Lansdowne Resort Undergoes Major Renovation, Expansion

Complete guest room redesign, new golf course, expansive outdoor pool complex among key enhancements

LANSDOWNE, Va. Sept. 29, 2004 -- Lansdowne Resort, the Washington D.C. region's premier full-service resort, has begun an extensive renovation and expansion program to enhance the resort's leisure offerings. The estimated cost is $45 million.

Over the next year, the resort will unveil renovated amenities in several stages, beginning with a complete redesign of all 305 guest rooms and public spaces in February, an expansive multi-pool water complex in April, a 40,000 square-foot clubhouse and new Greg Norman Signature Golf Course in July and a nine-hole short course also designed by Greg Norman, in October. In 2006, Lansdowne will add a 12,000 square-foot addition to the spa.

"We are committed to making Lansdowne Resort the preferred getaway for guests from across the Mid-Atlantic", says Gerard Dumont, vice president and general manager for Benchmark Hospitality, which manages the property. These extensive renovations, combined with our excellent service, cuisine and attention to detail will put Lansdowne into the highest echelon of resort experience.

Since opening in 1991, Lansdowne has been regarded as one of the finer meeting and conference facilities in the country. In recent years, the resort has expanded its reach to appeal to couples and families who enjoy escaping to Virginia's renowned wine and hunt country.

"While we are probably best known for our meeting services, the renovations and additional on-site recreation options will change this perception a bit", Dumont said. "We are expecting to broaden our appeal to even more leisure travelers looking for excellent quality and value in a charming historic region that offers cultural, educational and recreational options".

Renovation, redesign of guest rooms, public spaces.

Scheduled for completion in February 2005 is a complete renovation and redesign of all 305 guest rooms, suites and public spaces. Inspired by nature, each room resembles the casual elegance of a country manor, with warm, vibrant colors and breathtaking views. In addition, guests will enjoy the latest technology from the comfort of their rooms.

The resort's entrance, front lobby, living room and waterfall terrace also are being refurbished with the same casual elegance. The lobby area will be known as The Great Room and is designed as a comfortable place to relax and enjoy a private conversation. At the edge of the current living room space, a two-level, split staircase will replace the current stairs and lead down to the resort's restaurants, The Lansdowne Grille and the Riverside Hearth. Behind the staircase a new waterfall with natural rock features will be installed.

New multi-pool water complex

Opening in April, the planned new resort pools at Lansdowne Resort are packed with amenities. Guests at the Active Pool will enjoy activities such as water basketball or volleyball, and can explore the pool bottom in search of sea creatures. The adjacent Waterslide provides enjoyment for those looking for more thrills along with the interactive pop jet fountain, while the Jacuzzi spa provides the ultimate relaxation. As guests cross over the stone bridge, they'll discover the waterfall that connects the upper and lower pools. Guests looking for a little more seclusion will enjoy the Quiet Pool, the resort's fully remodeled existing pool, which provides a retreat from the activities of the other pools.

Overlooking the pool complex is the Fairways Grill. Guests can enjoy food, beverage, and great views at the elevated dining terrace, where the resort will take advantage of 8,000 square-feet of unique patio space for poolside events. With a total of eight pools, including the existing indoor pool, Lansdowne Resort will offer guests a wide variety of water experiences.

The Norman Golf Course and the Clubhouse

The Golf Club at Lansdowne is about to get a major addition, as the construction of a new 18-hole golf course designed by Greg Norman is currently underway and scheduled to open in July. The front nine will run east along the Potomac River, parallel to holes 14, 15 and 16 of the existing Robert Trent Jones, II-designed course, while the back nine comes back west along the river toward Goose Creek. The last four holes measure exactly 1,760 yards (equal to one mile) making it, according to Norman, the hardest mile in golf. Norman also has designed a more forgiving nine-hole short course perfect for junior golfers and families to open in October.

Opening at the same time as The Norman Course is an expansive clubhouse, which will evoke memories of an inviting, country manor home, and will feature an elegant 4,200-square-foot ballroom, restaurant and bar, spacious men's and women's locker rooms and a well-equipped golf shop. The new clubhouse will be an ideal spot for meeting after golf or hosting various social functions.

The Spa at Lansdowne

The next phase of renovation is a 12,000-square foot addition to the Spa at Lansdowne, soon to be one of the largest luxury spas in the Mid-Atlantic. Opening in winter of 2006, the spa will feature an 11-station image center/salon, 13 treatment rooms, including a couple's suite, and several unique relaxation lounges and terraces.

Lansdowne Resort is the capital region's premier, full-service resort. Managed by Benchmark Hospitality International, the resort is set on 205 acres of secluded countryside. Amenities currently include a health club and spa, indoor and outdoor swimming pools; three lighted tennis courts and four restaurants and lounge. The resort will unveil a complete renovation and expansion program in 2005. For more information, visit Lansdowne Resorts website at www.lansdowneresort.com.

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

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