Boston, MA - July 19, 2012 – Monte Hansen joined Sonesta as General Manager of the 485-room Royal Sonesta Hotel Houston as the hotel began operation Monday. With over 15 years of experience in hospitality management, Hansen brings new leadership to the hotel team as the hotel transitions to Sonesta management.

Hansen was most recently general manager at the Peabody Hotel in Little Rock, a Four Diamond full service convention center hotel. His experience includes senior management roles for the Greenbrier, the Peabody Hotel Memphis and the Gold Strike Casino Resort.

"Monte is the perfect general manager for this property, as he is familiar with four and five star hotel management and has experience overseeing large multi-purpose convention hotels," said Sonesta President Stephanie Sonnabend. Sonnabend continued, "We envision the Royal Sonesta Hotel Houston to be the market leader, especially for meetings and social functions in the Houston Galleria neighborhood."

The 485-room Royal Sonesta Hotel Houston is a AAA approved Four Diamond full service hotel located in the area of the Houston Galleria. The Royal Sonesta Hotel Houston is an upscale destination for shopping, dining and entertainment. The hotel offers 50,000 square feet of function space, several dining options, a swimming pool and a 24-hour health club. This 23-story modern hotel is located near the Museum and Theater districts and is just minutes from Downtown Houston. Reservations are available by calling +1.617.315.9100; toll free at +1.800.SONESTA or online at www.Sonesta.com.

Sonesta Collection is a distinctive international collection of upscale hotels, resorts and cruises. Every property reflects the energy, style and spirit of its location. Locally inspired and artfully presented cuisine, luxurious accommodations and passionate personal service create an authentic and memorable guest experience. Discover the Sonesta Collection full service hotels in Baltimore, Boston, Hilton Head Island, Miami, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Sint Maarten (2), Chile (3), Colombia (4), Ecuador, Peru (7), and Egypt (13). Sonesta Collection is opening soon in: Panama City, Panama and Houston, TX.

Visit Sonesta.com or call 800.Sonesta (800.766.3782) in the U.S. and Canada.