Morgans to Create Fourth Mondrian

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. October 14, 2008

NEW YORK, NY, August 9, 2006. Morgans Hotel Group Co. (NASDAQ: MHGC) announced that it has formed a new joint venture that has purchased and will renovate an apartment building on Biscayne Bay in South Beach (Miami) into a hotel operated under MHG's Mondrian brand. The new luxury hotel is the fourth announced Mondrian, including Los Angeles, Scottsdale, and a property under development in Las Vegas, and will be operated by MHG under a long-term incentive management contract.

The 16-story property will be renovated to create MHG's distinctive lodging, dining and nightlife experience, and will include numerous other hotel amenities, such as a pool, spa, event and meeting space. The property fronts Biscayne Bay and offers spectacular views of the downtown Miami skyline, the Atlantic Ocean and South Beach. The hotel will have approximately 342 units comprised of studios, one and two-bedroom units, and four penthouse suites. In addition, given the property's prime location, Mondrian will offer a vast array of waterfront services, including private VIP boat slips for sailing and yachting and recreational activities for its guests.

"With our Miami Mondrian, we are expanding MHG's presence and the diversity of our brands in a market we know well and where we have had great success with Delano and The Shore Club," said Ed Scheetz, President and Chief Executive Officer. "The South Beach market is strong and continues to be an international destination of choice for savvy travelers who prefer the exclusivity and sophistication of our properties. When the renovations are completed, we expect Mondrian to be one of the most sought after properties in Miami Beach. We very much look forward to opening the hotel and to having an expanded presence in South Beach."

"This transaction is consistent with our strategy of expanding our brands in major business and leisure travel markets by entering into long-term partnerships to develop and manage our brands. It also exemplifies how our multiple brand strategy allows us to grow and operate several hotels, each with distinct offerings, in the same market. Given the close proximity of our three South Beach properties, MHG expects to benefit from cost savings, specifically labor efficiencies and other synergies," continued Mr. Scheetz.

The joint venture currently plans to pursue the sale of some or all of the new luxury units as condominiums, subject to market conditions, giving MHG's guests the opportunity to buy into the Mondrian experience. The joint venture anticipates that unit buyers will have the opportunity to place their units into a rental program. In addition to hotel management fees, MHG could also realize fees from the sale of condominium units.

Under the terms of the 50/50 joint venture agreement between MHG and an affiliate of Hudson Capital, a leading condominium company that develops landmark high-rise residences, the joint venture will acquire the existing building and land for a gross purchase price of $110 million. The joint venture expects to spend approximately $60 million on renovations. The joint venture will require an initial equity investment of $15 million from each of MHG and Hudson Capital and will receive financing of $124 million to be provided by Eurohypo AG, New York Branch, at a rate of LIBOR plus 300 basis points.