Omni Hotels Breaks Ground in Fort Worth, Texas on $170 Million Convention Center Luxury Hotel and Condominiums / August 2006

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Omni Hotels Breaks Ground in Fort Worth, Texas on $170 Million
Convention Center Luxury Hotel and Condominiums

FORT WORTH, Texas, Aug. 21, 2006 - Omni Hotels is capturing the Fort Worth horizon as construction begins for the brand's newest luxury hotel and condominiums. Sculpted from native stone, rich hardwoods and wrapped in glass, the Omni Fort Worth Hotel will be the newest star in the Lone Star State.

"The Omni Fort Worth Hotel will offer a bold taste of Texas hospitality with a personality that's as gracious and dynamic as Fort Worth itself," said Robert Rowling, chairman of Omni Hotels.

The 34-story, 604-room luxury hotel will boast a unique structural design and style that draw upon Fort Worth's strong cultural roots and bold Texas pride to create an unforgettable atmosphere. With artwork adorning the hotel walls, the unique life-as-gallery display will be part of the finishing touch to this new piece of Fort Worth magnificence.

Omni Hotels celebrated the start of construction with a special ceremony and reception for local officials and community partners. Joined by Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief, Rowling literally added the company's brand to the Fort Worth skyline by raising an over-sized branding iron to imprint the Omni Hotels logo on a giant artist's rendering of the hotel and surrounding area.

"We're proud to add the Omni Hotels brand to Fort Worth's burgeoning downtown scene," said Rowling. "The City of Fort Worth has been a bold, forward-thinking partner, and together we can build upon the city's growing reputation as a leading destination."

Omni Hotels plans to welcome guests to the new Fort Worth location in late 2008. Big, even by legendary Texas standards, the convention center hotel will offer nearly 40,000 square feet of meeting room space, plus 10,000 additional square feet of outdoor meeting space. Guests will find unrivaled amenities to include:

Multiple dining and entertainment venues, such as Bob's Steak and Chophouse, a full-service Starbucks, a sports bar, a wine bar and a museum store
A full-service spa and fully equipped fitness center
Wi-Fi access throughout guest rooms and public spaces
Ballrooms suited for any meeting or social occasion

The project also includes plans for 97 luxury condominiums where residents can enjoy the hotel's amenities and services as well as private resident-only facilities. Among the many features at Fort Worth's most luxurious high-rise residential address are dramatic, unobstructed views, large private balconies, a rooftop garden terrace and VIP services. The sales center is expected to open in early 2007.

The Omni Fort Worth Hotel, which is being privately financed, will be owned and managed by Omni Hotels. The hotel was designed by Dallas based architects HOK. The interior design elements were fashioned by Looney & Associates, also located in Dallas.

The addition of the Fort Worth property extends a period of an aggressive growth for Omni Hotels. Their latest period of expansion began in 2002 with the opening of its Omni San Francisco Hotel. Since then, the company has opened a 600-room tower and meeting space at Atlanta's Omni Hotel at CNN Center (2003), the Omni San Diego Hotel (2004) and the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate (2004). In March 2006, Omni acquired La Mansion del Rio and the Watermark Hotel & Spa in San Antonio. The company also extended its international reach in March by joining Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), a network of luxury brands with hotels and resorts in more than 150 destinations in 55 countries.

About Omni Hotels
Omni Hotels was recently ranked "Highest in Guest Satisfaction Among Upscale Hotel Chains" in the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Study(SM) for the second year in a row. The brand creates compelling, memorable guest experiences by tempting the senses in innovative ways, surrounding them with a balanced blend of scents, sounds, sights, textures and tastes. Omni Hotels offers luxury accommodations at 40 hotels and resorts in leading business gateways and leisure destinations across North America. From exceptional golf and spa retreats to dynamic business settings, each location features four-diamond services, including award-winning signature restaurants, Wi-Fi connectivity and unique fitness options. Omni's mission for total customer service is further supported by its "Power of One" program that empowers associates to make on-the-spot decisions to meet or exceed guest expectations. Guests can locate hotels and book accommodations by visiting http://www.omnihotels.com or by calling 1-800-THE-OMNI.

Contact:

Omni Hotels
http://www.omnihotels.com

Also See:	Nine Months after Winning and Signing Deal with City of Fort Worth, Omni Hotels Seeks Additional $18 million in Tax Rebates and Cash for 600 room Convention Center Hotel / January 2006
	The Opening is Two Years Away, But the $115 million Omni Fort Worth Hotel Sets Up Advisory Board to Weigh In On Everything from Volume of Lobby Music to Scents in the Restrooms / May 2006
	City of Fort Worth and Omni Hotels Hammer Out Final Details for 600-room Downtown Hotel; Plan Includes Nearly $50 million in Public Money / March 2005
	Fort Worth Officials Pick Four Hotel Developers to Interview for the Convention Center Hotel Project / November 2003

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