Press Release for Benjamin Hotel and ECOTEL

FOR IMMEDIATE CIRCULATION
July 29, 1999

THE BIG APPLE GOES GREEN AS MANHATTAN'S MOST ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY HOTEL DEBUTS

The Newly Opened Benjamin Hotel is New York's Only ECOTEL^Ž-Certified Property

Manhattan East Suite Hotels' newest addition, The Benjamin, has been recognized as New York's most environmentally friendly hotel based on a five-globe certification from HVS International. The Benjamin is one of just four hotels in the world to earn all five ECOTELŽ Globe Awards and the only ECOTELŽ-certified property in Manhattan.

The ECOTELŽ Globe Awards

The ECOTELŽ Certification is awarded to hotels and resorts demonstrating a heightened level of environmental responsibility. ECOTELŽ Certification evaluations are based on stringent criteria developed by HVS International as well as hospitality and environmental experts such as the Rocky Mountain Institute, The Ecotourism Society and Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration. Under this rating system, experts perform rigorous inspections of the property's physical facility, equipment and operating procedures, and conduct interviews to determine whether the property has earned enough points in five categories (Energy Efficiency, Solid Waste Management, Water Conservation, Legislative Compliance/Land Preservation and Employee Environmental Education/Community Service) represented by "globes." Based on the final score, properties are awarded from zero to five ECOTELŽ Globe Awards. According to John Moser, The Benjamin's general manager, the hotel was especially designed with today's environmental concerns in mind. "Manhattan East has spent more than $30 million to renovate this property in an environmentally friendly manner," said Moser, "we had the opportunity to rebuild the hotel and we thought it only right to make The Benjamin exceed today's environmental standards."

The Benjamin has been outfitted with the latest in environmentally efficient equipment and fixtures. Water conservation is a core element of the hotel's role in the environmental effort and all toilets, showerheads, and faucets are specially designed to help save water. Energy conservation and prevention of air pollution are other major goals, and lighting and HVAC systems were altered in the design phase of the project to achieve the ECOTELŽ levels of energy efficiency. An aggressive recycling program is practiced at The Benjamin. Even before the hotel had its first guest, boxes and other packaging material that remained after countless deliveries were separated and recycled. Now that the hotel is open, the staff recycles waste from the back of house and guestrooms, including daily newspapers (especially the two-inch-thick Sunday edition of The New York Times) and bottles and cans. Using the Hospitality Waste Management System, HVS International will help The Benjamin monitor and manage refuse and recycling to ensure that the program is effective and that costs are minimized. The Benjamin guests can expect other environmental touches, as well. Waste recycling bins have been placed in each room, and guests staying for more than one night have the option of participating in the water and air pollution prevention effort by having their sheets and towels replaced less frequently. All suites are stocked with special natural amenities from the hotel's Woodstock Spa and Wellness Center, and all linens and robes are made of pure cotton.

Manhattan East is Committed to the Environment

Other notable commitments from Manhattan East include the use of post-consumer recycled paper for all cards, stationery, and similar products. All standard paper has been replaced with recycled paper, as have most guest communication and marketing materials. In addition, Manhattan East supports solid waste management by recycling effectively and purchasing only recycled products to ensure that the market for recycled materials stays strong. This important concept is known as "closing the loop," and it is critical to solving the nation's mountainous garbage problems.

The true strength of The Benjamin's environmental effort lies in the staff education program. Before the hotel's opening, every employee participated in environmental information sessions and workshops to heighten their awareness of the environment. Informing the staff how committed Manhattan East is to the environment will be a key factor in the continuation and improvement of The Benjamin's waste management and conservation efforts.

New York's Newest Four-Star Hotel Manhattan East Suite Hotels, New York's largest all-suite hotel group, opened The Benjamin on April 19 as its first four-star Executive Suite Hotel. Located at 125 East 50th Street, on the corner of Lexington Avenue, The Benjamin offers an intimate, boutique-style setting in one of the hottest locations in the city. Manhattan East has expanded the property, site of the former Hotel Beverly, from 188 rooms to 209 rooms, including 97 one-bedroom suites and a deluxe two-bedroom suite. A complete $30 million renovation included the installation of a first-class telecommunications and technology system and restoration of details that highlight the original design of its famed architect, Emery Roth. For dining, hotel guests can savor Chef Larry Forgione's award-winning cuisine at An American Place restaurant, which offers breakfast, lunch and dinner in a modern, elegant setting and provides 24-hour room service. The Benjamin is offering weekend rates starting at $262 for a superior guest room and $334 for a spacious one-bedroom suite. From one 130-suite hotel, family-owned Manhattan East Suite Hotels has grown to 10 properties with more than 2,100 units and over 1,000 employees. While representing a new concept for Manhattan East, The Benjamin reflects the company's tradition of offering a unique value in the New York market, combined with consistent and genuine personal service. For more information or reservations, call 212-320-8002 or 1-888-4-BENJAMIN. You can also visit the hotel's Web site at www.thebenjamin.com. For more information on the ECOTELŽ Certification, the hallmark of environmentally sensitive hotels, call 1-800-FON-4-ECO.