During the past few months, the Red Lion Hotel Portland � Convention Center has completed a renovation designed by Murphy Varey Architects of Seattle. The lobby and public areas have a fresh new look, including new carpet, wall covering, furniture, and lighting with a flair for the Northwest. A full-service Business Center has also been added to the lobby. Other design enhancements have been made in the Grand Ballroom and Cafe 10-2-1. The guest rooms were recently renovated, providing updated and attractive decor.

The alliance between Wright Hotels, Inc., the Seattle-based owner of the property, and WestCoast Hospitality Corporation , the parent firm of Red Lion, was completed in March of this year. The two firms expect their new alliance to be a long and mutually beneficial relationship. Wright Hotels continues to have a keen interest in the pursuit of the 800-room convention center headquarters hotel and is preparing plans for a phased development that would include the existing Red Lion Hotel and possibly two phases of additional hotel rooms at nearby or adjacent sites.

Stuart Rolfe, President of Wright Hotels, Inc., stated, �The strong presence of the Red Lion brand in the regional markets that we draw from was a very important factor in our decision to convert this hotel to a Red Lion Hotel.� Wright Hotels has developed several hotel projects, including the Seattle Sheraton, the Monterey Marriott and the Seattle Waterfront Marriott.

Dennis D. White, the Hotel�s General Manager, said, �We are enthusiastic about the opportunities with the re-branding to Red Lion. During my four-year tenure at the hotel, the hospitality industry has endured some difficult times, considering the effects of 9/11 and the economic downturn. We are, however, bullish on the future and believe our new affiliation with Red Lion will improve business in the months to come.�

The Red Lion franchisor, WestCoast Hospitality Corporation, owns, manages and franchises hotels throughout the Western United States. WestCoast Hotels and Red Lion Hotels focus on serving business, convention, and leisure travelers in first, second, and third tier markets. WestCoast also operates TicketsWest and G&B Real Estate Services.