Dallas, Texas, March 18, 2004 – The Plasencia Group, Inc., the leading national hospitality transaction and consulting services firm representing owners of hotels, resorts, and golf courses, announced that it has launched an affiliate to specialize in marketing limited and mid-market hotels in the Southwest. Designated Sunbelt Hospitality, it is led by Robert Wiemer, Managing Partner, based in Houston, Texas.  Two experienced veterans, Paul Williams, who is based in Dallas, and Norris Lawrence, based in Austin, key members of the Sunbelt team, will assist Mr. Wiemer in completing transactions. Sunbelt offers a full-service approach, providing regional and national clients with a combination of local market knowledge, national expertise and a time-tested marketing system.

"We are pleased to launch Sunbelt under Robert’s leadership," said Lou Plasencia, President and CEO of The Plasencia Group, Inc.  "After more than a decade developing an industry-leading approach to effectively and efficiently marketing hotel properties, whose centerpiece is key focus on client service, we are pleased to begin offering this approach in the mid-market segment throughout the country.” He concluded, “Our clients told us they would welcome a new kind of consultancy, combining national reach and proven systems with local market knowledge – and we have delivered.”

Plasencia added that additional regional affiliates are likely to be launched in the coming months, in the East, West and South. Like Sunbelt, each office will be directed by a managing director and employ seasoned hospitality consulting professionals.

Sunbelt launches with a portfolio of 14 properties being marketed in the State of Texas, including three in Dallas, three in Austin, three in San Antonio, and additional Texas hotels in Abilene, Wichita Falls and Abilene. 

Wiemer said, “We are delighted to bring a strong group of properties to market under the Sunbelt banner.” He concluded, “Having worked in these markets for more than two decades, it is clear that the time is right for Sunbelt, and we look forward to expanding our efforts in the weeks ahead.” 

About Sunbelt Hospitality

Sunbelt Hospitality, an affiliate of The Plasencia Group, Inc., specializes in marketing limited and mid-market hotels in the Southwest. Combining proven marketing processes and systems with local market knowledge, Sunbelt provides unparalleled value and service to its clients. For more information on Sunbelt, please contact Robert Wiemer, at (281) 379-2613, rwiemer@tpghotels.com.

About The Plasencia Group

Founded in 1993, The Plasencia Group, Inc. is the leading hospitality transaction and consulting services firm, representing public and private owners of hotels, resorts, and golf courses. With transactions encompassing close to 11,000 hotel rooms valued at well over $1 billion in the past twelve months alone, The Plasencia Group, Inc. has provided personalized, valued-added investment opportunities and services to clients such as Host Marriott Corporation (NYSE: HMT), Cigna Insurance, MeriStar Hotel Company (NYSE: MHX), Lend Lease Real Estate Investments and the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.  With regional offices in Tampa, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Little Rock, Providence and San Diego, The Plasencia Group, Inc. offers a full range of value-added solutions, including transactions, property valuation analysis, financial and strategic planning, asset management and disposition, and proprietary industry research.  Learn more about The Plasencia Group, Inc. at www.tpghotels.com.