HONOLULU December 9, 1997 - America's travel agents have chosen ASTON Hotels & resorts' condominiums as the "top condominium and villa chain," for honeymooners, according to a survey in the December 1997/January 1998 issue of Modern Bride.

Three thousand agents nationwide rated ASTON's condominium resorts No.1 for providing couples with "a feeling of home" and a "greater amount of privacy." (As a destination, Hawaii also received the highest ranking for "most romantic," "overall favorite," "best beaches" and "best destination weddings.")

According to agents, honeymooners like spacious accommodations located in areas with "good weather," "within walking distance of choice restaurants" and with "an excellent view." Agents selected ASTON for its diverse collection of 30 properties statewide, of which 18 are condominium resorts.

Agents particularly appreciated ASTON's diverse selection of Waikiki condominium resorts. "The ASTON properties on Oahu are good because you're near the nightlife in Honolulu and never far from Waikiki Beach," Corey Wagner of Travel Bargains in Tulsa, Oklahoma, said.

Wagner explains that with Aston, "There's a great variety of properties to choose from, with either city or ocean views throughout Hawaii."

Valarie Sakanoi, director of marketing services at ASTON, added that trends point to a growing number of newlyweds choosing the condominium resort option. "We feel there are two reasons for this increase," she said. "First, the rise of 'destination weddings' means couples are bringing extended family and friends to the islands to help them celebrate, and then stay on for the honeymoon. The condominium resort can be a much more value-conscious way to accommodate the group.

"Second, these days many people are getting married for the second time and may choose to have children accompany them on a honeymoon. The extra space and value a condominium suite offers makes it a perfect choice."

Each ASTON condominium resort features suites with spacious living areas, separate bedrooms with king or queen size bed and private balconies. Fully-equipped kitchens allow creative honeymooners to prepare a made-to-order breakfast in bed or a spontaneous midnight snack; and of course a full-size refrigerator keeps a favorite champagne chilled in quantity. Swimming pools, daily maid service and front desk service are also an Aston standard. Most Aston properties also provide an in-suite washer and dryer, travel and activity desk, and recreational facilities such as free tennis and jet spas.

Many ASTON condominium resorts are directly located on or near world famous beaches, championship golf courses, shopping areas and popular visitor attractions.

ASTON's assortment of condominium resorts provides couples the opportunity to discover accommodations that suit their needs and budget in any location statewide. With five condominium resort properties on Oahu, six on Maui, four on Kauai, and three on the Big Island of Hawaii, honeymooners have the thrill of selecting their own personal dream get-away, ranging from the luxurious suites like ASTON Waikiki Beach Tower on Oahu ($405 per night) or AS TON Kauai Beach Villas ($160), to pocketbook-friendly accommodations at ASTON at the Maui Banyan (starting at $115 per night).

 Based in Honolulu, Hotel Corporation of the Pacific, d.b.a. ASTON Hotels & Resorts, operates 30 condominium resorts and hotels on the four major Hawaiian islands. From Hawaii, call (800) 321-2558. For group reservations, call (800) 336-5599. ASTON's TDD telephone number is (800) 441-2344.

 For more information, visit ASTON's web site at http://www.aston-hotels.com or call (800) 92-ASTON [(800-922-7866)] from the U.S. Mainland and Canada for reservations.