LITTLE ROCK, Ark -- The Peabody Little Rock, which just raised the Peabody flag January 31, 2002, has already received its AAA, Four-Diamond rating.

"Inspectors from AAA visited the hotel anonymously on two or three occasions, and we have just received the great news, that The Peabody Little Rock has been designated a Four Diamond property," said Timothy S. Gonser, vice president and general manager of the 418-room, 40,000 sq. ft. convention/leisure hotel located on the banks of the Arkansas River, and in the heart of the trendy River Market District.

"This is a significant designation for The Peabody Little Rock, considering we've only been operating as a Peabody hotel for a few months," commented Gonser. "Hotel ratings procedures are more stringent than ever. They've raised the bar several notches to ensure that the ratings are meaningful and accurate. A Four Star rating today, really means Four Star rating, and these higher standards keep us ahead of the expectations of a growing, discerning, sophisticated traveling public."

The Peabody Little Rock, a property of the Memphis, Tennessee-based, Peabody Hotel Group, recently underwent a comprehensive $40-million reconstruction, renovation and redecoration to bring it up to Peabody standards. All guestrooms were completely renovated and redecorated, ballrooms and function space totally refurbished and upgraded, and the traditional marble fountain installed in the lobby for The Peabody Ducks. The hotel is under the same roof as the 200,000 sq. ft. Statehouse Convention Center and The Peabody Little Rock provides banquet/catering services for the center.

Capriccio at The Peabody Little Rock, specializing in the cuisines of the Tuscan region of Northern Italy, currently the hotel's signature restaurant, has received rave reviews from local newspapers and radio. The room's black marble water wall, contemporary furnishings, rich drapes and state-of-the-art lighting provide a soothing, artful backdrop for the aromatic, satisfying Tuscany dishes. This Peabody award-winning concept was brought from The Peabody Orlando, and soon will be introduced at The Peabody Memphis.

The hotel is architecturally impressive, with its lofty, air- and light-filled spaces, contemporary American art and sculptures, a massive 42-ft. crescent-shaped, granite bar, and nearing completion, The Peabody Club, The Peabody Athletic Club, Mallards Bar and the shops and boutiques of The Peabody Little Rock.

Maureen Brigid Gonzalez
PR Director
407 345-4521
The Peabody Orlando