Media Contact: Ashley Castro, Quinn & Co., 212-868-1900 x245, acastro@quinnandco.com

The Westin New York at Times Square Becomes
First-Ever Green Seal™ Certified Hotel in New York

Green Meeting Offerings Help Planners Choose Sustainable Tactics

NEW YORK — March 19, 2009 — The Westin New York at Times Square recently received a GS-33 Lodging Properties Silver certification from Green Seal™, becoming the first hotel in the state of New York to be recognized by the organization, and the first Westin Hotel worldwide to
earn silver status. In short, the hotel is going above and beyond to be eco-friendly and save Mother Earth.

The Westin New York at Times Square has completed a long check-list to earn this recognition, including in-room recycling, paperless guest registration, organic spa products, and numerous back-of-the-house functions to keep the hotel green. Meeting planners can choose from a
menu of options to make their meeting green, including sustainable culinary choices, organic wine offerings, composting or donating leftover food, organic centerpieces, and access to the hotel’s “green” limousine company providing natural-gas powered transportation services.
“Our goal is to leave a lasting impression on our guests, not the environment,” said Gerard Widder, general manager of The Westin New York at Times Square. “It is incredibly rewarding to be recognized for our efforts in operating a more sustainable hotel.”

Green Seal™ has been providing science-based environmental service standards since 1989, helping manufacturers and consumers make responsible choices that improve quality of life. Their Environmental Standard for Lodging Properties has been instrumental in greening the
hotel industry, imposing green standards in energy efficiency, conservation, management, waste minimization and more.

For those staying on an individual basis, the hotel is offering a Go Green package that includes a room discount and a tree for guests to plant at home to offset their carbon footprint.

For more information, call 212-201-4630 or visit www.westinny.com. For more information on
Green Seal™ standards, visit www.greenseal.org.

A distinguished AAA Four Diamond ranked hotel, The Westin New York at Times Square, with its eye-catching façade and signature beam of light, is located at 270 W. 43rd Street in the heart of the world-acclaimed theater district and within walking distance to many family-friendly sights in Times Square. The newly-renovated hotel is the first Westin Hotel and first property in New York to receive the GS-33 Lodging Properties Silver certification from Green Seal™. All 863 guestrooms and suites, including the 126 Atrium Club Rooms designed by Vicente Wolf, feature Westin's world famous Heavenly Bed® and Heavenly Bathsm; workstation with task lights, cordless phone, voicemail, data ports, and wireless and high-speed Internet access; dual-line phones; an intelligent refrigerated refreshment center replenishing favorite items automatically; in-room safe that can accommodate a laptop; AM/FM clock radio; deluxe grooming amenities; iron/ironing board; hair dryer; One-Cup coffee maker with complimentary Starbucks® coffee; individual climate control, and most offer incredible views of the city and the Hudson River. The entire 23rd floor of the hotel has been converted into Spa Inspired Guestrooms that feature an electronic Shiatsu Massage chair, aromatherapy bath amenities, a mini-bar with healthy alternatives, health and fitness magazines and more. Nestled atop the 44th floor with sweeping vistas of the Hudson River is the 1,200-square foot Renewal Suite which features chromotherapy, digital art, a spa bath, tranquil water, and light and music features throughout. The hotel features New York City’s first Shula’s Steak House; Bar 10, a trendy lounge; wireless internet access throughout; 24-hour room service; a fitness center; a spa with treatment rooms and saunas; a concierge and theater ticket desk, among other services. The Westin New York at Times Square was named one of America’s Top 11 Healthiest Hotels by Health magazine and AOL CityGuide and is a certified member of the Green Hotels Association. The hotel is interconnected to E Walk®, a 200,000 square-foot entertainment and retail complex featuring movie theaters, restaurants, and shops.