TEMPE, Ariz. (June 3, 2011) – O’Neill Hotels & Resorts Ltd. announces an addition to their hotel management portfolio – the Embassy Suites Phoenix-Tempe, making this the second Valley of the Sun property the group manages.  With a long-standing relationship, O’Neill is the preferred management partner of Sunstone U. S. Opportunity (No.3) Realty Trust (the “Trust”) and Sunstone U.S. (No. 3) L.P. (the “L.P) based in British Columbia, Canada, who purchased the hotel for $19 million.  The hotel will remain an Embassy Suites, which is part of the Hilton Hotels collection, and will see some expansive upgrades over the next 18 months as a multi-million dollar renovation plan is implemented. 
 
The market leader in upscale all-suite hotels, Embassy Suites Phoenix-Tempe is located at 4400 South Rural Road, Tempe and has 224 suites available across the 8-acre property.  Appealing to a diverse client base of corporate and leisure travelers are on-property amenities such as an outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, a fitness center, approximately 10,000 square feet of function and meeting space, a business center and Garcia’s Restaurant & Cantina.  
 
“The Embassy Suites Phoenix-Tempe is a wonderful addition to our expanding portfolio of hotels and resorts,” said John C. O’Neill, president of O’Neill Hotels & Resorts. “Continuing as a proud member of the Hilton brand family, Embassy Suites enjoys a strong leadership position and a resounding commitment to quality and service within the Tempe marketplace.  We are dedicated to delivering a hotel experience that is worthy of the Hilton and Embassy Suites names.”
 
Based out of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, O’Neill Hotels & Resorts is managing the newly acquired property through its U.S. operating entity T-REST Management.  Embassy Suites Phoenix-Tempe is the second acquisition where Sunstone and O’Neill have joined forces in the U.S. and specifically the Phoenix area.  Through an affiliate, chairman of O’Neill Hotels & Resorts, Rob O’Neill provided advisory, due diligence and acquisition services to Sunstone in the purchase of this property.  Xona Resort Suites in Scottsdale was the first U.S. based hotel partnership between Sunstone and O’Neill and was announced earlier this year.   Adding their four Canadian properties currently under management, O’Neill brings a depth of management experience to the new acquisition. 
 
Improvements to the hotel will begin within weeks with technology upgrades being the initial focus of renovations.   High-speed internet access and wi-fi hot spots will be added throughout the property as well as new high-definition televisions.  On the softer side, new linen packages specially designed for Embassy Suites by designer Robert Allen will be introduced.  Additional renovations are planned within the next 18 months. 
 
“To provide both our corporate and leisure guests an at-home experience, our immediate attention turns to not only physical comforts but also technological details.  Our world of instant web and email access for personal and business use is key for our guests.  Our technology upgrades will ensure this capability throughout the property,” adds O’Neill on the renovation schedule.  “This property offers an abundance of amenities and we are grateful for our long relationship with Sunstone Realty Advisors to be a part of another amazing Arizona hospitality project.”
 
About O’Neill Hotels & Resorts
Previously recognized by Foodservice & Hospitality Magazine as Canada’s fastest growing hotel company, O’Neill Hotels & Resorts Ltd is a leading North American hotel management company that currently operates four hotels in Western Canada: Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler, Westin Grand Hotel, Vancouver, the Coast Blackcomb Suites at Whistler, and the Oceanfront Grand Resort and Marina, Cowichan Bay as well as Xona Resort Suites Scottsdale in Arizona. The essence of O’Neill Hotels & Resorts is a symbiotic partnership of two brothers and successful hoteliers, Rob and John O’Neill with a combined 60 years of hotel and resort industry experience. For more information or to book reservations call (604) 684-0444 or visit www.oneillhotels.com.
 
About Sunstone Realty Advisors
Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunstone has a portfolio of revenue-producing properties located in major markets of Canada and the U.S. Through its national prospectus offerings, Sunstone gives investors the opportunity to participate in institutional quality commercial real estate investments with a professional management team.  Since 2002, Sunstone's Canadian Funds have acquired 60 properties totaling $540 million and their US funds have acquired multiple apartment and hotel properties in excess of $200 million USD.  For more information on Sunstone Realty Advisors please visit www.sunstoneadvisors.com.
 
About Embassy Suites Hotels
Founded in 1984, Embassy Suites Hotels defines the upscale, all-suite segment and has nearly 200 hotels open, with an additional 50 in the pipeline.  With spacious two-room suites, engaging team members and an inviting atrium environment, guests are allowed to put their feet up and feel right at home. To learn more, visit www.embassysuites.com.