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Benchmark Hospitality International Announces �The Orchid�
A New Luxury Hotel Rising in Panama City, Panama


The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, March 14, 2008� Benchmark Hospitality International, which operates upscale resorts, conference centers, hotels and condominium resorts throughout the United States and internationally, has announced The Orchid, a new luxury hotel under construction in the heart of Panama City, Panama.  The Orchid is owned and being developed by the partnership of Daniel Lundstrom, a Florida-based real estate investor, and Proyectos, Construcción y Administración (PROCASA), a leading Panamanian developer. It is Benchmark Hospitality�s first project in Central America. The Orchid, which is scheduled to open in October 2009, is the first of three hotels being developed by this consortium. All three properties will be operated by Benchmark Hospitality International.  

�This is an extremely exciting opportunity for Benchmark as we embark on our expansion into Latin America,� said Burt Cabañas, chairman & CEO of Benchmark Hospitality International.  �The first two hotels will be located in the heart of Panama City�s financial district and the third property will be a luxury ocean-front resort and residential development, located about an hour from Panama City.�  Cabañas continued with, �We are also very proud to partner with a group of owners and developers with a stellar reputation in the real estate industry in both the United States and in Panama. We could not ask for a better relationship.�

The Orchid:  A Total Immersion in Luxury and Comfort

The Orchid is the latest addition to the ever-evolving skyline of Panama City, the Capital of the Republic of Panama.  The 17-story tower is being constructed in the heart of the city�s financial district on Aquilino de la Guardia Avenue, surrounded by banks, world-class shopping, casinos, fine dining restaurants and a vibrant nightlife.  Close by are Panama�s famed beaches, mountains and rain forests, which extend throughout the country.  The hotel is 20 minutes from the Panama Canal Zone, 20 minutes from Tocumen International Airport, and 10 minutes from the Marco A. Gelabert Airport.

With The Orchid, Benchmark Hospitality introduces to Latin America its Personal Luxury Hotel� concept, Benchmark�s signature line of exclusive hotels catering to the most sophisticated traveler.  The Orchid will create a total immersion in luxury, comfort and convenience for visiting business professionals, international meeting guests, and vacationers arriving to Panama from around the globe.  The hotel will boast 170 suites featuring the most current technological and business amenities, including Wi-Fi throughout, large plasma televisions, as well as custom-made furnishings and linens, and state-of-the-art fitness facilities.
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The Orchid Announcement Reception, Panama City
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L to R: Jonathan Mizrachi, Partner, PROCASA, Isaac Mizrachi, Partner, PROCASA, Juan Carlos Contalba, Director, International Development, Benchmark Hospitality International, Burt Cabañas, Chairman & CEO, Benchmark Hospitality International, Analida Nuñez, MC & former Miss Panama, former Miss Universe, Dan Lundstrom, Partner, The Orchid, Elias Mizrachi, Partner, PROCASA, Saúl Malca, Partner, The Orchid, David Mizrachi, Partner, PROCASA
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The hotel�s architecture has been designed by PROCASA of Panama City and will feature a sophisticated, contemporary glass exterior.  The interior design will include a palette of warm, soothing colors elegantly presented, emphasizing Panama�s national flower � the orchid. It will have a tapas-style restaurant featuring Spanish and upscale local cuisine with a lively bar offering the best and most extensive wine list in the city.

The Business Complex at The Orchid will be one of the most sophisticated and functional business environments in Panama.  Two levels of technologically advanced meeting rooms and luxurious board rooms, along with Benchmark Hospitality�s signature Conference Concierge Services, will provide everything required for a productive, innovative and successful meeting environment.  

The Spa at The Orchid will feature the highest standards of luxury with indulgent treatments and services designed for enhanced well being as well as personal pampering, rejuvenation and relaxation.  The Spa at The Orchid will offer customized treatments utilizing natural elements extracted from Panama�s rich organic environment. It will also feature a prestigious line of internationally renowned spa products.

Vibrant Panama City, Panama

Vibrant Panama City, Panama, is increasingly being perceived as the gateway to Latin America, particularly for the US market.  The city is less than four hours by air from major hubs such as Houston, Miami, Atlanta, and Dallas, and Panama�s currency is the US dollar.  Panama City is also one of the world�s most active financial centers and is experiencing explosive growth.  

With multiple construction projects currently in process within the city � many of which are luxury towers, the skyline is ever evolving.  The city�s population is largely bilingual, educated and welcoming.  

Panama City is home to the storied Panama Canal and the active International Free Trade Zone, the second largest of its kind in the world.  The Panama Canal has recently embarked on a vast expansion program aimed at doubling the waterway�s capacity within ten years.

About PROCASA
Proyectos, Construcción y Administración, S.A. (PROCASA), a family owned company, is well known in the Panamanian marketplace as one of the most reliable and reputable real estate development firms in Panama.  The company is supported by the 30-year architectural expertise of Architect Isaac D. Mizrachi, who is in charge of the designs of all projects.  It is renowned for turning great ideas into reality.  PROCASA�s philosophy is simple yet effective; premium locations, unsurpassed properties, and delivering unbeatable customer satisfaction. 

About Benchmark Hospitality International
Benchmark Hospitality International, an independent hospitality management company based in The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, operates upscale resorts, conference centers, hotels and condominium resorts both domestically and internationally.  For locations of Benchmark Hospitality properties and for additional information, visit Benchmark's Website at www.benchmarkhospitality.com. 

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Contact:

Ken Ellens
Ken Ellens Communications
201-758-2864 / 201-758-2865-Fax
[email protected]
 

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Also See: Benchmark Hospitality International Launches Benchmark Japan / February 2008
Benchmark Hospitality International Selected to Operate New Lockheed Martin Center for Leadership Excellence in Bethesda, Maryland / March 2008
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