Anchorage, Alaska � September 28, 2009 � The Hotel Group (THG), together with the Anchorage Convention & Visitor�s Bureau and Anchorage City Manager George Vakalis, gathered last week at 109 W. International Airport Rd. to celebrate the official Grand Opening of Alaska�s first Crowne Plaza hotel. Located just two miles from the Ted Stevens International Airport, the new 165-room, six-story full-service hotel is owned by Anchorage Hospitality LLC and managed by THG of Seattle under a license agreement with IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON: IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)].

�On behalf of THG and the valued business partners and city groups that helped make this opening possible, �Welcome� to the new Crowne Plaza Anchorage-Midtown,� said Tammy Griffin, THG Director of Operations and a life long Alaskan to the more than 500 guests attending the Grand Opening celebration. �As you can see, this fun, fresh, contemporary hotel has already become �The Place To Meet� in Anchorage. Not only is this facility warm and inviting, but its opening has brought more than 70 new jobs to area residents. As tourism begins to rebound, and with the opening of the new Anchorage Dena�ina Civic and Convention Center a year ago almost to the day, we have full confidence that this property will quickly become an in-demand destination in Midtown.�

Anchorage City Manager George Vakalis told guests that he is thrilled that the Crowne Plaza brand has finally made its way to Alaska: �Crowne Plaza is an upscale brand in major urban centers, gateway cities and resort destinations around the world, and the opening of the first Crowne Plaza in our state truly puts Anchorage on the map. We know that all visitors staying at this facility will enjoy high levels of comfort, service and amenities. This development also is a welcomed addition to our local hospitality economy; we�re glad to see growth in the tourism sector.�

Co-host of the celebratory event was Julie Saupe, President and CEO of the Anchorage Convention & Visitor�s Bureau. Saupe concurred with the City Manager, saying the new Crowne Plaza Anchorage-Midtown exemplifies the finest in hospitality and accommodations that Anchorage has to offer. 

�Travel and tourism is the second largest private sector employer in Alaska,� Saupe said. �The travel and tourism industry remains a viable, economic driver of Anchorage�s economy, as evidenced by the private sector�s continued investment in the area. In addition to the city�s new construction, with the completion of the Dena�ina Civic and Convention Center and several new hotels, significant money has been invested in the Anchorage area, and we couldn�t be happier. Bringing a globally-recognized brand such as Crowne Plaza to Anchorage, especially during this troubled economy, is an exciting way to celebrate Alaska�s 50th anniversary of statehood.�

THG Executive Vice President Lara Latture said, �We hope the local business community and everyone visiting Alaska, including those from the lower 48, will be just as delighted that Crowne Plaza is now in Anchorage. It is our goal to make the Crowne Plaza Anchorage-Midtown �the� premiere full-service hotel in Anchorage, and based on initial feedback, we are well on our way to achieving that goal.�
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The hotel features the Crowne Plaza Sleep Advantage® Program, available at all Crowne Plaza hotels in the Americas.  Sleep Advantage encompasses the entire sleep experience, from training staff on how to create and maintain a restful environment to providing innovative products and services.  Program components include signature bedding, guaranteed wake-up calls, designated quiet zones, nightlights, drape clips and amenities such as eye masks, earplugs and lavender spray.

Also consistent with the Crowne Plaza brand, the hotel offers a comprehensive meetings program to ensure a seamless planning process and exceptional meeting experience consisting of three key components: a Two Hour Response Guarantee, Crowne Meetings Director and a Daily Meetings Debrief.  The hotel has 4,740 square feet of meeting space for business functions or special events. 

Located nearby are local companies such as BP (British Petroleum), Arctic Slope Regional Corp. (ASRC), Alyeska Pipeline, CH2M Hill, Denali - The Alaska Gas Pipeline, Providence Hospital, Alaska Regional Hospital, Alaska Native Medical Center and the University of Alaska.

For more information on the Crowne Plaza Anchorage-Midtown, visit www.crowneplaza.com/anchorageak or call direct at 907-443-4100.

About The Hotel Group
THG is a nationally recognized Top 40 hotel company and currently manages and/or owns 25 properties in 9 states, representing 13 brands and employs more than 1,300 people. Since its inception in 1984, THG has managed more than 100 properties in 20 states, directed the design and construction of 30 new hotels, completed the acquisition of more than $125 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 Crowne Plaza 
Crowne Plaza was recently recognized by Lodging Hospitality magazine as one of the industry's top growing brands. As part of the IHG global portfolio, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts has nearly 300 hotels in 60 countries, and are located in major urban centers, gateway cities and resort destinations. For reservations at Crowne Plaza properties, visit http://www.crowneplaza.com/ or call 1-800-2CROWNE. 

Barb Worcester
 President/Principal
 PRPRO
Tel: (440) 930-5770
[email protected]

Katherine Steed
Director of Marketing
The Hotel Group
Tel: (425) 248-2978
[email protected]