Contact: Customers Contact: Cary Alden 1-800-THE-OMNI 504/834-7517 caldenpr@cox.net

STEVE FERRAN APPOINTED GENERAL MANAGER OF OMNI ROYAL ORLEANS HOTEL

Luxury Hotel Brand Brings Respected Leader Back to New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (December 18, 2007) -- Omni Hotels, based in Irving, TX, has announced the appointment of veteran New Orleans hotelier, Steve Ferran, as general manager of the distinguished Omni Royal Orleans Hotel in the heart of The French Quarter. "Ferran is one of the most respected leaders in the New Orleans hotel industry," said Gary Froeba, area managing director of operations for Omni Hotels. "His return to our company and to the Omni Royal Orleans demonstrates our company’s continued commitment to New Orleans to provide exceptional, memorable hospitality. Ferran will be an outstanding leader of the Omni Royal Orleans team of associates," he added. Before rejoining Omni Hotels, Ferran was most recently Vice President, Resort Operations for the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort in Florida. Prior to that post, he served as general manager for several New Orleans hotels including the Loews New Orleans, from construction and the opening in 2003, through Hurricane Katrina and the hotel’s recovery. He also served in leadership posts at the Fairmont New Orleans, the Maison Dupuy, the Omni Royal Orleans and the Omni Royal Crescent Hotel. Ferran has served as Chairman of the Board for the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau and on the organization’s Past Presidents Council. He also served on the Board of Directors of the New Orleans Hotel and Lodging Association. Ferran was ordained a deacon in the Catholic Church on June 10, 2006. A native New Orleanian and a graduate of the University of New Orleans, Ferran began his career in hospitality as a sales manager for the Royal Sonesta Hotel in 1984. About the Omni Royal Orleans The Omni Royal Orleans, part of the Omni Hotels collection, is a 346 room historic hotel located in the heart of the French Quarter offering luxury accommodations including 15 well-appointed suites. Every room boasts views of courtyards lush with tropical greenery, or Jackson Square, the Mississippi River or French Quarter rooftops. Amenities include two-line telephone with voice mail, goose down-filled pillows, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, individual climate control, mini bars with gourmet snacks and beverages and free wireless internet. Complimentary newspapers arrive via gracious room service attendants, available 24 hours. Gift, beauty and barber shops are all within the hotel, as is a full-service business center. In addition, experienced concierges are eager to attend to every detail. The hotel’s fabled restaurant, The Rib Room…Rotisserie Extraordinaire, has been a favorite of locals and visitors since it opened in 1960. For more information please visit our website at www.omniroyalorleans.comAbout Omni Hotels

Omni Hotels creates compelling, memorable guest experiences by tempting the senses in innovative ways, surrounding them with a balanced blend of scents, sounds, sights, textures and tastes. Omni Hotels offers luxury accommodations at 45 hotels and resorts in leading business gateways and leisure destinations across North America. From exceptional golf and spa retreats to dynamic business settings, each location features four-diamond services, including award-winning signature restaurants, Wi-Fi connectivity and unique fitness options. Omni’s mission for total customer service is further supported by its "Power of One" program that empowers associates to make on-the-spot decisions to meet or exceed guest expectations. Guests can locate hotels and book accommodations by visiting www.omnihotels.com or by calling 1-800-THE-OMNI. www.omnihotels.com

###