Hotel Bel-Air Awards College Scholarships at First Annual Education Fund Reception

--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

WHAT: Hotel Bel-Air will award college scholarships to 11 deserving 
      students as part of the hotel's new Education Fund Program for 
      children of employees and employees themselves who have been 
      with the company for five years or more. In this program 
      eligible candidates must meet certain requirements, including 
      maintaining a minimum 3.4 grade point average and demonstrating
      clearly defined objectives for his or her future.

      The hotel has awarded $30,000 in scholarships this year, 
      granting up to $5,000 per student. Of the 183 eligible hotel 
      employees, 11 were selected from those that applied, including 
      10 employee children and one employee. 

WHEN: Friday, November 18, 2005 at 6:30 p.m.

WHO:  Children of Hotel Bel-Air employees that have been with the 
      company for five year or more will be presented with checks and 
      congratulated by managing director Carlos Lopes.

WHY:  As tuitions continue to climb, it is increasingly difficult for 
      many Hotel Bel-Air employees' children to attain a college 
      education. Programs such as this one make continued education a 
      more realistic goal, while reinforcing the "family culture" 
      that is so valued among Hotel Bel-Air employees. It is this 
      family environment that is so essential to cultivating the 
      employees' sense of pride in the hotel. Under the guidance of 
      Lopes, the program strives to establish loyalty and encourage 
      employees to develop their careers within the organization.  

      The program demonstrates not only the hotel's commitment to its 
      employees and their families, but also reinforces the employees'
      commitment to the hotel. Additionally, the hotel hopes to 
      attract new employees who value a family-focused environment, 
      creating stability within the workplace and an exceptional 
      overall guest experience.

WHERE: Hotel Bel-Air
       Palm Room
       701 Stone Canyon Road
       Los Angeles, CA 90077
       Phone: 310.472.1211