Kimpton Hotels was awarded the management contract of The MUSE by Cornerstone, an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of the MassMutual Financial Group, which manages more than $5 billion on behalf of a number of major public and corporate pension funds, endowments, foundations and union funds, as well as MassMutual. "We are pleased with Kimpton's management of two other hotels we own, The Hotel Marlowe in Cambridge, Ma., and The Serrano in San Francisco, Ca., and we look forward to working together on The MUSE,� said Cornerstone Chief Executive Officer Dave Reilly.

Playing off the pulse of Times Square and the lights of Broadway, The MUSE provides guests a place to �stay inspired� in New York City. Favored by many icons of fashion, music and entertainment, the AAA Four Diamond hotel is on the cutting edge of guest service, from arranging lessons with the Rockettes and American Ballet Theatre to themed pajama parties and shopping with fashion models.  

Honored as one of Travel Channel�s �Great Hotels,� The MUSE blends comfort with creativity, service with style and logic with luxury.

�New York has been a key target market for Kimpton, and The MUSE�s premium offerings and ideal Times Square location provide a welcome alternative to the larger conference hotels or trendy, yet non-functional, boutiques in this area,� said Joe Long, Kimpton�s executive vice president of acquisitions and development.  �The combination of Kimpton�s management expertise and the quality features of The MUSE, will undoubtedly attract consumer interest while also attempting to provide superior returns to our investors,� added Long.

�Our strategy of taking over existing hotels in desirable locations, to reposition as a Kimpton property, is something the Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants will continue to pursue as opportunities arise,� said Tom LaTour, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer.

ABOUT KIMPTON 
Founded by Bill Kimpton in 1981, San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants is a unique collection of boutique hotels coupled with chef-driven, destination restaurants. While all Kimpton Hotels are thoughtfully appointed and managed to help guests maintain and enrich their lifestyles on the road, each is individually designed to reflect the energy, personality, and pulse of its distinct location, history, and architectural style. Featuring highly personalized guest services, comforting in-room amenities, and one-of-a-kind specialty rooms and suites, Kimpton Hotels provide travelers with welcoming atmospheres that embrace its signature elements of care, comfort, style, flavor, and fun. Kimpton takes pride in its social responsibility, supporting select like-minded partners and is a leader in ecological practices. Kimpton currently operates 38 boutique hotels with restaurants throughout the United States and Canada. This includes 70 Park Avenue hotel, the first Kimpton in New York City and the new Hotel Solamar in San Diego. Kimpton also re-launched the newly renovated Mayfair Hotel & Spa in Coconut Grove, Miami and will debut the Hotel Palomar, Washington D.C. in mid-2006 and the Hotel Palomar, Dallas in August 2006. Several additional projects are currently underway in Arizona, South Beach and Virginia.  
 

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants
www.kimptonhotels.com