In a concerted effort to strengthen its position in a cut-throat environment, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. (HOT) has been striving to improve guest satisfaction for the past few quarters. The entire hotel industry has mirrored this strategy over the last couple of years and has witnessed a series of brand conversions and asset renovations across the globe.

Starwood, one of the leading players in this sector, is committed to refurbish most of its brands including W, The Luxury Collection, Sheraton and Westin. Starwood has primarily focused on repositioning its older properties operating in dynamic markets in order to maintain consistency with the newer ones. Apart from the proposed renovations, these properties will also be provided with innovative bar and restaurant concepts to attract neighboring guests.

In June this year, Starwood initiated an extensive remodeling program for more than 11 North American W properties for around $100 million. The project, slated to be finished within 18 months, recently unveiled the fully-refurbished W New Orleans costing $9 million.

Starwoods another brand, Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, will also undergo a $200 million project to reinvigorate some of its most renowned assets in Europe. Luxury Collection has already reopened the famous Hotel Alfonso XIII in Seville and Hotel Maria Cristina in San Sebastian this year. This is likely to be followed by the unveiling of the revamped Gritti Palace in Venice and Prince de Galles in Paris in 2013.

In addition, Sheraton, one of the companys most important brands that spearheads Starwoods market share growth concluded a $6 billion brand-wide revitalization program. It is currently working on another three-year $6 billion international expansion program.

At the same time, Sheraton has other assets under renovation namely Le Meridien, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta as well as Sheraton, Jakarta and Singapore. Starwood has one of the largest collections of luxury hotels in the industry and seeks to retain a market-leading position through continuous upgrade.

Starwood plans to reduce its exposure in owned real estate. Market speculations are also rife that Starwood deploys its capital into renovating the owned assets to prepare them as lucrative acquisition targets in a more standardized acquisition environment.

Though renovation work affects near-term revenue, comparable sales and EBITDA, it is likely to boost returns once completed.

As a point of reference, one of the hoteliers, MGM Resorts International (MGM) planned to spend around $350 million in capital expenditures in 2012 for room remodeling at MGM Grand Las Vegas and the Spa Tower at Bellagio. MGM had once commented that it expected an average daily rate lift of $10$20 for the new rooms at MGM Grand.

White Plains, New York-based Starwood currently retains a Zacks #3 Rank that translates into a short-term Hold rating. We also reiterate our long-term Neutral recommendation on the stock.

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Starwood Accelerates Overhaul Work

SOURCE: Roto-Rooter Atlanta

New Reports Suggest the Bathroom Is the Most Popular Room to Undergo a Remodel; Roto-Rooter Atlanta Responded With Tips for Choosing Water-Saving Bathroom Fixtures

ATLANTA, GA--(Marketwire - Dec 3, 2012) - An article published in The Boston Globe shared new tips from the people at Consumer Reports that detailed where to save and where to splurge on bathroom renovations. With regard to plumbing fixtures, there are a number of options. Reputable plumbing company Roto-Rooter Atlanta took note of the suggestions.

When it comes to toilets, the article reports the latest design trends have these fixtures practically concealed from view. Installing toilets behind half walls or within closet-like enclosures is quickly becoming popular.

In regards to conservation, the article suggests homeowners save money by installing toilets that meet EPA WaterSense standards. These toilets use just under 1.28 gallons of water each time they are flushed. Furthermore, the article states these toilets save approximately $90 in water costs per year compared to older toilets.

Roto-Rooter Atlanta advocates for the installation of water-saving bathroom fixtures whenever possible. Their team of licensed and insured plumbers and technicians are well qualified to install new toilets, showerheads and faucets designed to conserve water. In a statement to the press, the company commented: "The ROTOGreen initiative details the efforts of our company to make conservation a way of life. We strive to do our part by offering customers affordable water-saving fixtures and green plumbing parts whenever possible."

Showerheads offer another opportunity for homeowners to save water. A number of modern showerheads have been manufactured to spray at a reduced rate of water flow without negative impact to water pressure. New designs that deliver water similar to that experienced during a rain shower were popular among testers, the article noted. It is also no longer uncommon to see more and more showers built to include dual showerheads. In more luxurious cases, steam generators are also featured.

The article also suggested trends towards constructing larger showers in place of garden tubs. By utilizing space once engulfed by these fixtures, shower stalls can measure anywhere from four-by-six feet or, according to the article, five-by-seven feet. Level shower floors instead of sunken tubs enable people to age into their showers. For instance, elderly persons will no longer have to step into tubs and can more easily access these spaces via wheelchairs.

ABOUT:

Roto-Rooter Atlanta is a proud member of the largest plumbing repair and sewer & drain cleaning provider in North America. Since 1935, Roto-Rooter has remained committed to providing superior plumbing services to homeowners and businesses alike, utilizing innovative technology and high-level knowledge of plumbing and construction. The company is proud to offer an array of services to its customers, and to give each client the peace of mind that all plumbing maintenance and repair issues are being handled professionally and expediently.

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Roto-Rooter Atlanta: Consider Water-Saving Fixtures for Bathroom Remodeling Projects

G&J Construction Uses New Website to Feature the Combination of Historic Detail with Modern Conveniences and Functionality

Boston, MA (PRWEB) November 20, 2012

While G&J Construction has received business based on referrals, they have decided share with others, their quality craftsmanship on a new website, http://www.topbostonconstruction.com/. Some of the services they will highlight include; kitchen and bathroom remodeling, room additions, and custom home building.

Kitchens and bathrooms are the most visited rooms in the home; they should provide comfort and functionality while representing the style of the homeowner. Kitchen and bathroom renovations provide the opportunity to modernize fixtures, or streamline for energy efficiency. Their team is skilled in kitchen and bathroom remodeling and ready to update fixtures, replace cabinets and countertops, add a fresh coat of paint, new flooring, install tile and natural stone, update showers, replace tubs, and lighting.

G&J Construction are general contractors and construction managers, meaning they supervise and manage projects from start to finish, alleviating additional responsibility for the client. Some kitchen and bath remodeling projects require 10 to 15 different subcontractors. We do the coordinating and scheduling, and hire subcontractors that we share 10 year plus working relationships with, all, expert technicians for the different phases of the construction process, rather than one guy does it all. We feel this is a more efficient process, said William.

In years past, if a homeowner needed more space, they ran out and bought a new home. Currently, many homeowners prefer to stay put while discovering creative solutions right where they are. Whether a homeowner wants to build a separate entrance for a child or parent, add a room, or create an office space, G&J Construction can help transform an idle space, build a room addition, provide 2nd floor remodeling, divide rooms and install new windows. A room addition can be complex; it is similar to new construction on a smaller scale. The contractor should have knowledge of foundations and framing, warns William.

A home is usually the biggest investment a person will make. A custom built home can specifically cater to a familys needs and desires. Building a custom home, gives the homeowner full control over the quality and materials in the home, said William. It will also allow the homeowner to set their own budget and work within in it, while deciding which features are priority. G&J Constructions experience can help through the decision making process, while building a home. As a customer, you can anticipate daily updates on the status of your project. Most importantly, the company prides itself on our commitment to completing your project on a timely basis and within budget, said William. They offer a warranty on all their services.

For more information on this company please call (617) 719-6694 or check out their website, http://www.topbostonconstruction.com/.

About G&J Construction

G & J Construction is a second generation family owned business which has been specializing in residential and light commercial construction for over 50 years. All projects are managed by the principal owner, William Berardi, whose direct involvement and attention to detail has resulted in unparalleled customer satisfaction. Their subcontractors are experts in their trades and have been working with them for an average of ten years. Services include: new construction, remodeling, roofing, carpentry, installation of hardwood floors, windows, siding, decks and fencing. Their continued success is in large part due their repeat customer base including architects, decorators and interior designers. G & J Construction is fully licensed and insured and they offer a warranty for all services. They serve the greater Boston area.

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Boston Residential Construction Contractor Announces Launch of New Website

How to Draw a Layout of Basement Stairways : Architectural Drawings
Subscribe Now: http://www.youtube.com Watch More: http://www.youtube.com Basement stairways typically connect the basement to the ground floor of the house. Draw a layout of basement stairways with help from a registered interior designer in this free video clip. Expert: Alan Hilsabeck Contact: http://www.hilsabeckdesignassociates.com/ Bio: Alan Hilsabeck is a Registered Interior Designer (RID) in the State of Texas, is NCIDQ Certified, and is a CMKBD (Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer) with over 20 years of experience. Filmmaker: Alan Hilsabeck Series Description: Architectural drawings are often used during the design phase for things like room remodeling jobs or even entire houses. Get tips on architectural drawings with help from a registered interior designer in this free video series.From:ehowathomechannelViews:0 0ratingsTime:02:19More inHowto Style

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How to Draw Roof Lines for a House Addition : Architectural Drawings
Subscribe Now: http://www.youtube.com Watch More: http://www.youtube.com Roof lines for a house addition need to be drawn in a very specific way to be as accurate as possible. Draw roof lines for a house addition with help from a registered interior designer in this free video clip. Expert: Alan Hilsabeck Contact: http://www.hilsabeckdesignassociates.com/ Bio: Alan Hilsabeck is a Registered Interior Designer (RID) in the State of Texas, is NCIDQ Certified, and is a CMKBD (Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer) with over 20 years of experience. Filmmaker: Alan Hilsabeck Series Description: Architectural drawings are often used during the design phase for things like room remodeling jobs or even entire houses. Get tips on architectural drawings with help from a registered interior designer in this free video series.From:ehowathomechannelViews:0 0ratingsTime:02:14More inHowto Style

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How to Draw Roof Lines for a House Addition : Architectural Drawings - Video

How to Establish a Vanishing Point in Architectural Drawing : Architectural Drawings
Subscribe Now: http://www.youtube.com Watch More: http://www.youtube.com Establishing a vanishing point within an architectural perspective requires you to keep a few key things in mind. Establish a vanishing point within an architectural perspective with help from a registered interior designer in this free video clip. Expert: Alan Hilsabeck Contact: http://www.hilsabeckdesignassociates.com/ Bio: Alan Hilsabeck is a Registered Interior Designer (RID) in the State of Texas, is NCIDQ Certified, and is a CMKBD (Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer) with over 20 years of experience. Filmmaker: Alan Hilsabeck Series Description: Architectural drawings are often used during the design phase for things like room remodeling jobs or even entire houses. Get tips on architectural drawings with help from a registered interior designer in this free video series.From:ehowathomechannelViews:0 0ratingsTime:03:51More inHowto Style

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How to Establish a Vanishing Point in Architectural Drawing : Architectural Drawings - Video

How to Draw Blueprints to Build a House : Architectural Drawings
Subscribe Now: http://www.youtube.com Watch More: http://www.youtube.com It #39;s hard to build a house without an accurate set of blueprints. Find out how to draw blueprints to build a house with help from a registered interior designer in this free video clip. Expert: Alan Hilsabeck Contact: http://www.hilsabeckdesignassociates.com/ Bio: Alan Hilsabeck is a Registered Interior Designer (RID) in the State of Texas, is NCIDQ Certified, and is a CMKBD (Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer) with over 20 years of experience. Filmmaker: Alan Hilsabeck Series Description: Architectural drawings are often used during the design phase for things like room remodeling jobs or even entire houses. Get tips on architectural drawings with help from a registered interior designer in this free video series.From:ehowathomechannelViews:0 0ratingsTime:04:54More inHowto Style

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How to Draw Blueprints to Build a House : Architectural Drawings - Video

How to Draw a Basement : Architectural Drawings
Subscribe Now: http://www.youtube.com Watch More: http://www.youtube.com Drawing a basement includes the same basic elements as other types of room drawings. Find out how to draw a basement with help from a registered interior designer in this free video clip. Expert: Alan Hilsabeck Contact: http://www.hilsabeckdesignassociates.com/ Bio: Alan Hilsabeck is a Registered Interior Designer (RID) in the State of Texas, is NCIDQ Certified, and is a CMKBD (Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer) with over 20 years of experience. Filmmaker: Alan Hilsabeck Series Description: Architectural drawings are often used during the design phase for things like room remodeling jobs or even entire houses. Get tips on architectural drawings with help from a registered interior designer in this free video series.From:ehowathomechannelViews:0 0ratingsTime:01:37More inHowto Style

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How to Draw a Basement : Architectural Drawings - Video

How to Draw Floor Plans for Two-Story Houses : Architectural Drawings
Subscribe Now: http://www.youtube.com Watch More: http://www.youtube.com When drawing floor plans for two story houses, you #39;ll have to include some very specific elements to make sure that your drawing is accurate. Draw floor plans for two story houses with help from a registered interior designer in this free video clip. Expert: Alan Hilsabeck Contact: http://www.hilsabeckdesignassociates.com/ Bio: Alan Hilsabeck is a Registered Interior Designer (RID) in the State of Texas, is NCIDQ Certified, and is a CMKBD (Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer) with over 20 years of experience. Filmmaker: Alan Hilsabeck Series Description: Architectural drawings are often used during the design phase for things like room remodeling jobs or even entire houses. Get tips on architectural drawings with help from a registered interior designer in this free video series.From:ehowathomechannelViews:0 0ratingsTime:02:10More inHowto Style

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How to Draw Floor Plans for Two-Story Houses : Architectural Drawings - Video

How to Draw a Kitchen : Architectural Drawings
Subscribe Now: http://www.youtube.com Watch More: http://www.youtube.com How you will draw a kitchen will be different from the way you would draw something like a bathroom. Draw a kitchen with help from a registered interior designer in this free video clip. Expert: Alan Hilsabeck Contact: http://www.hilsabeckdesignassociates.com/ Bio: Alan Hilsabeck is a Registered Interior Designer (RID) in the State of Texas, is NCIDQ Certified, and is a CMKBD (Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer) with over 20 years of experience. Filmmaker: Alan Hilsabeck Series Description: Architectural drawings are often used during the design phase for things like room remodeling jobs or even entire houses. Get tips on architectural drawings with help from a registered interior designer in this free video series.From:ehowathomechannelViews:0 0ratingsTime:04:53More inHowto Style

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How to Draw a Kitchen : Architectural Drawings - Video