Omni Takes Over La Mansion del Rio and Watermark

John "Rusty" Wallace Named General Manager

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. October 14, 2008

IRVING, TX, March 16, 2006. Omni Hotels today welcomed San Antonio's famed La Mansion del Rio Hotel and Watermark Hotel and Spa to its portfolio of destinations with the official transfer of ownership to the luxury hotel company. "We will embrace the time-honored traditions and fine details that have garnered prominent status for these beautiful hotels," said Michael Deitemeyer, president of Omni Hotels. "Along with exceptional service, each of our hotels reflects the distinct character of its surrounding city, and these new additions to our brand portfolio will allow us to extend this philosophy in San Antonio."

Omni Hotels understands first-hand the inherent value created by the character of San Antonio and its popular River Walk because the company has roots firmly planted in Texas. Based in the Dallas suburb of Irving, Omni has eight other hotels in the state, including two each in Houston, Dallas and Austin, one in Corpus Christi and another in San Antonio. The company also will break ground this summer on a multi-million dollar luxury hotel and condominium development in the heart of downtown Fort Worth. Omni's plans for a renovation of the guest rooms at Omni La Mansion del Rio will carefully blend with the hotel's famous setting and ambiance.

Omni Hotels has appointed John "Rusty" Wallace as general manager. Supported by the strong leadership team already in place, he will ensure that guests enjoy the memorable experience they have come to expect at both hotels. Wallace is a native Texan and 30-year veteran of the hospitality industry. He previously served as the general manager of the award winning Omni Mandalay Hotel at Las Colinas, located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Under his guidance, this four-diamond hotel was listed in Conde Nast Traveler's 2006 Gold List of the World's Best Places to Stay.

Omni will welcome the new hotels beginning this spring by offering two La Mansion signatures at locations throughout Texas. Bartenders will pour La Mansion's legendary margaritas, hand-made using only fresh lime juice and top- shelf tequila and served in colorful, hand-blown glasses from Mexico. Each night, members of Omni's Select Guest program also will receive a small, hand- painted box of colorful worry dolls, a charming tradition created centuries ago by the Yanaguana Indians, for a worry-free sleep and welcoming of a new day. Meanwhile, guests at Omni La Mansion del Rio will be enticed with an offer to receive one of several gifts designed to reward the senses when they book another stay at any Omni location. Each of these offerings add to Omni's sensory branding efforts that create compelling, memorable experiences for its guests.

Omni La Mansion del Rio and the Watermark Hotel & Spa are now part of the Omni Hotels family, which was ranked "Highest in Guest Satisfaction Among Upscale Hotel Chains" in the J.D. Power and Associates 2005 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Study(SM). The brand offers surprisingly sensible luxury accommodations at hotels and resorts located throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. Each property in the Omni Hotels portfolio provides guests with exceptional personalized service and exquisite dicor, creating a distinctive experience at each location. Omni Hotels offers unsurpassed facilities with a wide range of guest services and amenities including high-speed Internet connectivity, wine tastings, gourmet dining and unique fitness options from in-room workouts to state-of-the-art fitness facilities.