Sternlicht also has a nifty side-business, called Starwood Capital, that advises real estate investors, including Sternlicht himself.

FORBES: Boy Wonder Gets Distracted

Sternlicht also has a nifty side business, called Starwood Capital, that advises real estate investors, including Sternlicht himself.

FORBES: Boy wonder gets distracted

That makes companies such as Capital Trust and Starwood Property more vulnerable should real-estate values fall.

WSJ: Blackstone Boosts Lender

Starwood used to be both a real estate owner and an operating company that did things like serve breakfast, accept reservations and clean up rooms.

FORBES: Boy Wonder Gets Distracted

Starwood used to be both a real estate owner and an operating company that did things such as serve breakfast, accept reservations and clean up the rooms.

FORBES: Boy wonder gets distracted

"The sale of W New Orleans-French Quarter helps advance Starwood's asset-light strategy, as we continue to pursue opportunities to sell owned real estate at the right time to the right owners, " said Simon Turner, Starwood's president of global development.

WSJ: W French Quarter hotel sells for $25.5 million