Hyatt Place(TM) Launches Four Simultaneous Ground-Breaking Events Nationwide

CHICAGO, May 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyatt Place today announced the simultaneous ground breakings of four new-build Hyatt Place properties that will open in Spring 2008. The ceremonial launches are taking place in the North, South, East and West regions of the country, where Hyatt Place is working with prestigious hotel developers to build next-generation hotel accommodations that meet specific market needs.

"Hyatt Place truly defines the future of hospitality in travel markets such as ours," said Stephen Schwartz, chairman and CEO of Chicago-based First Hospitality Group. Inc. "The brand addresses the needs of today's travelers by providing the delicate balance of comfortable and functional amenities that transcend geographical regions and age range."

Hyatt Place is breaking ground on new-build properties in the following regions:

   -- North - The 117-room hotel in South Bend/Mishawaka, IN, is being
      developed by First Hospitality Group
   -- South - The 127-room hotel in Jacksonville, FL, is being developed by
      Silver Companies and MMI Hotel Group
   -- East - The 115-room hotel in Chesapeake, VA, is being developed by OTO
      Development
   -- West - The 127-room hotel in Reno, NV, is being developed by
      InterMountain Management

"The momentum we are establishing today with these four ground-breaking events is a testament to the strong relationships and partnerships Global Hyatt shares with hotel developers across the nation. Our newly opened hotels have been extremely well received and we're thrilled to work with industry- leading developers to further meet travelers' needs," said Jim Abrahamson, senior vice president for Hyatt Corporation. "In addition to the 120 Hyatt Place hotels that will open this year, these new-build Hyatt Place hotels are a fundamental driver of our development strategy that is anchored by the worldwide brand presence of Hyatt Hotels & Resorts."

More than 30 additional Hyatt Place hotels are expected to break ground throughout 2007 across the country in key business and leisure markets, including Phoenix, AZ; Lexington, KY; Seattle, WA; Boca Raton, FL; and Niagara Falls, Ontario.

Hyatt Place Background

Hyatt Place is an upscale, lifestyle hotel brand that complements Hyatt's full-service brands and combines contemporary design with innovative services and amenities that creates an atmosphere of casual hospitality. Hyatt Place was inspired by the changing landscape of contemporary, multi-tasking business travelers, who have successfully adapted to today's "24/7 lifestyle," seamlessly merging personal and professional activities. To help guests achieve this, Hyatt Place offers a balanced mix of comfortable and functional amenities.

Similar to what travelers might experience at home, guests can take advantage of free Wi-Fi access, stretch out on the eight-foot Cozy Corner sofa-sleeper or work at an oversized desk in an ergonomic chair. They can also catch the evening news, the big game or the latest feature movies on the 42-inch flat panel, high-definition television offering 11 channels of high- definition programming in addition to an already impressive channel selection. Hyatt Place guests will also have access to Hotel SportsNet(SM) service, which includes NFL SUNDAY TICKET(TM) and NBA LEAGUE PASS(SM) as well as other professional and college sports programming. Hyatt Place guests can stay connected through the innovative Hyatt Plug Panel(TM), which allows guests to connect their own entertainment media to the high-definition TV, including laptops, MP3 players, DVD players or any other portable device. The signature Hyatt Grand Bed(TM) ensures guests can enjoy a peaceful night's sleep in the bedroom area.

Hyatt Place hotels also feature the Gallery, an innovative welcoming arrival area where guests are personally greeted by the Gallery Host who assists guests with everything from check-in to providing personal tours of the hotel.

In the Gallery, guests will also find a self-registration kiosk, an intimate coffee and wine cafe and bakery, free Wi-Fi, a TV den and an e-room with free access to a public computer and printer. Guests at Hyatt Place may purchase signature hot breakfast entrees along with Starbucks(R) specialty coffees or enjoy a free continental breakfast. Hyatt Place also offers a variety of freshly prepared, cafe quality items, including made-to-order entrees, sandwiches, soups, salads and pizza which guests can order 24 hours a day, seven days a week via a touch screen menu in the Guest Kitchen or from the Gallery Host.

To help guests stay physically and mentally productive, they can also utilize the hotel's swimming pool or StayFit@Hyatt gym featuring state-of-the- art Life Fitness(R) equipment.

Travelers are raving about Hyatt Place hotels already open in and around Atlanta, Chicago, Phoenix, Cincinnati, San Antonio, Nashville, Washington, DC and Louisville. There will be 120 Hyatt Place hotels open by December 2007, including locations in Chicago, Dallas, Phoenix, Atlanta, Tampa, Miami, Orlando and Detroit, in addition to other key business and leisure markets throughout the country.

About Hyatt Place

Hyatt Place, a new kind of Hyatt for today's relaxed lifestyle, combines The Hyatt Touch(R) with stylish design, purposeful amenities and forward- thinking technology. Catering to today's discerning travelers, 120 Hyatt Place hotels are to open across the U.S. by the end of 2007. Hyatt Place is a newly developed brand of Global Hyatt Corporation. For Hyatt Place information or to make a reservation, call 1-888-HYATT-HP (888-492-8847) or visit http://www.hyattplace.com/. From the U.S. and Canada, reservations for Hyatt Hotels & Resorts worldwide may be obtained by calling 1-800-233-1234 or logging onto http://www.hyatt.com/

Global Hyatt Corporation

Global Hyatt Corporation, one of the world's premier hotel companies, offers today's travelers over 735 hotels and resorts (over 136,000 rooms) in more than 44 countries. The company's affiliates own, operate, manage and franchise Hyatt branded hotels and resorts under the Park Hyatt(TM), Grand Hyatt(TM), Hyatt Regency(TM), Hyatt Resorts(TM), Hyatt(TM), Hyatt Place(TM) and Hyatt Summerfield Suites(TM) brands. In April 2007, Hyatt launched its newest global brand, Andaz(TM). Global Hyatt Corporation is also the owner of Hyatt Vacation Ownership, Inc. operator of the Hyatt Vacation Club and fractional residential properties and U.S. Franchise Systems, Inc, which franchises Hawthorn Suites and Microtel Inns and Suites. From the U.S. and Canada, reservations for any Hyatt hotel worldwide may be obtained by calling 1-800-233-1234 or logging onto http://www.hyatt.com/.