The case is selected from the case packet: Astor Park Hotel by William Poorvu & Arthur Segel, 2001, HBS Case_9-800-194 (the access link to HBP coursepack is provided under Required Readings in the syllabus on Bb).

This case study discusses the interest of Starwood Hotels in acquiring an underperforming hotel in the Pacific Northwest. Steve Goldman, Starwood Vice President for acquisitions and development, is wondering how much to pay for the property and how to reposition it. This study also provides a good overview of the earlier development strategies that made this company one of the global leading hotel organizations today.

Apply the knowledge and methods studied in this course to analyzing this case. The following is the guideline for this case study:

Your written analysis of a case should generally contain five sections

1. Executive Summary

2. Brief overview of key case facts

3. Identification of the case problem or central issue

4. Discussion of 2-3 alternative solutions to resolve the problem

5. Selection of the preferred solution and explanation of how it solves the

problem

The body of your case analysis should be no longer than 4.5 pages, double-spaced.

Allow yourself an average of one page per section (2-5 above) and a half-page for the executive summary. Part of the learning experience is the distillation of notes, ideas and opinions into succinct presentations of your thinking on a particular case. Articulately state your points. You are encouraged to use other resources.