DES MOINES, Iowa--December 27, 2010--Hyatt Hotels & Resorts and First Hospitality Group, Inc. today announce the opening of Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown, the first Hyatt Place hotel in the state of Iowa.

“We are very excited to bring Hyatt Place to the Des Moines area with the opening of Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown,” said Cheryl Hayes, general manager, Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown. “Whether we are catering to business or leisure travelers, we know that our guests will appreciate the comfortable and functional amenities offered at Hyatt Place, such as free Wi-Fi, made-to-order fresh food around the clock and the StayFit@Hyatt fitness center.”

Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown is located in the heart of the historic downtown area and is only minutes from the offices of major corporations, including Wells Fargo, Nationwide Insurance, Meredith Corporation, Wellmark, and Principal Financial Group. The city is known for its climate-controlled skywalks, which connect the hotel to several event centers, shopping, dining and major businesses. Guests can also visit top entertainment spots via shuttle or skywalk, including the Civic Center, Polk County Convention Complex, Wells Fargo Arena and Court Avenue District. For families visiting the Des Moines area, the hotel is just minutes from Iowa’s famous State Fair, Science Center, IMAX Theater and Principal Park, home of the Iowa Cubs.

Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown offers:

• 93 spacious guestrooms, all of which feature a 42-inch HDTV, the plush Hyatt Grand Bed® and an eight-foot sectional sofa sleeper
• Complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel
• Complimentary continental breakfast featuring a variety of fresh fruits, hot and cold cereal, yogurt, breads, premium coffee and an assortment of juices
• 1,125 square feet of flexible, high-tech meeting/function space
• 24/7 Guest Kitchen serving made-to-order snacks and entrees
• Intimate Bakery Café featuring Starbucks® specialty coffees, premium beers and wines and cocktails

“As a major hub for insurance, financial and publishing companies, and rated the ‘Best Place for Business’ in 2010 by Forbes Magazine, we are excited to be bringing Hyatt Place to such a thriving and vibrant community like Des Moines,” said Robert Habeeb, President & COO, First Hospitality Group. “We are confident that Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown will bring a new standard to the area and will provide a perfect mix of style, service and amenities that will exceed guest expectations.”

“We have seen tremendous growth with the Hyatt Place brand and are thrilled to have a presence in Iowa with the opening of Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown,” said Gary Dollens, global head, franchise and select operations, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts. “Because Des Moines attracts such a diverse traveler mix and is also a major base for several large companies, we know that Hyatt Place is the perfect fit for this area and will offer guests the right environment to meet all of their needs.”

HYATT PLACE DES MOINES/DOWNTOWN LEADERSHIP

Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown is under the leadership of General Manager Cheryl Hayes and Director of Sales Jenny Harris. In her role, Hayes is directly responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the hotel, including overseeing the hotel’s 30 associates and ensuring guests encounter the purposeful service for which Hyatt Place is known. Hayes is joined by Harris, director of sales, who is responsible for providing sales service and support to travelers and meeting planners frequenting the Des Moines area.

HYATT PLACE BACKGROUND

Hyatt Place brings the authentic hospitality for which Hyatt is known to the upscale select-service category of hotels. Inspired by multitasking travelers’ 24/7 lifestyle, Hyatt Place combines stylish design, practical amenities, forward-thinking technology and purposeful service so guests can remain connected and productive while traveling. Features include complimentary Wi-Fi access, a StayFit@Hyatt fitness center, a coffee and wine bar serving Starbucks® specialty coffees and premium wine and beer, and the Grab ’n Go case stocked with freshly made sandwiches and salads. The Guest Kitchen offers made-to-order breakfast, lunch and dinner entrées around the clock, in addition to the complimentary continental breakfast served daily. Specially trained Hosts are on hand to offer assistance with everything from directions to check-in to a freshly made meal.

About Hyatt Place

Spacious guestrooms feature multiple areas to work and relax, and include the Cozy Corner, an eight-foot sectional sofa sleeper; plush Hyatt Grand Bed; and ergonomic work center. Every guestroom is also equipped with a state-of-the-art media center that allows electronic devices to plug directly into the 42-inch, high-definition television, giving guests instant access to the technological amenities they’re accustomed to accessing at home or in the office.

Hyatt Place, a brand of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, offers more than 150 locations throughout the United States. For Hyatt Place information or to make a reservation, call 1-888-HYATT-HP (888-492-8847) or visit www.HyattPlace.com.

About First Hospitality Group, Inc.

First Hospitality Group Inc. has been involved in the development, ownership, and management of hotels since 1985. Currently, the First Hospitality Group, Inc. portfolio of over 40 hotels consists of Hyatt and other leading brands. In addition, First Hospitality Group, Inc. has ownership interests and manages hotels affiliated with InterContinental, Hyatt, and Carlson. For further information contact Lucy Subhasiriwatana at 847-939-5221 or [email protected].