Omni Hotels & Resorts Honored With Award at ALIS

IRVING, Texas, Jan. 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Americas Lodging Investment Summit sponsors and delegates recognized Omni Hotels & Resorts with the Best Single Asset Transaction of 2010 for the purchase of the  Amelia Island Plantation on Amelia Island, FL.  Winners of several development awards were announced during the conference held January 24th through 26th in San Diego and co-sponsored by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) and the Burba Hotel Group.  In addition to celebrating Omni's award-winning work, ALIS honored executives and companies responsible for the most influential hospitality industry developments in 2010.

The Amelia Island Plantation transaction was completed in fall 2010, with the Amelia Island Company selling the resort to Omni for $67.1 million.  The property was previously owned by the same family for more than 30 years and operated as an independent since its inception but became bankrupt in 2008 during the economic downturn.  Omni was the highest bidder for the renowned resort at an auction held August 23rd in nearby Jacksonville, FL.  The acquisition included over 1,350 acres, 3.5 miles of beaches, 249 guest rooms, two renowned golf courses, nearly 50,000 square feet of meeting and event space, 45,000 square feet of retail space, tennis, fitness and spa facilities and numerous opportunities for future development.

"The last 12 months have been very opportunistic for our acquisitions and development team.  We've been able to strategically expand our portfolio with the addition of several outstanding properties, including the Amelia Island Plantation," said Mike Deitemeyer, president of Omni Hotels & Resorts. "Recognition for these efforts is extremely rewarding, and we are honored to be among the winners."

The Omni Amelia Island Plantation joined two other additions to Omni's growing resort portfolio in the previous 48 months: the Omni Bedford Springs Resort in South Central Pennsylvania in January, 2009 and the Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, NH in September, 2009.

ALIS nominees were considered for the awards based on outstanding business performance in various industry sectors.  More information about the nominees and winners can be found at the ALIS website alisconference.com.    

About AH&LA

Serving the hospitality industry for a century, AH&LA is the sole national association representing all sectors and stakeholders in the lodging industry, including individual hotel property members, hotel companies, student and faculty members, and industry suppliers. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AH&LA provides members with national advocacy on Capitol Hill, public relations and image management, education, research and information, and other value-added services to provide bottom line savings and ensure a positive business climate for the lodging industry. Partner state associations provide local representation and additional cost-saving benefits to members.

About Omni Hotels & Resorts

Omni Hotels & Resorts creates genuine, authentic guest experiences that take guests on "A Total Departure" to 47 distinct luxury hotels and resorts in leading business gateways and leisure destinations across North America.  From exceptional golf and spa retreats to dynamic business settings, each Omni showcases the local flavor of the destination while featuring four-diamond services, signature restaurants, Wi-Fi connectivity and unique wellness options.  Known for its award-winning, personalized service, Omni leaves a lasting impression with every customer interaction, with a heightened level of recognition and rewards delivered through its Select Guest loyalty program and the company's "Power of One" associate empowerment program.  The brand is frequently recognized by top consumer research organizations such as J.D. Power and Associates, which ranked Omni as "Highest in Guest Satisfaction Among Upscale Hotel Chains" in its 2010 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study(SM).

To get additional information or book accommodations, visit omnihotels.com or call 1-800-The-Omni.

SOURCE Omni Hotels & Resorts