BETHESDA, Md., MARCH 15, 2012—Urgo Hotels, a major operator, developer and owner of upscale and luxury hotels, today announced that it signed a long-term management agreement and now operates the Whiteface Lodge Resort and Homeowner’s Association, a AAA four-diamond resort located in Lake Placid, N.Y.  The resort brings to more than 30 hotels operated or owned by Urgo Hotels.

“Whiteface Lodge is a very special, award-winning resort that recreates a 21st century update to the great lodges of the Adirondacks,” said Kevin Urgo, principal and chief development and finance officer of Urgo Hotels.  “We are particularly well-suited for this assignment because one of our key strengths is managing complex, one-of-a-kind resort properties and operating them to achieve their full market potential.  We look forward to working closely with the resort owner and the Homeowners Association Board to capitalize on Whiteface Lodge’s legacy of providing an authentic experience, renowned service and superior facilities and amenities.”

Whiteface Lodge Resort offers 94 one-to-four bedroom suites along with a private residence club.  The property features a 5,800 square-foot spa with six treatment rooms and a fully-equipped fitness center.  The resort is ranked among the top US spa hotels by Conde Nast Traveller and also has been recognized for excellence by Travel+Leisure and Wine Spectator.  Trip Advisor and Conde Nast readers also recommend the resort, which includes an indoor/outdoor swimming pool, an ice skating rink, 54-seat movie theater, bowling lanes, tennis courts, snowshoe/cross country trails and a private beach and canoe club.  The resort complex also has fractional and full-ownership units.

‘’We believe there is a great opportunity for continuous improvement at the Whiteface Lodge,” said Serge Primeau, Urgo’s vice president of operations.  “We are committed to maintaining and enhancing the level of service while improving top-line performance and financial results.  We also are sensitive to the partnership with the fractional unit owners and have already started putting together programs that will enhance communications and make the Whiteface Lodge a memorable place to enjoy with their families.’’

The resort is enhanced by fine dining at Kanu, summertime alfresco dining, and cognac and cigar lean-tos built in the style of Adirondack hunting lodges, with luxury features including a drink menu that received the Wine Spectator award of excellence, a selection of 25 single malt scotches and hand-rolled cigars.

“In the past two years, we’ve added 14 hotels to our portfolio, and nearly half of them are resort projects with numerous constituencies to serve and complex nuances that require experience and judicious handling,” Urgo said.  “In some cases, we’ve undertaken major renovations, while other hotels simply need the correct vision and an adjusted focus.  Regardless of the hotel’s specific needs, we have a proven nearly 30-year management and ownership track record of great success to help them position for prosperity.”

About Urgo Hotels
Urgo Hotels is a Bethesda, Md.-based hotel company that develops, owns and/or operates 31 distinctive and unique hotels and resorts with an aggregate of more than 4,300 rooms in major markets and resorts in Canada, the Caribbean and the United States.  The company develops, builds, and operates for its own account, as well as provides third-party management and asset management services.  Additional information about the company may be found at www.urgohotels.com.