HOUSTON, Texas, September 3, 2003 � Susan Ward-Freeman has been named General Manager of The SAM Houston Hotel, Houston.  In this position, she will be responsible for all operations at the hotel, including the property�s front and back office, reservations and guest services. She will also oversee the hotel�s marketing, direct sales and promotional endeavors, its restaurant, the Riviera Grill, and The SAM bar. She previously held the position of Hotel Manager at the SAM.

Ward-Freeman said, �I am delighted and honored to assume the position of General Manager at the SAM, Houston�s newest luxury boutique hotel.� She concluded, �I look forward to working with the associates at the hotel and the Riviera Grill/SAM bar, to further enhance our reputation for providing unique, personalized customer service in �Texas Chic� style.

Ward-Freeman, who is a graduate of Endicott College, MA, in the field of Hotel/Restaurant Management and Tourism, started her hospitality career at Hyatt Hotels and Resorts (Hilton Head Island, SC) in 1983.  Her background also includes positions as Director of Sales and Marketing with the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Group at their Cleveland property, Director of Marketing at the Four Seasons in Houston, and Director of Marketing and Sales at the Waldorf-Astoria (a Hilton Hotel) in New York City.

The Sam Houston Hotel is located at 1117 Prairie Street in the heart of the Central Business District, within walking distance of the Theatre District, George R. Brown Convention Center, local courthouses, restaurants, nightlife, the downtown trolley system, Minute Maid Park and the new sports arena. Featuring 100 deluxe guest rooms, including 3 luxury one-bedroom, one-bath suites and 6 one-bedroom, two bath suites, the property�s highly personalized service, technology and amenities are unique in the Houston market. The SAM combines the rich history of Texas with a look and feel that rivals any east or west coast �boutique� hotel.

MFC PR
Neil Alumkal
[email protected]
212-808-6562