Kessler Opens Office in Vienna, Austria

Kurt Dohnal Appointed VP and COO For The Kessler Collection Europe

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. October 14, 2008

ORLANDO, FL / VIENNA, Austris, August 16, 2007. Today, Richard C. Kessler, chairman and CEO of The Kessler Collection, announces the opening of his European office in Vienna, Austria. Kessler, a 37-year veteran of the hospitality industry, is based in Orlando and develops and operates luxury, boutique properties in Florida, Georgia, Colorado and New Mexico.

"The Kessler Collection Europe division is seeking both ownership and management opportunities throughout Central and Eastern Europe," states Kessler. "I have always wanted to open a European operation and now is the perfect time for us to expand our portfolio internationally. We currently manage St. Catherine's Court located in Bath, England (owned by award-winning actress, Jane Seymour and her husband, film producer James Keach). Initially, we will focus on building our Kessler Collection brand in international destinations and emerging markets."

Kessler will bring his award-winning Grand Bohemian Hotel and The Kessler Collection brand to Europe. The core of the Grand Bohemian concept, "An Experience in Art and Music", evolved from Kessler's extensive travels to Europe over the years and his passion for art and music. His travels to Europe, international network of friends and colleagues, and Austrian family heritage (Kessler's ancestors immigrated to Savannah, GA in 1732 to escape religious persecution) have been a catalyst for his expansion plans.

This move comes during a period of continued expansion for The Kessler Collection with a number of new properties under development, including the Grand Bohemian Hotel & Residences - St. Petersburg, FL, scheduled to open late 2009, and the Grand Bohemian Hotel - Atlanta, GA, also opening in 2009.

Additional developments include The Bohemian Hotel at Biltmore Village in Asheville, NC, scheduled to open October 2008, and The Bohemian Hotel at Savannah Riverfront, Savannah, GA scheduled to open February 2009. In addition, El Monte Sagrado Living Resort & Spa, a AAA Four-Diamond property located in Taos, NM, is currently undergoing an expansion to be completed in September 2007. Kessler Canyon, a luxury Colorado wildlife retreat, will open in September 2007.

"These six luxury hotels and resorts will be completed in the next two and a half years as we continue to develop and strengthen our brand," says Kessler.

Mr. Kurt Dohnal has been appointed as the executive VP and COO and oversees both operations and strategy of the company in Europe. Bringing over 30 years of hospitality experience, Mr. Dohnal has served as a General Manager throughout Europe and Asia. Recently, he was the General Manager of the Grand Hotel Sauerhof in Baden, Austria near Vienna, General Manager of the Grand Hotel Sonnenbichl in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, and General Manager at the Radisson Hotel Altstadt, Salzburg, Austria. Mr. Dohnal's educational background includes hospitality management in Vienna, Austria, where he obtained his professional license in the catering trade; vocational schooling for the restaurant industry; and an apprenticeship at the Parkhotel Sch"onbrunn in Austria. He has also completed extensive industry training at Cornell University, the University of Hawaii and the Shangri-La Hotel in Hong Kong.

Mr. Albrecht Clary has been appointed as director of real estate development. He is responsible for acquisitions, development, and management opportunities. Mr. Clary's prior experience includes his role as an associate with the American Asset Corporation. His responsibilities there included building forecast models and projections, preparing and presenting loan applications and investment packages, and assisted in the creation of a new land fund. Mr. Clary received a Bachelor of Business Studies degree from Lynn University and attended the Esade Business School in Barcelona, Spain where he studied Economics, Spanish and International Business & Business Law. He interned with Bankhaus Carl Sp"angler and Europatreuhand Ernst & Young in Salzburg, Austria.