Starwood officials said that the hotel is scheduled to begin a $10 million renovation program during the first quarter of this year. It is anticipated renovations will be completed within a period of two years that will include the refurbishment of all meeting space and guest rooms.

Located in downtown Pittsburgh's Liberty Center, the hotel is connected by an enclosed walkway to the 131,000 sf. David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Liberty Center is a mixed-use development including retail and a 504,000-sf office building. The convention center is currently undergoing a $328 million expansion program to be completed in 2003, which will almost triple the exhibition space.

"Westin prides its experience in the convention business and is delighted to add another property to its collection of quality convention center hotels," remarked Norman MacLeod, executive vice president of operations for Starwood. "The hotel will greatly benefit from the increased demand of the convention center's expansion and will also be an integral part of its future success."