Commune Hotels & Resorts Transitions to Sole Ownership by Geolo Capital

Key Executive Hires Named

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. August 06, 2013

SAN FRANCISCO - August 6, 2013 - Commune Hotels & Resorts, an international hospitality management company overseeing the Joie de Vivre, Thompson and Tommie hotel brands, announces an important transition, having signed a definitive agreement to consolidate the company to sole ownership. In addition, the company is proud to introduce its new executive leadership team as it embarks on a new era.

Geolo Capital, the private equity firm founded and led by John Pritzker, has purchased the 50% interest in Commune held by its joint venture partner. The joint venture, which formed Commune in 2011, brought together the Joie de Vivre and Thompson Hotels brands. A third brand, Tommie Hotels, was announced by the company in 2013 with a launch date of 2015.

"This is an important day for all of us at Commune," said Pritzker, chairman of Commune and founding partner of Geolo Capital. "Consolidating ownership under one, hospitality focused, well-financed and highly committed owner allows Commune to move forward on its mission to build a multi-brand platform that will strive to enhance the hotel experience for our guests."

"We are offering an extraordinary range of styles and price-points for travelers in the boutique and lifestyle segment," said Niki Leondakis, Chief Executive Officer of Commune. "Our goal at Commune is to provide one-of-a-kind personalized service, combined with inspired design and locally-connected experiences."

To move forward on this mission, Commune has built a core executive team with experience ranging across all segments of hospitality who reflect the spirit, innovation and diversity of Commune. This new team of professionals, led by CEO Niki Leondakis who joined Commune in 2012, includes:

Mike Blake, Chief Information Officer. Blake will provide strategic leadership to the management and evolution of Commune's IT functions. With more than 20 years of experience in finance and technology, most recently serving as CIO for the Hyatt Hotel Corporation, Blake has served as the highest ranking IT executive for such prestigious companies as Kaiser Permanente and Sears.

Phil Keb, Executive Vice President, Development. Keb will lead the expansion efforts of Commune, overseeing new business development. His experience includes leadership roles with Kiawah Development Partners, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Capella Hotel Group.

Rick Colangelo, Executive Vice President, Operations.Colangelo will lead all aspects of operations for the entire Commune portfolio of brands. Colangelo served as Vice President of Hotel Operations at Kimpton, and has held leadership positions at Interstate, Adam's Mark, Hyatt and The Ritz-Carlton Hotels.

Jorge Trevino, Executive Vice President, Brand Operations. Trevino will spearhead strategic brand partnerships for Commune and its individual brands. Additionally he will oversee all new hotel openings and property transitions. Trevino previously held leadership positions with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and Kimpton.

Greg Smith, Executive Vice President, People Services. Smith will oversee Commune's human resources training and recruitment for the company and all of its brands and properties. In addition, Smith will oversee professional development for Commune. His experience includes hospitality human resources services for Denihan, Interstate, Choice, and Promus Hotels.

"Nothing speaks more to the heart of Commune than our team," said Leondakis. "The wealth of talent in our ranks demonstrates our commitment to building the best lifestyle hotel experience in the industry. It is an honor to embark on this next phase of Commune with this outstanding team."

Commune's executive team will be intimately involved with the development projects the company is pursuing, both here in the United States, and internationally. Commune has expansion properties planned in Canada, Europe and Asia.

As a multi-brand hotel and resort management operation, Commune offers a range of styles, destinations and price-points for its guests. The Joie de Vivre, Thompson and Tommie hotel brands each cater to different lifestyles and demographics, while maintaining the highest quality of standards that Commune has come to represent. Commune will continue to deliver the most fresh, experience-oriented properties in the market - all with a focus on a transformative consumer experience that is individualized, compassionate and inspirational.

About Commune Hotels & Resorts

Formed in October 2011, Commune Hotels & Resorts is an international, multi-brand lifestyle hotel group comprising the luxury lifestyle Thompson Hotels brand, Joie de Vivre Hotels, a collection of independently branded boutique hotels, and the newly announced, value-conscious Tommie. The San Francisco-based company manages more than 40 hotels and resorts and is focused on international expansion, targeting locations in Asia, Latin America, Europe and the United States. Since its formation, the company has announced its acquisition of and/or management of Chicago's historic Chicago Athletic Association, Thompson Chicago (formerly Sutton Place Hotel), the Miami Roosevelt and the Epiphany in Palo Alto, California, among others. For more information, please visit www.communehotels.com.