TOWNSEND HOTEL EARNS FOUR STAR RATING FROM FORBES TRAVEL GUIDE
Award recognizes hotel's continuous excellence

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November 11, 2009, BIRMINGHAM, Mich., - The Townsend Hotel has been honored with the 2010 Forbes Four Star Award by Forbes Travel Guide (formerly Mobil), providers of one of the most comprehensive evaluation systems of hotels, restaurants and spas. The Townsend has held a perennial spot on this list for more than 20 years.

"The Forbes Four Star Award is a symbol of the continuous excellence that the Townsend offers to discerning travelers from around the world," said Peter Wilde, managing director of the Townsend. "We will continue to provide tremendous value and world-class amenities, and be a proud representative of Detroit as a world class hotel."

"We planned ahead for the possibility of an economy similar to this and have reduced our debt at every opportunity over the last 10 years," said Managing Director Peter Wilde. "We made it a point to implement a business model and develop a culture of excellence to improve the quality of the customer experience, while at the same time reducing the cost of providing that experience."

For more than 50 years, Forbes Travel Guide has rated hotels using a process based on more than 750 rigorous and standardized criteria that are evaluated and updated annually. To achieve Forbes Four-Star status, properties must meet or exceed Forbes's bar-setting service standards, which are determined through undercover service evaluations conducted by Forbes Travel Guide's expert inspectors.

In the review, the Townsend received high marks for its convenience to downtown Detroit and trendy Birmingham location, along with its handsomely furnished guest rooms, renowned Rugby Grille restaurant, and The Corner, an appealing hotspot for urban nightlife. The Townsend's comprehensive review may be found online at www.forbestravelguide.com.

"With an unprecedented downtown in the economy this year, properties have taken steps to refine their properties to become more efficient," said Shane O'Flaherty, president and CEO for Mobile Travel Guide. "Yet, it is important to note that the employees of these same properties have remained as engaged and passionate as ever about providing the best guest experience that they can.," He also noted that while the hospitality industry has been challenged this year, "It has risen to the occasion."

Since The Townsend opened in 1988, it has received numerous awards and accolades including Forbes Four Star and AAA Four Diamond designations as well as a perennial position on Conde Nast's "Top 100 Gold List," and Travel + Leisure's "World's Best Hotels." The Townsend's Rugby Grille has been recognized by Zagat's Restaurant Guide as one of the top 10 restaurants in the United States. In 2009, Hour Media - Magazine recognized the Townsend as the "Best Special Event Venue" and the "Best Hotel". THE TOWNSEND HOTEL, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, is located at 100 Townsend Street in downtown Birmingham, Mich. For more information, contact the hotel at 248-642-7900 or 800-548-4172. Additional information is also available at www.townsendhotel.com.

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