Chicago, IL March 31, 2009 --- Sage Hospitality, a national hospitality company, has selected Robert Cartwright, an industry innovator whose hospitality career spans 18-years and who is recognized for his accomplishments in collaborative team building, employee mentoring, and quality management techniques ---to lead Chicago�s legendary The Blackstone � A Renaissance Hotel.

The Blackstone, a national landmark that provided regal lodgings for the 20th century�s most famous figures--from a dozen U.S. presidents to Hollywood stars - reopened last spring following a $128 million showcase restoration that sensitively preserved its architectural legacy while transforming the Chicago icon into a world-class, 332-room luxury hotel.

Alexandra Walterspiel, Sage�s divisional vice president of premier and boutique hotels, described Mr. Cartwright as an exceptional fit to lead The Blackstone: 

�Mr. Cartwright�s dynamic leadership, marketing innovation, demonstrated hotel management success and his passion for hospitality will be invaluable assets for the continuing success of The Blackstone,� observed Ms. Walterspiel.

Mr. Cartwright launched his hospitality career at the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers -New York City in 1991. That post, as finance department coordinator, was a springboard for progressively more responsible management roles with the diverse collection of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide brands. Some notable assignments include: director of rooms operations for the Westin Copley Place in Boston, MA; resort manager for The St. Regis Resort, Monarch Beach, CA; corporate director of rooms, Starwood North America; and senior director, Six Sigma Master Black Belt, Southern California region of Starwood.

Most recently, Mr. Cartwright served as the general manager of the 1053-room urban resort, Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, named �Green Hotel of the Year� for 2006 by the California Hotel Lodging Association.

Mr. Cartwright has a B.S. in Economics from State University of New York-Oneonta, NY and earned an advanced certificate in asset management, real estate and hotel investments at the Cornell School of Hotel Administration. An avid civic leader, Mr. Cartwright served on the board of directors for the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau, the San Diego Hotel/Motel Association and the Old Globe Theatre.

About The Blackstone, A Renaissance Hotel
The Blackstone, located in the heart of Chicago�s arts and theater district and adjacent to the world class Millennium Park, offers 332 stylish rooms among them the fabled Presidential Suite and the legendary Smoke-filled Room; 19,396 square feet of meeting space, including the lavishly restored Crystal Ballroom; an innovative collection of contemporary Chicago art and a 23rd floor Concierge Lounge with sweeping views of Lake Michigan. An award -winning destination restaurant, Mercat a la Planxa featuring Catalan cuisine is on site. The Blackstone�s décor is a dynamic mix of historic architecture and savvy design combined with luxury amenities and thoughtful guest services. This national historic landmark and Chicago cultural icon officially opened in April 2008 after a $128 million showcase restoration by Sage Hospitality. Rates starting at $299. For The Blackstone reservations, please call The Blackstone at 312/447-0955 or visit www.blackstonerenaissance.com.        

About Sage Hospitality
Founded in 1984, Sage Hospitality has strategically grown into one of the largest privately held hotel management and development companies in the nation operating a variety of large, full-service hotels and a number of extended stay and select-service properties. Sage Hospitality's comprehensive management portfolio includes major international brands for Marriott, Starwood, Hilton and IHG as well as the independent boutique hotels the Oxford and the Curtis in Denver.Sage Hospitality has further differentiated with the creation of the Sage Restaurant Group, which has created and is managing 5 unique restaurant concepts. The company developed the innovative CoCo Key water resort brand with 8 destination properties currently opened and 3 additional resorts opening soon. For more information, please visit www.sagehospitality.com

The Blackstone, A Renaissance Hotel
www.blackstonerenaissance.com