The FINANCIAL -- From the American Lodging Investment Summit in Los Angeles, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide announced that it opened 27 hotels in North America in 2011, more than it had predicted this time last year with the addition of several high quality conversions that were signed and opened during the course of the year, according to  Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide.

In addition, in 2011 Starwood signed more new deals than in the previous two years. In fact, Starwood’s North American division – the company’s largest with 550+ hotels – led all of its global divisions in new deal signings last year. Looking ahead to 2012, Starwood is slated to open 20 new properties in North America, not including late breaking in-the-year conversions which are expected to result in additional new hotels this year.

Conversions continue be the primary driver of new hotel growth in developed markets. In 2011, 75% of Starwood’s openings and 63% of its new deal signings in North America were conversions. According to Denise Coll, Starwood’s President of North America, owners are attracted to Starwood’s best-in-class brands, its powerful distribution systems and experienced management teams.

Starwood’s loyalty program, Starwood Preferred Guest, also continues to be a key advantage, and today drives nearly 50% share of occupancy to Starwood’s hotels in North America.

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