Missoula, MT — December 12, 2012 — This week The Hotel Group (THG) assumed management of the Courtyard by Marriott in Missoula, Mont. The 92-room property, located at 4559 North Reserve Street, is owned by Mercury Investment of Duluth, Minn. This is the second property to be managed by THG in Montana, and its second Courtyard by Marriott hotel. THG presently operates the Crowne Plaza Billings in Billings, Mont., and the Courtyard by Marriott in Richland, Wash.

"The Courtyard by Marriott is one of the most respected hotel brands in the U.S. and beyond," said Lara Latture, THG Chief Operating Officer and Principal. "When Mercury Investment acquired this property, they went in search of a third-party management entity that excels at operating hotels in secondary markets and thriving college cities in the Pacific Northwest/Rocky Mountain area. Not only does THG fit that mold, but like Mercury Investment, we have a long-standing relationship with Marriott International, and we recognize the value the Marriott franchise brings to the Missoula market."

Karen Stelmak, a Mercury Investment principal and resident of the Bozeman area, said the real estate investment company is delighted to forge a new relationship with THG.

"THG's reputation, strong business practices, experience in the Montana lodging market, and the proximity of their corporate headquarters makes us ideal business partners," Stelmak said. "Like Mercury Investment, THG places professionalism, responsiveness, and high ethical standards at the forefront of their business dealings. Together, we are committed to making the Courtyard by Marriott Missoula the No. 1 choice in lodging accommodations by providing the highest standards of customer service."

Stelmak said Mercury Investment has been eager to enter the Montana lodging market for some time.

“Missoula has the ideal business climate for hospitality growth," she said. "The Mercury Investment team looks forward to becoming a strong presence in the area, and developing long-lasting partnerships within the community."

As part of the acquisition, Mercury Investment will allocate more than $1 million dollars towards property upgrades over the coming months to ensure the hotel's market dominance. Under the long-term leadership of  General Manager Cathleen Small, the Courtyard by Marriott Missoula will remain focused on driving revenue and reintroducing the property to the local business and residential communities.

The Courtyard by Marriott Missoula is located near Missoula International Airport and between Yellowstone and Glacier National Park. It is in close proximity to the University of Montana, the Missoula Osprey minor league baseball club, St. Patrick Hospital, McCormick Park, and is surrounded by hiking, biking, boating, fishing and skiing areas. The property features a contemporary design, with 2,000 square feet of meeting space to accommodate groups up to 120 people. A full-service business center also is offered, and wired and wireless Internet access is available throughout the property. The Courtyard Cafe serves a buffet breakfast daily, and dinner service is delivered from local restaurants. An indoor swimming pool, whirlpool and exercise room also is provided.

Guestrooms at the Courtyard by Marriott Missoula feature luxury bedding, including crisp linens, thicker mattresses, custom comforters and fluffy pillows. A refrigerator and microwave are standard amenities, along with a well-lit desk, hair dryer, iron/ironing board and coffee maker.

About The Hotel Group
THG is a nationally recognized Top 40 hotel company and currently manages and/or owns 25 properties in 10 states, representing 10 brands and employs more than 1,600 people. Since its inception in 1984, THG has managed more than 110 properties in 20 states, directed the design and construction of 35  new hotels, completed the acquisition of more than $150 million in private investment as the sponsor of Hotel Group Opportunity Funds I, II, III and IV. For more information, visit www.thehotelgroup.com or call 425-771-1788.

About Mercury Investment
Mercury Investment is a national real estate investment group with assets in the hotel, multi-family, land development, office/industrial markets. The company has a track record of working with proven, strong management companies and is responsive to both guests and residents who live in and visit their properties. For more information, visit www.mercuryinv.com.