Tampa Hotel Completes Multimillion-Dollar Makeover

Sheraton Suites Tampa Airport Westshore Unveils Comprehensive Transformation of Property

TAMPA, FL (Dec.  7, 2009) – Showcased by a gala opening and ribbon-cutting, the Sheraton Suites Tampa Airport Westshore officially completed its multimillion-dollar renovation and unveiled the Westshore district’s “newest” property. The 261-suite hotel is managed by Davidson Hotel Company, one of the nation’s largest independent hotel management companies, which also oversaw the extensive eight-month-long project. The hotel is co-owned in a joint venture between Square Mile Capital Management and Davidson.

“With this sweeping renovation, we offer a completely new guest experience, with a goal of becoming the leading business property in the Westshore area,” said Ray Zepp, general manager. “This hotel has been an important part of the Westshore community for so many years, and these latest enhancements will provide our guests with the highest quality product in the market.”

“Our objective was to implement a plan that would help make this hotel a focal point in Tampa’s business district, as well as attract business and leisure travelers visiting the city,” said Pat Lupsha, Davidson’s chief operating officer. “We intend to deliver exceptional service levels to our guests that match the upscale renovation.”

The property’s facelift touched virtually every aspect of the hotel, including all of the two-room suites; the eight-story tropical atrium; the innovative, modern business lounge; the 12,000+ square feet of meeting space (including a 2,000 square foot expansion); the St. James Grill Restaurant and Bar; and the fitness center and pool area. It also added such signature Sheraton amenities as the Sweet Sleeper Bed, the ‘Link @ Sheraton’ lobby, flat-panel HD televisions and hardwood flooring on select floors.

Colleen Beck, director of sales and marketing at the hotel, noted that although the renovations came at a time when the economy is affecting nearly every industry, the hotel’s renovations were needed to meet the unique needs of business travelers. “This is a special property with a legacy of serving the Westshore area. The upgrade totally repositions the hotel and returns it to its leadership role in the market,” she added.

Located at 4400 West Cypress Street, in Tampa’s upscale Westshore business district, a significant locale for both business and leisure, the Sheraton Suites Tampa Airport Westshore is surrounded by more than 11 million square feet of office space.
 For more information or reservations call (813) 873-8675, or visit http://www.sheratontampaairport.com/.

Contacts:

Cyndi Norwood, Davidson Hotel Company, (901) 821-4155, cnorwood@davidsonhotels.com
Jerry Daly, Chris Daly, Daly Gray Public Relations, (703) 435-6293, jerry@dalygray.com

Davidson Hotel Company to Manage New Westin Berkeley Heights in New Jersey

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, N.J., Sept. 21, 2009—Davidson Hotel Company, one of the nation’s largest independent hotel management companies, today announced that it will manage the 244-room Westin Berkeley Heights in eastern New Jersey, 22 miles from New York City. The new-build property is situated in the 185-acre Connell Corporate Park. It is the first hotel Davidson will manage for owner, The Connell Company.

“This is a superb location for an upscale lodging project, in a major office park with a large existing corporate tenant base, situated in a high-income area with significant barriers to entry,” said Steve Margol, (top right photo) Davidson’s chief investment officer.

“Our extensive experience with pre-opening/opening and operating upscale hotels and resorts, including three other Westin products, will enable us to quickly establish the Westin Berkeley Heights as a market leader. In addition to the obvious corporate and group meetings business potential, we also plan to focus on the local social market, which our research determined is underserved.



“The addition of the Westin Berkeley Heights to our ever-growing portfolio of premier hotel assets marks the continuation of our very successful third-party management platform,” he noted.

“The property will become our fourth Westin and our tenth Starwood-branded asset. The Connell Company has a sterling reputation in the region, and we are proud to add them to our growing roster of institutional and high net-worth clients.”

“This upscale, full-service hotel marks our entry into the hospitality industry and is a perfect complement to our office park, whose Life Time Fitness Athletic club and five Class A commercial office buildings with more than 30 corporate tenants represent a significant built-in source of demand,” said Shane Connell, executive vice president, The Connell Company.

Contacts:

Cyndi Norwood, Davidson Hotel Company,  (901) 821-4155, cnorwood@davidsonhotels.com
Jerry Daly, Chris Daly (media), Daly Gray Public Relations, (703) 435-6293, jerry@dalygray.com

Davidson Hotel Company Increases Executive Bench Strength by Four

Group Has More Than 80 Years Hospitality Experience, 35 Years at Davidson

MEMPHIS, TN—Officials of Davidson Hotel Company (DHC), one of the nation’s largest hotel management companies, has promoted four associates to the executive level:

Mary Jean Campochiaro, (top right photo) vice president of hotel accounting; Lew Lemon, (top left photo) regional vice president of operations; Stephen Kilroy, (middle right photo) vice president of food and beverage; and Ron Hardin, (bottom right photo) vice president of technology.

Together, they have a total of more than 80 years of hospitality experience, 35 of them with Davidson.

“Each of these individuals brings a unique and creative skillset to our management team,” said Patrick Lupsha, (bottom left photo) Davidson’s chief operating officer.

“Their years in the hospitality industry through all phases of the economic cycle make them a vital source of knowledge and leadership to draw upon. We are looking to them to create experience-based strategies that will drive our properties during these difficult times and help grow profit and market share.”

As vice president of hotel accounting, Mary Jean Campochiaro will oversee all aspects of hotel accounting, culminating in the preparation of periodic financial statements, and is responsible for accounting for Davidson’s various hotel acquisitions and dispositions.

Campochiaro was an assistant controller with Wilson Hotel Management Company prior to joining Davidson. She has a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Accounting from Memphis State University.

In his new role as regional vice president of operations, Lew Lemon will be responsible for Davidson’s hotel properties in the greater Washington, D.C. area. Previously, he was general manager of the Westin Annapolis in Maryland. Lemon graduated from West Virginia University with a BS in Business Administration.

Stephen Kilroy, vice president of food and beverage, will direct Davidson’s food and beverage programs, profitability, and customer dining experience.

Prior to joining Davidson, Kilroy held several positions at Wyndham Hotels, including corporate director of food and beverage. He earned a Culinary Arts and Food Service Management degree from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, R.I.

As vice president of technology, Ron Hardin’s responsibilities will include company-wide management of acquiring, implementing, and supporting technology systems and solutions.

Hardin’s career includes stints with ITT-Sheraton, Micros Systems, Inc. and Planet Hollywood International, Inc.. He holds a BS degree in Hotel Administration from Cornell University, and the Certified Hospitality Technology Professionals (CHTP) certification from Hospitality Financial and Technology Professional.

About Davidson Hotel Company

Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., Davidson Hotel Company is an award-winning, full-service hotel owner and third-party management company that provides management, development/renovation, acquisition, consulting and accounting expertise for the hospitality industry.

The company currently owns and/or manages 36 upscale, independent and branded hotels with nearly 10,200 rooms across the United States, including such affiliations as Westin, Sheraton, Hyatt, Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Embassy Suites, Doubletree, Marriott, Renaissance, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn.

Additional information on Davidson may be found at the company’s Web site, http://www.davidsonhotels.com/.

Contact: Chris Daly, Vice President, Daly Gray Public Relations,
ph: 703-435-6293. chris@dalygray.com

Andy Peters Named General Manager of The Wynfrey Hotel in Birmingham, AL

BIRMINGHAM, AL—Officials of Davidson Hotel Company (DHC), one of the nation’s largest hotel management companies, announces that Andy Peters has been named general manager of the 329-room Wynfrey Hotel (top right photo) in Birmingham, Ala.

In his new role, he is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the hotel.

“Now more than ever, hotels require leaders with the skills and experience to motivate staff and provide guests with top quality services,” said Patrick Lupsha, (bottom left photo) Davidson’s chief operating officer.

“Andy is a 34-year veteran in the hospitality industry and has been a Davidson regional vice president for the past six years. He has first-hand experience in navigating through difficult economic conditions and is the right person to guide The Wynfrey Hotel during the challenging times we are experiencing.”


Earlier in his career, Peters held a variety of F&B positions, including director of food standards at Marriott Headquarters.


Since joining Davidson in 1995, he has served as director of
food and beverage, regional vice president of operations and general manager of the Hilton Eugene & Conference Center in Oregon.



Peters has a degree in Food Service Administration from the State University of New York College at Buffalo.

Contacts:


Cyndi Norwood (media), Davidson Hotel Company, (901) 821-4155, cnorwood@davidsonhotels.com


Jerry Daly, Patrick Daly, Daly Gray Public Relations, (703) 435-6293, jerry@dalygray.com

Sheraton Iowa City Hotel Commences $11 M-Plus Renovation with Wall Breaking Ceremony

Mayor Regenia Bailey, CVB President Josh Schamberger in Attendance

MEMPHIS, TN—The 234-room Sheraton Iowa City Hotel (top right photo) has begun an $11 million-plus renovation, expected to be completed by mid-August 2009.

To mark the occasion, a number of local dignitaries attending the event, including Mayor Regenia Bailey, (middle right photo), CVB President Josh Schamberger and City Manager Michael Lombardo, participated in a ceremonial wall breaking.

Davidson Hotel Company, one of the nation’s largest independent hotel management companies, operates the hotel on behalf of joint venture owners, RockBridge Capital and Davidson.

“When we acquired the Sheraton in early 2008, it was clear that the property was not living up to its potential as a high-quality hotel for visitors to Iowa City and the University of Iowa.

"Nor did it possess the physical condition that would allow it to become an economic catalyst for the Pedestrian Mall and downtown area businesses,” said John A. Belden, (middle left photo) Davidson’s president and chief executive officer.

“By working with civic and business leaders in the community, however, we were able to craft an extensive renovation plan that would completely transform the hotel.

" Despite the extraordinary economic downturn gripping our country, I am proud to say that our ownership group has fulfilled its commitment to the city, and with this wallbreaking ceremony, we mark a new beginning for the Sheraton Iowa City.”

Located at 210 S Dubuque Street in Iowa City, the nine-story hotel features 13,000 square feet of meeting space (including 2,000 square feet of additional space being added to the lobby level).

Contacts:

Cyndi Norwood, Davidson Hotel Company, (901) 821-4155, cnorwood@davidsonhotels.com

Jerry Daly, Chris Daly (media), Daly Gray Public Relations, (703) 435-6293, jerry@dalygray.com

Davidson Hotel Company Sees Significant Opportunity to Grow Third-Party Management Business in 2009

Company Expects Owners/Lenders Will Look for Experienced Operators to Not Only Weather Current Economy, but Also Enhance Value

MEMPHIS, TN, Feb. 3, 2009—Davidson Hotel Company, one of the nation’s largest independent hotel management companies, today announced that it expects to increase substantially its third-party hotel management contracts during 2009.

Company officials noted that they already are witnessing growing demand from owners/lenders looking to increase their assets’ value and profitability during the current economic downturn.

The company anticipates it could add up to 10 new management contracts this year. Since the first of the year, Davidson has signed an agreement to operate the 329-room, AAA Four Diamond® Wynfrey Hotel in Birmingham, Ala., and expects to announce a second contract to manage a nationally franchised, mid-Atlantic hotel within the next 30 days.

“With RevPAR down across the hospitality industry, owners and lenders are seeking seasoned hotel operators with a proven track record of improving the bottom line in all phases of the economic cycle,” said John A. Belden, (top right photo) Davidson’s president and chief executive officer. “Davidson successfully has improved operations for countless underperforming properties throughout its 35-plus year history.”

“Results are what owners/investors seek more than ever today,” said Patrick F. Lupsha, Davidson’s chief operating officer. “Last year, our portfolio’s RevPAR significantly outperformed the industry and our competitive set in every quarter.

" As the economy struggles, we believe owners and investors will seek the best possible management to generate returns that will allow them to service their debt first, and, secondarily, to enhance the value of their properties. This creates significant opportunities for a deeply experienced and stable operator like Davidson.”

Steven A. Margol, (middle right photo) Davidson’s executive vice president of business development, said the company also has the financial strength to co-invest with owners.

“Some owners want their management companies to have ‘skin in the game.’ We have sliver investments in approximately half the properties we manage and have the capital available to co-invest when appropriate. Few other management companies have those resources available today.”

Davidson recently named Bernard M. Murphy, (bottom left photo) senior vice president-business development, to spearhead the company’s efforts in securing third-party management contracts.

Contacts:

Cyndi Norwood, Davidson Hotel Company, (901) 821-4155, cnorwood@davidsonhotels.com

Jerry Daly, Chris Daly (media), Daly Gray Public Relations, (703) 435-6293, jerry@dalygray.com

Davidson Hotel Co. Signs Management Contract for The Wynfrey Hotel in Birmingham, AL

MEMPHIS, TN, Jan. 6, 2009—Davidson Hotel Company, one of the nation’s largest independent hotel management companies, today announced that it has signed an agreement to operate the 329-room Wynfrey Hotel (top right photo) in Birmingham, Ala.

The hotel is owned by Jim Wilson & Associates, a Montgomery-based real estate ownership group.

“The Wynfrey Hotel has long been considered one of the Southeast’s finest hotels and has successfully catered to Birmingham’s corporate and social needs for more than two decades,” said John A. Belden, (middle left photo) Davidson’s president and chief executive officer.

“We are honored to have the opportunity to manage this classic hotel and build on the great foundation laid by Jim Wilson and his team. We look forward to implementing our proprietary management and sales systems to further enhance the guest experience and overall financial performance for ownership.”

“This is our first new management contract in 2009, and we look forward to building on our momentum of 2008 when we added 10 new management contracts to our portfolio,” said Steven A. Margol, (bottom right photo) Davidson’s executive vice president.

“We have always focused on growing our management portfolio selectively, working for well-respected owners with institutional quality assets, where we can bring our management expertise to the property and create additional value for ownership. In this instance, working with Jim Wilson and Associates on the renowned Wynfrey Hotel fits perfectly within our criteria.”

Located at 1000 Riverchase Galleria, the elegant Four Diamond hotel is connected to the Riverchase Galleria, the state’s largest enclosed shopping mall, which features more than 250 well-regarded, upscale stores and boutiques.

Additionally, the hotel is situated within walking distance of numerous restaurants, theaters, offices and additional shopping. The hotel is in close proximity to the Birmingham International Airport, downtown Birmingham, Hoover Metroplex, Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex, Talladega Motorsports Park and many other local attractions.

Contacts:

Cyndi Norwood, Davidson Hotel Company, (901) 821-4155, cnorwood@davidsonhotels.com

Jerry Daly, Chris Daly (media), Daly Gray Public Relations, (703) 435 6293, jerry@dalygray.com

Davidson Hotel Company Announces Completion of $20M Renovation of Holiday Inn Stamford Downtown in Stamford, CT

MEMPHIS, TN—Davidson Hotel Company, one of the nation’s largest hotel management companies, has completed a $20 million renovation of the 380-room Holiday Inn Stamford Downtown. (top right photo)

To commemorate the event, the hotel held a special ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Stamford Mayor Dannel Malloy, officials of Davidson and Rockbridge Capital, joint venture owners of the property, and InterContinental Hotels Group, the franchisor.

Davidson also manages the hotel.

The comprehensive renovation included a complete redesign of the hotel’s public spaces, front façade, meeting facilities, guest rooms and suites. The existing porte-cochere, landscaping and parking garage frontage were enhanced to create a more welcoming feel.

The lobby lounge, front desk and pool were relocated and outfitted with new hard and soft goods that enhance the dramatic appearance of the soaring atrium lobby. Additionally, the hotel received a new state-of-the-art health club with an indoor lap pool. Guest rooms also received new hard and soft goods.

DiLeonardo International was the design firm, StudioAD was the architect and Shakman Construction was the primary contractor.

“With the completion of the $20 million renovation, we believe the Holiday Inn Stamford Downtown is well positioned to serve the corporate, leisure and group/meeting needs of Stamford and Fairfield County,” said John A. Belden, Davidson’s (top left photo) president and chief executive officer. “The property’s ‘like-new’ condition creates an appealing alternative for both business and leisure travelers to the area.”

Located at 700 E. Main Street, the 10-story hotel is within walking distance of more than 75 restaurants, clubs and restaurants, as well as the Stamford railroad station and just miles from Westchester County Airport.

The property features 20,000 square feet of meeting space, on-site guest laundry facilities and a full-service business center. The new 700 Main restaurant specializes in American cuisine. Guest rooms are equipped with complimentary high speed, wireless Internet access.

“What we have is essentially a brand new hotel within the walls of an existing building,” said Mike Bennett, hotel general manager. “There is almost no resemblance to our old facility.

"From the look of our upgraded entrance on Main Street with its new façade, as well as the reception area and spacious marbled lobby, cutting edge business center, stylish bistro and café, to the well-appointed guest rooms and formal meeting rooms and ballroom, this is truly an exceptional property for both Stamford and the Holiday Inn brand.”

CONTACTS:

Cyndi Norwood, Davidson Hotel Company, 901 821 4155, cnorwood@davidsonhotels.com

Jerry Daly, Chris Daly, Daly Gray Public Relations, (703) 435 6293, jerry@dalygray.com

Davidson Hotel Co. Promotes Cyndi Norwood to Manager-Corporate Marketing, Communication and Promotion

MEMPHIS, TN, Oct. 28, 2008—Davidson Hotel Company (DHC), one of the nation’s largest hotel management companies, today announced that Cyndi Norwood (top left photo) has been promoted to manager-corporate marketing, communications and promotion.

In her new role, Norwood is responsible for all external communications, including coordinating the production of press releases, media interaction, e-blasts and collateral materials. Additionally, she maintains DHC’s external website, as well as provides property-level support to the company’s 34 hotels nationwide.

“Cyndi has been an integral part of the Davidson team since the company began and has been instrumental in our growth from a small regional management company to a national owner/operator with properties from coast to coast,” said John A. Belden, (bottom right photo) Davidson’s president and chief executive officer. “Her media and public relations skills have grown tremendously over the years, and this promotion recognizes her professionalism, dedication and the many contributions she has made.”

A nearly 25-year hospitality veteran, Norwood began her career with Davidson as an administrative assistant. Since then, she has held a variety positions of increasing scope and responsibility, most recently serving as corporate sales assistant. Norwood received a degree in Business from Northwest University.

CONTACTS:

Cyndi Norwood, Davidson Hotel Company (901) 821- 4155 cnorwood@davidsonhotels.com

Jerry Daly, Patrick Daly (media), Daly Gray Public Relations, (703) 435-6293 jerry@dalygray.com

patrick@dalygray.com

Davidson Hotel Company Begins Management of Scottsdale Cottonwoods Resort and Suites in Arizona

Continues Aggressive Third-Party Management Growth Plan
MEMPHIS, TN, Sept. 24, 2008—Davidson Hotel Company, one of the nation’s largest hotel management companies, today announced that it has taken over management responsibilities for the 171-room Scottsdale Cottonwoods Resort and Suites, (top right and lower left photos) set on 32 acres in the Sonora Desert, straddling the border between Paradise Valley and Scottsdale, Ariz.

The legendary resort property is owned by a partnership between Walton Street Capital, Rockpoint Group and SCS Advisors.

Ownership also has commenced a series of upgrades to the resort, including the addition of a new fitness center and select upgrades to the property’s 107 suites to improve the overall guest experience at the resort. Davidson will oversee this process.

“The addition of the Cottonwoods Resort and Suites brings our portfolio of managed resorts to four nationwide,” said John A. Belden, (top left photo) Davidson’s president and chief executive officer.

“Walton Street Capital, Rockpoint Group and SCS Advisors are notable additions to our impressive list of partners, which includes private equity funds, insurance companies, REITs, pension funds and public companies.

"The Scottsdale property marks our fifth third-party management opportunity this year and our eighth new deal overall. Following completion of the improvement plan, as well as the addition of our proprietary management and marketing systems, we believe the hotel will be well positioned to become a leader in the marketplace.”

Situated near Camelback Mountain at 6160 North Scottsdale Road, the resort is surrounded by the Borgata Shopping Village and within minutes of Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall and the thriving Old Town Scottsdale entertainment district.

The hotel also is proximate to many world-class golf courses. The property is comprised of 34 casita-style structures dispersed over 32 lushly landscaped acres.

Of the hotel’s 171 suites, ranging in size from 485 to 700 square feet, 107 feature their own private, outdoor Jacuzzi.

Additionally, the resort offers a full-service restaurant, The Moriah Restaurant; two outdoor dining venues, Courtyard Tapas Bar and Tumbleweeds; 8,000-plus square feet of meeting space; full-service business center; four tennis courts; and two outdoor pools.

“The addition of the Scottsdale Cottonwoods Resort and Suites continues Davidson’s plans to grow our portfolio through third-party management of both hotels and resorts,” said Steven A. Margol, (middle right photo) Davidson’s executive vice president of Business Development. “We pride ourselves on our ability to work with owners to augment a property’s value by strategically improving aspects whose potential has not yet been realized.”

CONTACTS:

Cyndi Norwood, Davidson Hotel Company, (901) 821 4155, cnorwood@davidsonhotels.com

Jerry Daly, Chris Daly (media), Daly Gray Public Relations , (703) 435-6293, jerry@dalygray.com

Julie Tullbane, Daly Gray Public Relations, T 703-435-6293. F 703 435 5297. julie@dalygray.com

Bernard M. Murphy Joins Davidson Hotel Company as SVP-Business Development

MEMPHIS, TN, Sept. 8, 2008--Davidson Hotel Company, one of the nation’s largest hotel management companies, today announced that Bernard M. Murphy (top right photo) will join the company as senior vice president-business development.

Murphy will be based in Encinitas (San Diego), Calif., and will be responsible for spearheading the company’s efforts in securing third- party management contracts, a key element of Davidson’s multi-faceted growth strategy. He will report to Steve Margol, (middle right photo) Davidson’s executive vice president.

“Davidson has reached the size and distribution that requires building our bench strength based on our vision of planned future growth in the ownership and management of upscale, full-service hotels and resorts,” said John A. Belden, (middle left photo) Davidson’s president and chief executive officer.

“Bernie Murphy brings 27 years of hands-on experience in all facets of the lodging industry to this new position, including finance, operations, marketing, real estate and corporate leadership. He is well known and respected in the industry and a perfect fit into our culture, which is committed to the highest professional standards.”

“With his skillset and proven record of success, Bernie is eminently qualified for this position,” Margol said. “In addition, he has lived and worked on both coasts and has built a significant network of owners, lenders and investment professionals.”

An accomplished industry veteran, Murphy joins Davidson from Pinnacle Hotels USA, a San Diego-based lodging ownership and management entity, where he was chief investment officer since 2007. Prior to that, he served as senior vice president at The Plasencia Group (TPG), a premier hospitality brokerage and consulting firm.

Additional information on Davidson may be found at the company’s Web site, http://www.davidsonhotels.com/.

CONTACTS:

Julie Tullbane, Daly Gray Public Relations, T 703-435-6293, F 703-435-6297, julie@dalygray.com
Cyndi Norwood, Davidson Hotel Co., 901 821 4155, cnorwood@davidsonhotels.com

Jerry Daly, Chris Daly, Daly Gray Public Relations, 703 435 6293, jerry@dalygray.com

Hilton University of Florida Conference Center Site of Inaugural Florida Green Lodging Conference

GAINESVILLE, Fla., September 3, 2008—Officials of the 248-room Hilton University of Florida Conference Center (top right photo)today announced it will be the host hotel for the inaugural Florida Green Lodging Conference from November 10-12, 2008.

Entitled “Being Green, Saving Green & Making Green,” the conference is sponsored by VisitGainesville and the University of Florida TREEO (Training, Research & Education for Environmental Occupations) Center.

“Designated as one of the first green hotels in Florida, the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center is an ideal location to host this first-of-its-kind event,” said Roland Loog, CDME, executive director of VisitGainesville. The Hilton University of Florida Conference Center is the only Green Certified hotel in Gainesville.

The hotel is operated by Davidson Hotel Company, one of the nation’s largest hotel management companies.

CONTACTS:

Julie Tullbane, Daly Gray Public Relations, T 703-435-6293, F 703-435-6297
julie@dalygray.com

Cyndi Carl, Davidson Hotel Company, (901) 821-4155 ccarl@davidsonhotels.com

Chris Daly (media), Daly Gray Public Relations, (703) 435-6293
chris@dalygray.com

Davidson Hotel Company Announces Two New Management Agreements

Company Will Operate Sheraton Orlando-Downtown Hotel and Miami Mart Airport Hotel

MEMPHIS, TN—Davidson Hotel Company, one of the nation’s largest hotel management companies, today announced that it now operates two additional Florida hotels, the 341-room Sheraton Orlando-Downtown Hotel(top right photo) and the 332-room Miami Mart Airport Hotel.(bottom left photo).

The properties are owned by CF Hospitality, Inc. and SF Hotels, Inc., both privately-held Florida companies.

“With the addition of these two large, full-service hotels, Davidson now has a portfolio which includes five upscale hotels in Florida,” said John A. Belden, (middle left photo) Davidson’s president and chief executive officer.

“We are attracted to the strong demographics in both Orlando and Miami, and following the implementation of our proprietary marketing and management systems, we believe these hotels will quickly gain strong market share and substantially increased value for ownership.”

Located in the Blue Lagoon business district of Miami, the 12-story Miami Mart Airport Hotel adjoins the Miami International Merchandise Mart and is within minutes of such area attractions as South Beach, Bayside Marketplace, The Venetian Pool, The Biltmore, Biscayne National Park, and family-themed locales like Jungle Island, Miami Metrozoo, and Monkey Jungle.

“These two properties reflect Davidson’s on-going strategy to augment its overall growth through third-party management,” said Steven A. Margol, (bottom right photo) Davidson’s executive vice president of Business Development.

“We continue to seek out opportunities where we can apply our skills to help owners unlock new or unrealized value in their assets. This is particularly important in today’s economic conditions.”

Additional information on Davidson may be found at the company’s Web site, http://www.davidsonhotels.com/onhotels.com/.


CONTACTS:

Julie Tullbane, Daly Gray Public Relations, T 703-435-6293, F 703-435-6297 julie@dalygray.com

Cyndi Norwood Davidson Hotel Company (901) 821-4155 cnorwood@davidsonhotels.com )

Jerry Daly, Chris Daly (media, Daly Gray Public Relations, (703) 435-6293 jerry@dalygray.com

Davidson Hotel Company/RockBridge Partners Joint Venture Acquires Hyatt Regency Suites in Palm Springs, CA

Davidson Will Manage Hotel and Coordinate $18.5 Million Renovation

MEMPHIS, TN—RockBridge Partners, an affiliate of RockBridge Capital, LLC, and Davidson Hotel Company, one of the nation’s largest hotel management companies, have announced the joint-venture acquisition of the 194-room Hyatt Regency Suites (top right photo) in Palm Springs, Calif. from PSH Holdings, Inc. for an undisclosed amount.

Davidson holds a minority interest in the partnership and took over management of the property on June 1. The hotel will undergo a comprehensive $18.5 million renovation, scheduled to begin summer 2009, which Davidson will coordinate.

“The Palm Springs Hyatt is our 10th acquisition with RockBridge and our third acquisition this year,” said John A. Belden, (middle left photo) Davidson’s president and chief executive officer. “We now have ownership interests in 16 properties, and we have the financial capacity to opportunistically co-invest with our partners.

“Davidson was one of the first independent management companies to be designated by Hyatt as an ‘Approved Operator,’ and we believe the Hyatt brand fits perfectly within our portfolio,” he added. “This is our second Hyatt-branded hotel, both of which are in resort locations. The Palm Springs Hyatt Regency Suites is also our fifth property in Southern California, a key growth area for Davidson.”

Located at 285 North Palm Canyon Drive, the property is situated in what many regard as the ultimate desert resort destination in the U.S.

The hotel’s 194 one-bedroom suites overlook a dramatic six-story atrium, and the hotel’s amenities include private balconies, spectacular mountain/desert views, high-speed Internet access, a full-service dining room, a putting green, pool, spa, 9,200 square feet of flexible meeting space and access to more than 40 nearby golf courses.

In summer 2009, the property will begin an $18.5 million renovation that will touch virtually every aspect of the hotel. The lobby, atrium, restaurant, and lounge will be completely re-concepted and upgraded.

The guest suites will be fully refurbished with luxury-quality finishes and materials, all new Hyatt-standard bed sets and 37” flat panel TVs in the bedroom of the suites and 42” flat panel TVs in the parlor. An all-new fitness center and full-service spa will be added.

The meeting rooms will undergo a complete renovation, while the pool and outdoor lounge area will be completely re-developed to enhance the resort experience with cabanas, fire pits, and multiple lounging areas around a new pool.

“We believe this property has significant growth potential, and with the completion of its dramatic renovation, will be a formidable, four-star competitor in this premier resort destination,” said Steve Margol, (middle right photo above) Davidson’s executive vice president, business development.

Both the buyer and seller were advised on this transaction by Newport Beach-based Maxim Hotel Brokers.

Contacts:
Cyndi Norwood, Davidson Hotel Co., 901 821 4155, cnorwood@davidsonhotels.com

Jerry Daly, Chris Daly (media), Daly Gray Public Relations, 703 435 6293, jerry@dalygray.com

Julie Tullbane, Daly Gray Public Relations, T 703-435-6293. F 703-435-6297 julie@dalygray.com

Davidson Hotel Company/Square Mile Capital Management JV Acquires Sheraton Suites Tampa Airport/Westshore

Davidson to Manage Hotel, Oversee $14 Million Renovation

MEMPHIS, TN—Square Mile Capital Management LLC and Davidson Hotel Company, one of the nation’s largest hotel management companies, has announced their joint venture acquisition of the 259-room Sheraton Suites Tampa Airport/Westshore (photo above) in Florida, from Host Realty Partnership LP for an unspecified amount.

The hotel will undergo a nearly $14 million renovation, scheduled to begin in 2009. In addition to managing the property operations, Davidson will also coordinate the renovation.

“This is our first joint venture acquisition with Square Mile Capital Management, and we’re very pleased to launch our relationship with such a strong asset,” said John A. Belden, (top right photo) Davidson’s president and chief executive officer. “The Tampa property is our second acquisition in 2008, and we will continue to seek out new acquisition opportunities to complement our core management contract business. We look forward to exploring other opportunities with Square Mile that fit our respective investment approaches.”

Located at 4400 West Cypress St., the all-suite property is located in the upscale Westshore submarket, close to Tampa International Airport and surrounded by more than 11 million square feet of office space.

The hotel also is convenient to shopping and such major attractions as Busch Gardens, (photo at right below) Adventure Island, Channelside, Florida Aquarium, (photo at left below) Steinbrenner Field (the NY Yankees Spring Training complex) and Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the 2009 Super Bowl. (Tampa International Airport photo is at right)

The hotel’s 259 suites overlook a lushly landscaped, tropical atrium, where guests may relax over a meal at the hotel’s full-service restaurant, St. James Grill, and adjacent sports bar. Among the hotel’s other amenities are an indoor pool, fitness center, business center, whirlpool/hot tub and 8,100 square feet of flexible meeting space.

“The Sheraton Suites Tampa Airport/Westshore is an attractive investment with significant growth potential,” said Steve Margol, (top left photo) Davidson’s executive vice president, business development. “The planned renovation will touch virtually every area of the hotel, including the lobby, restaurant and lounge, pool, meeting space, fitness center and guestrooms, and will put the property in top physical condition. Those improvements, coupled with its prime Westshore/airport location, should enable the Sheraton Suites to assume a leadership position in this market.”

Square Mile Capital Management LLC is a privately managed institutional investment fund founded in mid-2006, which currently manages approximately $1 billion on behalf of institutional and high net worth investors. Since inception, the firm has successfully completed more than 53 distinct debt and equity investments involving office, retail, hospitality, multifamily and other property types located throughout the United States.

Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., Davidson Hotel Company is an award-winning, full-service hotel owner and third-party management company that provides management, development/renovation, acquisition, consulting and accounting expertise for the hospitality industry.

The company currently owns and/or manages 32 upscale, independent and branded hotels with nearly 9,100 rooms across the United States, including such affiliations as Westin, Sheraton, Hyatt, Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Embassy Suites, Doubletree, Marriott, Renaissance, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn. Additional information on Davidson may be found at the company’s Web site, http://www.davidsonhotels.com/.

CONTACTS:

Julie Tullbane
Daly Gray Public Relations
T 703-435-6293
F 703-435-6297
julie@dalygray.com

Cyndi Carl

Davidson Hotel Company

(901) 821-4155

ccarl@davidsonhotels.com

Jerry Daly, Chris Daly (media)
Daly Gray Public Relations
(703) 435-6293
jerry@dalygray.com