Exhibit 99.1

              Certification Pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63
                      of Title 18 of the United States Code

      I, Barry S. Sternlicht, the Chief Executive Officer of Starwood Hotels &
Resorts Worldwide, Inc. ("Starwood"), certify that (i) the Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 (the "Form 10-K") fully complies with the
requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
and (ii) the information contained in the Form 10-K fairly presents, in all
material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of
Starwood.
                                       /s/ Barry S. Sternlicht
                                       ------------------------------------
                                       Barry S. Sternlicht
                                       Chief Executive Officer
                                       Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

                                       February 26, 2003