US Hotels Group Adds The Asticou Inn to its Collection of Luxury New England Hotels

KENNEBUNKPORT, Maine, May 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Maine based luxury boutique hotel group, US Hotels, has added the Asticou Inn in Northeast Maine on the doorstep of Acadia National Park, to its signature collection.  US Hotels, best known for its Relais & Chateaux properties, The White Barn Inn in Kennebunkport, Maine and The Windham Hill Inn in Vermont, is working to apply its infrastructure, hospitality ethos and touches of style to the inn while preserving all of the charm of the original property. The Asticou Inn has been an area landmark since 1883 when the island became a seasonal retreat for wealthy vacationers, sailing enthusiasts, and summer residents from major urban centers. Now managed by US Hotels, The Asticou will offer the same sanctuary that guests have always enjoyed, along with the facilities and service refinements of a charming historic hotel.  

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100527/NY11917 )

The Asticou Inn, designed by prominent 19th Century architect Fred L. Savage, is located on Mount Desert Island and occupies an imposing seafront location facing one of the best-protected harbors on the beautiful Maine Coastline.  Most rooms feature views of either the harbor or the lush gardens.  The Inn also houses a fine dining restaurant and lounge, clay tennis court and heated outdoor pool. The full service restaurant is known for its delicious coastal cuisine. Executive Chef Jonathan Cartwright of the award winning White Barn Inn Restaurant is orchestrating a transformation of the Inn's menu while keeping its culinary traditions intact.  Cartwright commented, "Our plans include implementing an extended season for casual lunch service as well as the creation of new menus in the scenic cocktail lounge which affords the perfect setting for enjoying harbor sunsets."

Guests can stroll through the Asticou Inn grounds and enjoy the scent of the herbs that are used in the kitchen and the flowers that adorn the hotel.  A short walk leads to the stunning Azalea Gardens, the Japanese Garden, and Asticou Terraces which attract numerous visitors annually.  Acadia National Park, adjacent to the Asticou property, is a destination for nature walks, hiking, and horse drawn carriage rides.  Northeast Harbor has quaint boutiques and galleries, and Bar Harbor is just a short drive away as are countless other island attractions making the Inn's location ideal.

Commenting on the announcement, Paul Hanley CEO of the group said, "US Hotels is proud to add the Asticou Inn to our collection. As with our other New England properties it offers guests traditional values in a historic setting and offers the same culinary excellence that has won our group numerous plaudits. We plan to wrap ourselves in the heritage of this special property."  Hanley further commented, "We believe the property will benefit from the rich experience of its new General Manager, Nicholas Squire who was trained at our own White Barn Inn and other world class hotels. Furthermore the partnership with this hotel  exemplifies the type of growth one can expect from US Hotels in the coming months with expansion planned both through management arrangements, like the Asticou, as well as acquisitions."

Located just 45 minutes from Bangor and offering some of New England's finest banqueting facilities, The Asticou Inn is well known as an elegant and scenic venue for weddings parties, and special events.  Corporate retreats are accommodated during the shoulder seasons.

About US Hotels

US Hotels is a family owned hospitality company which, following the agreement with the Asticou Inn, now manages a collection of eight New England hotels, restaurants and conferences facilities of which it owns seven, including the renowned White Barn Inn in Kennebunkport, Maine. The company's portfolio comprises 'Signature Properties' and 'Elite Properties' but each has its own name, brand and management team.

Signature Properties represent the 'best of breed' across a number of service categories from an informal Italian bistro to a range of hotels, spas and banqueting facilities catering for every need and every taste. Elite Properties are an exclusive group of hotels providing world class accommodation, cuisine and service. They are luxurious and the dining is exquisite. The guest experience is designed to be sophisticated, "transporting," and, ultimately, unforgettable. Currently represented by The White Barn Inn and Windham Hill Inn, US Hotels intends to add like-minded properties to this exclusive portfolio.

US Hotels is a member of the Libra Group (www.libra.com). Privately owned by the Logothetis family, Libra (www.libra.com) has hospitality interests in Europe, Asia and the Americas.

SOURCE US Hotels