CHICAGO -- Hyatt Hotels & Resorts wins first place once again. For the fourth consecutive year, Hyatt won ahead of 15 competitive upscale hotel chains in the 13th annual Business Travel News "Top U.S. Hotel Chain Survey."

The upscale category remains to be the most competitive category by having 15 top upscale chains compete with one another. The hotel chains were judged with a set of 13 criteria, measuring a range of services, quality of meeting facilities, corporate rate programs, quality of food, helpfulness of staff, quality and value of in room amenities, and overall relation between price and value. Hyatt placed first place in almost all of these categories and was named number one for upscale hotel chain as a result.

"We are delighted to learn once again that individual and group travelers, as well as industry decision makers rate Hyatt the top upscale hotel chain," said Scott Miller, president, Hyatt Hotels Corporation. "We look forward to ongoing successes as Hyatt continues to meet the needs and expectations of its customers."

In 2001, Hyatt Hotels Corporation opened four new properties including Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa, Hyatt Regency Cleveland at the Arcade, the Elliot Grand Hyatt Seattle and Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa (Naples, FL). In 2002, three other hotels are slated to open including Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina, Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson and Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa.

Key technology initiatives Hyatt introduced in 2001 include: emmediate meetings(TM), the fastest on-line ability to book small meeting space, rates and dates in real time; e-folio, an electronic folio that interfaces with a client's accounts payable system to reimburse individual employees for their expenses; meeting room high-speed internet access outfitted in nearly every meeting room in Hyatt hotels & resorts in U.S. and Canada; guest room high-speed internet service in all new Hyatt properties and in existing hotels with anticipated demand; and a new simplified group master bill designed to improve the look, accuracy and standardization of a group bill.

Currently, there are 204 Hyatt hotels and resorts around the world. Hyatt Corporation manages, franchises or operates 124 hotels and resorts in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. Affiliates of Hyatt International Corporation manages, franchises or operates 80 hotels and resorts in 36 countries. In the U.S., Hyatt worldwide reservations for individuals and groups can be reached at 1-800-233-1234. Outside the U.S., contact the local Hyatt sales office or representative. For more information about Hyatt hotels and resorts, consult Hyatt through the Internet at www.hyatt.com.

Rafal Korkis
312/750-8091
Hyatt