WHITE PLAINS, New York—Whoever said “luxury is dead” didn’t pass the message along to the global development team at Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. Amid the worst financial downturn in decades, W churned out nine openings during 2009 throughout the world.

W development is kicking into high gear as recovery approaches. The company has plans to add 17 new properties by 2012, according to Simon Turner, Starwood’s president of global development. One particular regional hot spot is Europe, where Starwood has more luxury hotels in development than any other hotel company. There are seven W Hotels in construction, which account for 18.9% of all luxury hotels under construction in the region, according to STR Global. [Read More]