Rezidor SAS Secures Its First Regent in Germany

Immediate take over of the Four Seasons in Berlin;
Aggressive global expansion plans for The Regent brand announced

BRUSSELS, 29 September 2004 -- Rezidor SAS Hospitality, the multi-brand hospitality management company, today announced the formal take over in management of the Four Seasons Hotel in Berlin. The hotel will now be branded and operated as The Regent Berlin with immediate effect.

This is the second Regent hotel that Rezidor SAS has opened this year as part of its strategic partnership with Carlson Hotels Worldwide. It now brings the Regent portfolio to a total of seven properties across three continents: Beverly Hills, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Singapore, Almaty, Zagreb and now Berlin. With a further nine under development and due to open before the summer of 2007—Shanghai; Miami; Ningbo, China; Beijing, Bal Harbour, Florida; Boston; Winter Park, Florida; Budapest and Kuwait--bringing the total open or under development to 16. On target growth for the brand is estimated at 30 properties worldwide by 2010.

Mr. Kurt Ritter, president and CEO of Rezidor SAS commented: “It is a great privilege to add such a prestigious property to our portfolio. We are all very proud. It is a world-class property, in a world-class location, operated by world-class people. We now look forward to making it even better.”

Regent sets out to combine classic, traditional luxury with a contemporary and relevant edge. Providing the ultimate international hospitality experience through gracious, personalized service that is always reflective of the local culture.

Mr. Bob Burns, who founded and created the Regent brand in Hong Kong in 1970, on being told of the new Regent Berlin, said: “It warms my heart to see the revival of The Regent brand in Europe and across the world. I am proud to be associated with Rezidor SAS and I am very confident that they will continue the great Regent tradition”.

The Regent Berlin is located in the Gendarmenmarkt, right in the heart of Berlin, only minutes walk from the city’s key commercial, financial, cultural and leisure destinations, such as the Brandenburg Tor, the Reichstag, the State Opera, the Concert Hall and the famous luxury shopping of the Friedrichstrasse. The hotel features 204 luxurious guestrooms including 42 of the most spacious and well-appointed suites in Berlin and a unique rooftop Presidential Suite. Many of the rooms have Juliet balconies providing spectacular views over the historical city. The hotel also offers elegant and discreet meeting and banqueting facilities accommodating up to 150 guests, as well as an exclusive Fitness and Wellness Centre.
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As part of the takeover a 2.5 million Euro investment is now planned for the property to include an exciting new restaurant and bar by award-winning Chef, Yves Mattagne, of the Sea Grill in Brussels, one of the world’s finest seafood restaurants.

Rezidor SAS have also confirmed the appointment of Mr. Wolfgang Nitschke as general manager of the hotel with immediate effect. Mr. Nitschke is a native Berliner and brings with him back to his home city over 40 years of worldwide luxury hotel experience along with a genuine commitment to extraordinary service. Mr. Nitschke has managed some of the world’s most prestigious hotels including the Dorchester in London and the Burj-Al-Arab in Dubai. He was also one of Bob Burn’s original team when the Regent brand was created in 1970.

Speaking of his appointment, Mr. Nitschke said: “I am absolutely delighted to be returning to one of the world’s truly great luxury brands. At this level of luxury hospitality the only true differentiator is the people and the subsequent service. I am confident that with the team we have in Berlin and our belief and commitment to service, we will fulfill the true potential of this fine property.
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