Ivan de Saint Pierre, Managing Director of Ahora S.L. and Manager of NH E-Business, received the prize on behalf of the chain in the event attended by representatives of large tourist sector companies and the French Minister of Tourism, Jacques Bruhnes.

NH Hoteles was among the five finalists, along with Accor, Preussag, Marriott and Six Continents, in the category of the Best Financial Value of the Year. The panel of judges, comprising independent financial analysts, finally decided to bestow this recognition to NH Hoteles as the company with the strongest growth potential. .

The Hermès awards, created fifteen years ago in France by MKG Consulting are the first of its kind to recognize the achievements in the hotel sector. These worldwide prestigious awards include 130 categories and 16 prizes.

About NH Hoteles

The NH Hoteles Group (www.nh-hoteles.com) is the third leading business hotel chain in Europe after the July 2000 acquisition of the Dutch chain Krasnapolsky. NH has more than 180 hotels with more than 25,000 rooms in 17 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Moreover, the 26 hotel projects under constructions will provide an additional 3,300 new rooms. In 2000, the Group's net operating profit surged 142% to Pts 91,596 Mn (€550.5 Mn) thanks 103.4% sales growth. Net profit was up 41% to €90 Mn. NH Hoteles posted 47% revenue growth in 9M01 driving operating profit up 25%. Despite the deplorable 11 September events, average RevPar has remained above 71%.The NH Group is listed in the Madrid stock exchange (included in the selective Ibex 35), and in Amsterdam's Euronext. Moreover, NH Hoteles is a member of the Stoxx Europe 600 index that includes Europe's leading companies.