About this book:

*Starwood Hotels & Resorts: The Story of an American Company* chronicles the remarkable journey of Starwood, from its modest origins as a real estate investment trust in 1969 to its transformation into a global hospitality innovator and, eventually, its acquisition by Marriott International. This comprehensive book delves into the visionary leadership of Barry Sternlicht, who reshaped the company's destiny by acquiring iconic brands like Westin and Sheraton and boldly launching groundbreaking concepts such as W Hotels. Readers will discover how Starwood mastered brand differentiation, cultivating unique "emotional concepts" for each property, epitomized by the revolutionary "Heavenly Bed" and the pioneering "Whatever/Whenever" service.

The narrative also explores Starwood's strategic evolution, including its pivot to an "asset-light" business model focused on management and franchising, which fueled its aggressive global expansion into Asia, EMEA, and Latin America. A highlight is the in-depth look at the Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) program, which redefined customer loyalty with its unparalleled flexibility and value. Beyond its impressive growth, the book examines Starwood's commitment to sustainability and wellness, particularly through the Westin brand, and how it navigated fierce competition and multiple leadership transitions. The story culminates in the dramatic bidding war with Marriott International, the subsequent integration, and a surprising renaissance orchestrated by Sternlicht himself, bringing the Starwood name back with a new portfolio of luxury and lifestyle brands like 1 Hotels, Baccarat, and Treehouse. This is a must-read for anyone interested in corporate strategy, brand building, and the dynamic history of American business.

What You'll Find Inside:

• **Visionary Leadership & Brand Innovation:** Discover how Barry Sternlicht transformed Starwood from a REIT into a global hospitality giant, pioneering brands like W Hotels and revolutionizing guest experiences such as the 'Heavenly Bed'.
• **Strategic Portfolio Growth:** Learn about Starwood's audacious acquisitions, including Westin and ITT Sheraton, and the development of a diverse brand portfolio spanning luxury (St. Regis, The Luxury Collection), upscale, and mid-scale segments (Four Points, Aloft, Element).
• **Redefining Customer Loyalty:** Explore the groundbreaking impact of Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), an industry-leading loyalty program known for its flexibility and valuable rewards, which significantly influenced customer retention and competitive strategies.
• **Business Model Evolution & Global Expansion:** Understand Starwood's pivot to an 'asset-light' strategy, focusing on management and franchise fees, which fueled its rapid global growth across Asia, EMEA, and Latin America.
• **The Revival and Future of Luxury Hospitality:** Witness the unexpected renaissance of the Starwood name under Barry Sternlicht, introducing a new portfolio of distinctive luxury and lifestyle brands like 1 Hotels, Baccarat, and Treehouse, with a strong focus on sustainability and curated experiences.

Who's It For:

This book is essential for business students, particularly those in hospitality management, real estate, and corporate strategy, offering a detailed case study of brand building, strategic acquisitions, and business model evolution. Travel industry professionals, hotel owners, and anyone interested in the history of iconic American companies and the power of innovation in a competitive market will also find it highly informative and engaging.