Omni Ambassador East Undergoes Comprehensive Restoration

IRVING, Texas (Nov. 25, 1997) – The Omni Ambassador East in Chicago will undergo a
comprehensive, nine month-long, $14 million restoration beginning in December and
scheduled for completion August 1998.

Renovations planned for the Omni Ambassador East include a complete upgrade of all
guest rooms and the remodeling of meeting space and event facilities. Major improvements
to the hotels infrastructure include the computer systems, fire and safety equipment,
plumbing and foundation.

"We are proud of the celebrated history of the Omni Ambassador East in Chicago," said
Fares Andrawes, general manager of the hotel. "The goal of this restoration is to ensure that
the hotel remains at the center of Chicagos social and business activity, as well as the
upscale destination of choice for tourists and business travelers."

Famed for its comfort and elegance, the Omni Ambassador Easts renovated guest rooms
will feature new furnishings, carpeting and chintz draperies and bedding. Business travelers
will note the custom-designed desks equipped with electrical outlets and phone lines fitted
with voice mail and modem hook-ups. Guest room bathrooms will also get a facelift including
marble flooring and countertops, wall-mounted, pull-away shaving mirrors and new plush,
terry robes.

Built in 1920, the Omni Ambassador East is legendary in Chicagos history. Located at the
Northeast corner of State and Goethe streets on the citys exclusive Gold Coast, the Omni
Ambassador East is steps from the famed shopping attractions on Michigan Avenue, and
the shores of Lake Michigan.

Designed in the Georgian style with exterior details reminiscent of a London townhouse, the
18-story building was originally developed as aresidential hotel. A few of the hotels famous
inhabitants have included John F. Kennedy, Warren Beatty, Frank Sinatra, Tallulah
Bankhead, Natalie Wood and Robert Wagner, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Alfred
Hitchcock, Judy Garland and Richard Gere.

The celebrated have also been drawn to the hotels premier fine-dining restaurant, The
Pump Room, one of Chicagos most famous attractions. From Jack Benny to John Travolta,
celebrities and VIPs have flocked to The Pump Room for the opportunityto be seated at the
restaurants renowned "Booth One."

Today, the four-star Omni Ambassador East provides a full-range of guest services for
business and leisure travelers, as well as meeting rooms and catering services for special
events – allwithin a pre-eminent, historical setting.

Rated among the top five upscale hotel chains in customer service by J.D. Power and
Associates and Frequent Flyer Magazine, Omni Hotels offers a variety of services and
amenities to customers including wine tastings, tennis, golf, tours of local attractions and
childrens activities.

Headquartered in Irving, Texas, Omni Hotels is comprised of 43 upscale and luxury hotels
and resorts throughout the U.S. and Mexico. Omni Hotels will continuean aggressive
agenda for expansion in first-tier markets and key secondary cities, with an emphasis on the
Midwest and West Coast.

For more information, contact Michelle Bennett, Corporate Communications Manager,
(972)871-5623, mbennett@omnihotels.com