Travelers who have postponed overseas vacations and those whose plans have been disrupted following the collapse of Ansett Airlines, are now looking for well priced domestic holidays and are seeking out the swankiest local hotels and resorts for long weekend breaks.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts, operator of some of the best hotels and resorts in Australia and New Zealand � Sheraton, Westin, W and Four Points - is offering well priced accommodation packages to encourage travelers to take a �mini holiday� in their home town and interstate.

The hotels are all providing value accommodation deals with special extras ranging from martinis and hand made chocolates, to theatre tickets, sparkling wine, valet parking and even exclusive shopping discounts to lure holiday makers to the city.

According to Amanda Thompson, Regional Director of Marketing for Starwood Hotels & Resorts, travelers can take advantage of some well-priced offers and packages.

�While travel plans, patterns and trends are going to be less predictable in the coming months, our hotels and resorts provide fun, indulgent and inexpensive options so Australians can take a quick getaway that won�t break the bank.�

Accommodation packages include:

The Westin Melbourne A Movers & Shakers package from $286 per couple, including overnight accommodation, valet parking, full buffet breakfast plus two complimentary martinis in the chic Martini Bar. Other offers available include MAMMA MIA! theatre packages with two premium A reserve tickets to the smash-hit ABBA musical or try Retail Therapy � shop �til you drop with exclusive shopping discounts and offers from nearby boutiques.

Sheraton Towers Southgate With the city�s best riverside location, the elegant Sheraton Towers Southgate has special weekend packages from just $295 per couple. Guests will be treated to Australian sparkling wine and special Sheraton chocolates on arrival, valet parking and full buffet breakfast in Melba Brasserie. A late check out means you can enjoy the attractions of Southbank�s markets, shops and restaurants. Four Points by Sheraton Stay right in the heart of Sydney with a great value weekend package starting from only $185 per night. Including a breakfast buffet and a late check-out, valid right up until the end of January 2002. Sheraton on the Park Overlooking Hyde Park, the grand Sheraton on the Park has city escape packages including overnight accommodation in a Cityside Room, full buffet breakfast for two in the Botanica Brasserie and your car will be valet parked. All from $259 per couple.

The Westin Sydney Arguably Sydney�s premier hotel located in the magnificent GPO Building, The Westin Sydney offers luxurious accommodation in either the heritage wing of the old GPO or the new 21-storey tower. Packages including an overnight stay breakfast in Mosaic restaurant and valet parking starting from $295 per couple. For a limited time, The Westin Sydney will also offer Retail Therapy deals - your luxurious accommodation is matched with special discounts from nearby retailers.

W Sydney Chic, stylish and so cool, W Sydney is one of the country�s most talked about five star hotels. Located at the historical Finger Wharf on Sydney Harbour, W Sydney is a boutique hotel in the heart of a luxury marina, entertainment and apartment complex. Check in to a Z room from $290 per couple and receive breakfast for two.

Sheraton Mirage Gold Coast Escape for a short break in the sun, sand and surf with Sheraton Mirage on the Gold Coast. Just a short drive from Brisbane, take advantage of an overnight stay with full breakfast for two from just $291 per couple.

Sheraton Noosa Resort Summer Sensations packages including three night�s accommodation as well as breakfast each morning from $645 per couple. The resort�s new Day Spa will ensure a totally relaxing break.

Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas Relax in Port Douglas from $413 per night including full buffet breakfast.

Sheraton Auckland If you�re in New Zealand, try out Sheraton Auckland�s five star fling! A complimentary bottle of chilled sparkling wine when you arrive, valet parking service, breakfast the following morning and a late check out is only NZ$179 per couple.

To dash away to a quick escape at any of these hotels and resorts, book direct with Starwood�s central reservation hotline � 1800 656 535.

STARWOOD HAS DONATED US$1 MILLION TO THE �SEPTEMBER 11TH FUND� IN NEW YORK.

For further media information: Susan Wright Marketing Communications Manager The Westin Melbourne 03.9635 2120 susan.s.wright@westin.com or Meagan Bryant Marketing Communications Manager Sheraton on the Park/W Sydney 02.9286 6663 meagan.bryant@sheraton.com