 new deals and opened more than 40 hotels in the North American Division this year, with an additional 20 properties expected to open before 2010.

"These 40 plus hotel openings and 25 new signings further extend our leadership as the world’s largest upper-upscale and luxury hotel company, while also strengthening our place as the industry innovator in the select service segment," said Paul Sacco, senior vice president of development for Starwood's North American Division, in a statement.

Among the properties opened this year:

• The St. Regis Atlanta, the 500th hotel in North America
• W Fort Lauderdale, the 30th W Hotel worldwide
• Aloft Tallahassee Downtown, the 30th Aloft Hotel worldwide

Expected among the 2009 hotel openings include the Sheraton Puerto Rico Convention Center & Casino, Le Meridien Philadelphia, and The St. Regis Resort & Residents, Deer Crest. Recent signings have included an Aloft property in Atlanta, an Element property in Ontario, a St. Regis property in Bermuda, and a Westin property in New Jersey.