Three Benchmark Hospitality Virginia Resorts Go Green!

The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, February 2008 … Benchmark Hospitality International has announced the greening of its three Virginia resorts: The Founders Inn and Spa of Virginia Beach; Virginia Crossings Resort of Richmond; and Lansdowne Resort located near Leesburg. Each property has been presented with the Virginia Green Lodging Certificate of Environmental Commitment by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.

This acknowledgement underscores the commitment of each resort to minimizing its environmental impact by conserving resources wherever feasible in its operations. At a minimum, the property has committed to core activities, such as optional linen service, recycling opportunities, water conservation, energy conservation and green conferences.

"One of our primary goals is to be an integral, positive part of our community," states Ellen Ruane, Benchmark's general manager at The Founders Inn and Spa. "This includes doing our part to conserve our region's natural resources."

"We are very proud to be a part of Virginia's 'Green' initiative as we strive to always be positive corporate citizens and a responsible neighbor to our community," states Tom Manno, managing director of Lansdowne Resort, Benchmark Hospitality's east coast flagship property. "This includes doing our part to conserve our region's natural resources."

In addition to receiving the Green Lodging Certificate, Virginia Crossings Resort has been presented with the Clean Business Award, given each year to local businesses that demonstrate excellence in landscaping management, waste management and recycling.

"We are very pleased to accept these awards," states Tom Cupo, Benchmark's general manager at Virginia Crossings Resort. "Our team actively works to maintain the highest standards of environmentally intelligent business procedures. This recognition is very meaningful."

The Virginia Green Lodging Program is an initiative of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to advance pollution prevention methods in the tourism and hospitality industry. Virginia Green Lodging encourages hotels, resorts, and other hospitality operations to be aware of their impact on the environment and to take steps to reduce this impact.

About The Founders Inn and Spa

Boasting old-world charm and the finest southern hospitality, The Founders Inn and Spa provides the appeal and warmth of a country inn, accented by beautiful antiques and historic artifacts, with a new $5 million full-service resort spa, grand scale pool featuring a circular slide and interactive fountains, luxurious amenities and award-winning cuisine. The Inn's 240 guestrooms and suites include High Speed Internet access, generous workspace and views of 26 landscaped acres. Select rooms include gas fireplaces, and views of the lake and formal gardens. The Founders Inn and Spa is located at 5641 Indian River Road in Virginia Beach near exit 286B off Interstate 64 East. For reservations and additional information, please call 800-926-4466 or visit www.foundersinn.com. The Founders Inn and Spa is operated by Benchmark Hospitality International.

About Virginia Crossings Resort

Virginia Crossings Resort www.virginiacrossingsresort.com is central Virginia's premier, full-service resort. Operated by Benchmark Hospitality International, the resort is located just 15 minutes north of downtown Richmond, Virginia, on 20 + acres of flourishing landscaped campus grounds. With design inspiration courtesy of Virginia's rich colonial history, Virginia Crossings Resort features 183 spacious master guestrooms and suites, 25,000 square feet of well-appointed function space, 18 holes of championship golf, an activity glen and multiple dining outlets. Virginia Crossing Resort is operated to Benchmark Hospitality International.

About Lansdowne Resort

Lansdowne Resort (www.lansdowneresort.com) is the capital region's premier, full-service resort. Operated by Benchmark Hospitality International, the resort is situated on 500 + acres of countryside along the Potomac River near Leesburg, Virginia. Lansdowne features 305 freshly renovated luxury guestrooms and suites, the luxurious Spa Minérale, 45 holes of championship golf, a new 45,000 square foot clubhouse, and six dining outlets.

About Benchmark Hospitality International

Benchmark Hospitality International, an independent hospitality management company based in The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, operates resorts, conference centers, hotels and condominium resorts both domestically and internationally. For locations of Benchmark Hospitality properties and for additional information, visit Benchmark's Website at www.benchmarkhospitality.com.

For photography of The Founders Inn and Spa visit: http://benchmarkhospitality.com/Media_Center/Property_Photography.asp?p_id=10&pp_id=80

For photography of Virginia Crossings Resort visit: http://benchmarkhospitality.com/Media_Center/Property_Photography.asp?p_id=20&pp_id=68

For photography of Lansdowne Resort visit: http://benchmarkhospitality.com/Media_Center/Property_Photography.asp?p_id=14