Cincinnati, OH, June 14, 2007 - Cincinnati, Ohio based, Winegardner & Hammons, Inc., one of the country's top hotel management companies officially broke ground on its first Renaissance Hotel & Resort, Marriott International's distinctive full-service hotel brand. The Renaissance Indianapolis North Hotel is being built in Carmel, one of the fastest growing cities in Indiana and it will be the first Renaissance in the "Hoosier" state. "We are proud that Winegardner & Hammons, Inc. has selected Carmel as the site for a Renaissance Hotel & Resort. Its location along the Meridian Street Corridor and high level of guest services will be ideal for business travelers and other visitors to the area.  We appreciate their investment in our community," said Mayor Jim Brainard.

Renaissance is an upscale, urbane, sophisticated enjoyment-focused hotel that is especially appealing to emerging Generation X/Y travelers. Scheduled to open summer 2008, The Renaissance Indianapolis North Hotel is located just north of Indianapolis at 11925 N. Meridian St. in Carmel, IN. When complete it will feature 263 exquisitely designed guest rooms and four suites, all decked out with LCD TV's, high-speed internet access and Marriott's new Revive(r) bedding package. 

A host of on-site amenities will encompass 14,000 square-feet of versatile meeting space to include a 7,500 square-foot ballroom and 15 meeting rooms, high speed internet access throughout the hotel, grille 31 restaurant, lounge, a state-of-art fitness center and lap pool. "We're excited to introduce this world-class brand known for its stylish and distinctive designs and impeccable service to the state," said Mike Conway, senior vice president of marketing, Winegardner & Hammons, Inc. "Carmel is a vibrant city with a dynamic mix of arts, sports and entertainment that together with a thriving business environment provide a perfect fit for this newest development."   The Meridian Corridor, home to some of the top corporate names in the United States, such as Delta Faucet, <http://www.deltafaucet.com/>  Thomson Consumer Electronics, <http://thomson.net/EN/home>  and Conseco <http://www.conseco.com/>  are located nearby. 

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company with nearly 2,900 lodging properties in the United States and 67 other countries and territories. Marriott International operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites and Bulgari
brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club, Horizons by Marriott Vacation Club, The Ritz-Carlton Club and Grand Residences by Marriott brands; operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division; and operates conference centers. The company is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and had approximately 151,000 employees at 2006 year-end. It is ranked as the lodging industry's most admired company and one of the best places to work for by FORTUNE(r). The company is also a 2006 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ENERGY STAR(r) Partner. In fiscal year 2006, Marriott International reported sales from continuing operations of $12.2 billion. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com.

About Winegardner & Hammons, Inc.
Winegardner & Hammons, Inc. is a full-service hotel management company with a reputation for progressive and successful hospitality management.  The WHI owned/managed portfolio includes resorts, all-suite, extended-stay, full service and conference center hotels in many diverse markets across the United States.  WHI currently manages over 26 hotels in the United States and is affiliated with most major hotel brands.  For more information on WHI, please visit our web site at www.whihotels.com.