Preferred Hotel Group� has announced the launch of Sterling Design�, a special designation within the established Sterling Hotels brand, offering guests chic style and sophistication that�s accessible for any budget.

Sterling Design will showcase a collection of contemporary, design-led properties, each created to appeal to the savvy holiday planner as well as the discerning business traveller.

With a tagline of �As Individual as You�, Sterling Design will boast hotels and resorts from across the globe offering something for every guest. Characteristics of the new designation include contemporary architecture, sleek and understated guestrooms featuring the latest technology, a hip bar, lounge or restaurant and a high standard of service. These properties will offer customers good local value teamed with great location and amenities

Preferred Hotel Group is excited to announce the newest members to receive this special designation. Properties include The Fleming, a chic, urban hotel located in Hong Kong�s Wan Chai district; the modern design mecca, Mon Hotel, situated in Paris�s 16th arrondissement, and Hotel Urbano, a stylish Miami boutique hotel located near South Beach, opening in December 2009.

John Ueberroth, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for Preferred Hotel Group, comments: �As an extension of Sterling Hotels, the new Sterling Design designation caters to the savvy international traveller, who still has value at the top of their agenda but is not willing to skimp on style. The range further extends our target customer base allowing those looking for style at the right price to enjoy even more offerings from Preferred Hotel Group.�

Preferred Hotel Group will continue to identify and sign properties with unique style and individuality to the new designation over the coming months. Sterling Design�s website is live and more information can be found at www.sterlingdesignhotels.com; a directory will officially launch in early 2010.

Sterling Design designated members include:

� The Fleming Hotel, Hong Kong, China � Mon Hotel, Paris, France � Angelo Design Hotel, Munich, Germany � Hotel Florida, Lisbon, Portugal � Royal Palm Tower, Sao Paulo, Brazil � Hotel Urbano, Miami, USA � Stay, New York, USA � Time, New York, USA

About Preferred Hotel Group� Celebrating 40 years of excellence, Preferred Hotel Group is proud to be a global leader in the hospitality industry, delivering high-performance sales, marketing and technology solutions to more than 700 independent hotels and resorts in over 75 countries. Its family of brands represents a collection of the finest hotels in the world and include: Preferred Hotels� & Resorts (www.PreferredHotels.com), Preferred Boutique� (www.PreferredBoutique.com), Summit Hotels & Resorts� (www.SummitHotels.com), Sterling Hotels� (www.SterlingHotels.com) and Historic Hotels of America� (www.HistoricHotels.org). For more information please visit www.PreferredHotelGroup.com.

In Autumn 2007, the company entered the luxury real estate market with the launch of Preferred Residences� � a membership and exchange programme for luxury shared ownership resorts that provide an exceptional level of service and amenities. Properties are held to exacting standards derived from the same Preferred Global Standards of Excellence� on which the company has built its 40-year heritage in the hospitality industry. For more information please visit www.PreferredResidences.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: EMEA Lucre Communications Tel: +44 (0)20 8332 9690 preferredhotels@lucre.co.uk

For high resolution imagery of our properties, please visit the Preferred Hotel Group Image Library at www.preferredhotelgroup.com/press.htm.