HONG KONG, March 12, 2012 - Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group today announced that it has signed a long term management contract to rebrand and operate an existing luxury hotel and residences in Atlanta. The property, “The Mansion on Peachtree,” will be rebranded as Mandarin Oriental, Atlanta with effect from May 2012.

The hotel is situated in the heart of Buckhead, the city’s most prestigious neighborhood.  With an address on Peachtree Road, the hotel provides easy access to the region’s finest dining, shopping and cultural attractions.

The hotel and residences are housed in an iconic, 42-story mixed-use building, designed by celebrated American architect Robert A.M. Stern.  The luxury hotel comprises 127 spacious guestrooms and suites, providing guests with unparalleled views of the city. Facilities include an all-day dining restaurant and lounge bar, as well as a wide selection of meeting rooms, including a 130-seat ballroom. The extensive spa facilities, complete with 14 treatment rooms, will feature the holistic spa products and award-winning, signature therapies for which Mandarin Oriental spas are renowned. The property also features a 60-foot indoor swimming pool and a comprehensive fitness centre.

The development includes 25 private, luxury homes that will be rebranded and sold as The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Atlanta. These offer owners the comforts of a private residence combined with the unsurpassed amenities and legendary service of Mandarin Oriental. Perched above the city skyline occupying floors 25 to 42, The Residences aim to set the standard of luxury living in Atlanta.

The overall project is owned by a wholly owned subsidiary of iStar Financial Inc., a fully-integrated finance and investment company focused on the commercial real estate industry.

“We are delighted to introduce Mandarin Oriental's renowned services and facilities to this important destination.  This agreement provides the Group with an opportunity to establish our brand in one of America’s fastest-growing, cosmopolitan cities,” said Edouard Ettedgui, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.

“We are pleased to have signed this agreement with Mandarin Oriental, one of the world’s leading hotel operators. Mandarin Oriental’s reputation for excellence complements our efforts to position this property as Atlanta’s top luxury destination,” said John Kubicko, Senior Vice President at iStar Financial Inc.

The city of Atlanta is the state capital of Georgia and, along with its surrounding metropolitan area, is one of the largest and most economically important cities in the southeastern United States.  The Buckhead district has been described by Robb Report as one of the “top affluent communities in the country…with some of the most beautiful mansions, best shopping and finest restaurants in the southeastern United States.”

The hotel is located 35 minutes from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and ten minutes from the DeKalb-Peachtree Airport, which accommodates private aircraft.

About Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world's most prestigious hotels and resorts. Mandarin Oriental now operates, or has under development, 43 hotels representing over 11,000 rooms in 27 countries, with 18 hotels in Asia, 13 in The Americas and 12 in Europe and Middle East. In addition, the Group operates, or has under development, 14 Residences at Mandarin Oriental connected to its properties.