ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. � June 2010 � John W. Marks, who has been at the helm of Florida�s Legendary �Pink Palace,� the Don CeSar Beach Resort, A Loews Hotel for more than 11 years, was awarded �General Manager of the Year� by Loews Hotels at this year�s Corporate meeting held in Orlando, Florida.

(l to r) John W. Marks and Jonathan Tisch

Marks was recognized by Loews Hotels based on a variety of criteria and exceeding corporate brand standards and initiatives. Some of his 2009 highlights and accomplishments were the hotel growing market share by 1.5% in spite of new competition, having the second- highest employee opinion survey in the company, a leading score in the overall guest satisfaction for Loews Hotels and the hotel receiving numerous awards and accolades such as Meetings and Conventions� Gold Key, Best of the Best Weddings, AAA�s Top Most Romantic Hotels, Maritana Grille in the Top 10 Seafood Restaurants in America by Gayot.com and The Best of the South by Meetings South Magazine. 

�John exemplifies the leadership qualities we look for in our general managers, and we are thrilled to name him General Manager of the Year,� said Sherrie Laveroni, Executive Vice President, Operations at Loews Hotels. �In a very challenging financial year he has managed to keep his team engaged, positive and productive, while continuing to run the day-to-day operations very successfully.�

An integral part of the Tampa/St. Petersburg hospitality industry, Marks is on the Board of Directors with the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, IMPACT Foundation and the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce. Marks also actively participates in organizations like the Historic Hotels of America, Make A Wish Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, American Red Cross and was named United Way�s 2009 Partnership in the Workplace Volunteer of the Year.

About the Don CeSar Beach Resort, A Loews Hotel
Once a playground for distinguished celebrities such as Clarence Darrow and F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Don CeSar Beach Resort, a Loews Hotel, continues to charm and impress guests including today�s Elton John and Justin Timberlake with service preserved from the Great Gatsby era of pampering. Sugar-sand beaches, Spa Oceana, poolside activities and Four-Diamond dining await visitors who return season after season. Blending European grandeur, seaside elegance and sweet sunsets with the enchantment of yesteryear, the romantic legend exemplifies the grandness of America�s traditional beach resorts and is the only historic resort on Florida�s Gulf Coast. For additional information contact (866) 728-2206 or visit www.loewshotels.com.

About Loews Hotels
Headquartered in New York City, Loews Hotels owns and/or operates 19 hotels and resorts in the U.S. and Canada, including the newest 414-room Loews Atlanta Hotel opening April 1, 2010. Located in major city centers and resort destinations from coast to coast, the Loews portfolio features one-of-a-kind properties that go beyond Four Diamond standards to delight guests with a supremely comfortable, uniquely local and vibrant travel experience. Loews boasts some of the industry's most innovative and successful travel programs, including Loews Loves Kids for families and Loews Loves Pets for discerning animals on the road. For reservations or more information on Loews Hotels, call 1-800-23-LOEWS or check www.loewshotels.com.