Benchmark Hospitality International Adds Hotel Granduca, Houston's Newest Luxury Boutique Hotel in Famed Galleria District

The Woodlands(Houston), Texas, January 4, 2010 … Benchmark Hospitality International, the leading independent hospitality management company in the United States, announced today the addition of Hotel Granduca to the company's growing management portfolio. Hotel Granduca, Houston's newest and most luxurious boutique hotel, is located in the Uptown/Galleria section of the city. The intimate property offers 123 spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom guest suites and joins Benchmark's Personal Luxury Hotels™. Burt Cabañas, Benchmark's chairman and chief executive officer together with Giorgio Borlenghi, president of Interfin Companies, the owner of Hotel Granduca, made the announcement.

"I am very pleased to welcome Hotel Granduca to Benchmark's management portfolio," said Mr. Cabañas. "This remarkably beautiful property, with its ideal Galleria location and Benchmark Hospitality's service product, is poised for new levels of success in 2010 and beyond."

"I am very proud of what we have accomplished with Hotel Granduca," stated Giorgio Borlenghi. "During the past three years, Granduca has been recognized as the most luxurious, exclusive and acclaimed hotel in Houston. Now, through our association with Benchmark Hospitality International, we can take Hotel Granduca to the next level, expand our global reach, and bring the Granduca brand to other markets."

Distinctively Italian in its design and reminiscent of an elegant Tuscan villa, Hotel Granduca opened in 2006 with the service and amenities consistent with a Five Star property. Guests enter Hotel Granduca through a striking courtyard featuring a porte cochere entrance into a gracious and welcoming reception lobby. All guest suites offer luxurious and spacious accommodations with breathtaking views of the hotel's remarkably beautiful pool, which is softly illuminated at night, or the city's Uptown district.

In Ristorante Cavour, Hotel Granduca offers exceptional dining with cuisine inspired by Italy's Northern provinces and the neighboring French countryside. Ristorante Cavour is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Also available within Hotel Granduca is Bar Malatesta, featuring lite fare and cocktails. The property's superb location near Houston's theater, museum and high-end retail districts makes Hotel Granduca the ideal complement for cultural events and shopping excursions.

In addition to spacious guest suite accommodations and superb dining, Hotel Granduca offers two "smart" conference rooms and the elegant Salone Rialto, the property's 1200 square-foot ballroom, which are ideal for corporate and social gatherings, including weddings. Benchmark Hospitality's award-winning service now complements this elegant, state-of-the-art event space.

The hotel's first rate fitness center and pool enable guests to maintain their exercise program while in Houston. Guests of Hotel Granduca enjoy complimentary wireless Internet service throughout the property and a 24-hour Business Center. Additional services consistent with a Five Star property are available as well, including 24-hour concierge, dry cleaning and housekeeping services. Traveling guests also appreciate the hotel's complimentary shoe shine services.

Hotel Granduca is perfectly situated in Houston, just minutes from the famed Galleria and across the street from Uptown Park, home to the city's distinctive European-style shopping emporiums. Located within the hotel is the Granduca Boutique. Just 17 minutes away is the renowned Texas Medical Center, the world's largest medical center.

For more information about Hotel Granduca and for reservations, visit www.granducahouston.com or call (888) GRANDUCA or (713) 418-1000, (713) GRANDUCA.

Operated by Benchmark Hospitality International, Hotel Granduca is a member of Leading Hotels of the World, www.lhw.com, and is the only property in Texas to be included in this prestigious collection of the world's finest luxury hotels and resorts.

Photography is available here.

About Granduca Adalberto Malatesta

Hotel Granduca was inspired by the life and history of the 16th century Granduca, Adalberto Malatesta. Born in Rimini, Italy, in 1524, his family moved to Savoy, Italy, where he married Martina di Savoia, who brought him a dowry, a palace and 1,800 acres in Monfallito, Italy. A born leader and skilled in all military arts, he served in the Savoian army and in 1556, led the army of Emanuel Filiberto of Savoy and ally Philip II of Spain to defeat the French in the battle of San Quintino. In recognition of this, Phillip II of Spain made Adalberto Granduca of Monfallito. A statue of The Duke is located near the entrance to Hotel Granduca.

About Benchmark Hospitality International

Benchmark Hospitality International is a leader in the management and marketing of resorts, conference centers, hotels, and Personal Luxury Hotels™.  The privately held company, launched in 1980, is a founding member of the International Association of Conference Centers.  Benchmark Hospitality is a worldwide organization operating properties in major metropolitan and resort destinations.  Benchmark's international headquarters is located in The Woodlands, Texas, near Houston, with regional offices in New Jersey and Connecticut.  International offices are located in Tokyo, Japan, and Santiago, Chile. For the location of Benchmark's properties and additional information, visit www.benchmarkhospitality.com.