Vancouver, BC -- CHIP Hospitality, is pleased to announce the introduction of botanica* restaurants in select CHIP Hospitality Hotels across the country. The new concept restaurant, featuring a tantalizing menu, funky décor and quality service, is part of the hotel management group's strategy to increase the number of value-added services available to its hotel guests.

"Dining at botanica* will give our guests the same high calibre experience that we strive to provide in all other areas of our hotels," said Robert Pratt, Senior VP, Operations, CHIP Hospitality. "With the opening of botanica*, guests will be treated to a sophisticated yet relaxed evening that will stimulate the senses of sight, smell, taste and touch."

On February 13, the first restaurant was opened to rave reviews at the Red Deer Lodge in Red Deer, Alberta. botanica* restaurants are scheduled to open at the Saskatoon Inn, Citadel Halifax, Regina Inn, and other CHIP Hospitality Hotels in the coming months.

Botanica*'s concept was devised by CHIP's food and beverage team. Unique dishes such as Peppercorn Perogies, Chicken Porcupine Spears or Earthly Pleasures - a wild rice linguini with roasted root vegetables, asiago and fresh tarragon jus - will delight the eyes as well as the palate. This menu will be enhanced by a culinary line-up of regional favourites using local flavours and ingredients.

botanica* has also added a tantalizing assortment of signature evening buffets. For example, on Sunday nights guests are treated to a "Dreamy Chocolate Buffet", with deserts ranging from chocolate dipped strawberries to tortes and cheesecakes. Monday nights feature a "Kids Eat Free" program where each child under 10 years of age receives a name tag, toy, and a special menu. Moreover, guests celebrating their birthdays at botanica* are entitled to a complimentary entrée of their choice.

CHIP REIT is a hotel real estate investment trust and hotel management company focused on mid-market and upscale full-service hotels. CHIP Hospitality utilizes management strategies, upgrades, repositioning and franchising to improve the operating performance of the properties within the portfolio to create value for investors. CHIP Hospitality is one of Canada's top five hotel management companies managing 36 hotels with a total of 7,900 rooms. CHIP REIT units trade on The Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol HOT.un.

Alasdair Douglas
Vice President Marketing, CHIP Hospitality
604 868 6611
CHIP Hospitality