Park Plaza Opens Fourth Hotel In United Kingdom - New Park Plaza Leeds is Part of USD $472 Million (£300 million) UK Investment

Bjørn Gullaksen, executive vice president and brand leader for Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts said, "The addition of the Park Plaza Leeds is a most exciting addition to what is undoubtedly one of the biggest hotel expansion plans in the UK. We commend our partners, Park Plaza Europe, on a job well done in bringing this hotel into the Park Plaza brand."

Prior to opening as the Park Plaza Leeds, the 21-story building experienced a USD $31.5 million (£20 million) refurbishment. The hotel, formerly Royal Exchange House, has been refurbished and re-designed in keeping with the surroundings of the nearby City Square.

Under the supervision of general manager, Ivar Van Diepen, and his 85-member team, the Park Plaza Leeds boasts 187 spacious and tastefully decorated superior and executive bedrooms and penthouse suites. All guestrooms feature bespoke furniture, two telephone lines, three extensions, Internet access and on-demand movie channels.

According to Van Diepen, "Our aim at Park Plaza Leeds is to inspire through passion, whether that be in providing the best possible service, the highest quality standards or through attention to all the finer details that make such a difference to our guests."

Meeting space at the Park Plaza Leeds extends over two dedicated conference floors, including eleven multi-function conference and banqueting rooms suitable for banquets, product launches and exhibitions. In addition to providing ample meeting space, conference rooms offer unrivalled panoramic views of the city. State-of-the-art audiovisual and technical equipment, neutral and tranquil décor and high specification intelligent lighting ensure that the hotel is able to meet the needs of its business customers.

The hotel also houses several retail outlets, providing a range of dedicated upscale shopping services for guests.

Park Plaza Leeds has teamed up with Chino Latino to bring Leeds its first Fusion Far East and modern Japanese restaurant with a Latin bar. Chino Latino combines the fiery spirit of the 'Latino' with the delicate flavors of Fusion Far East and modern Japanese cuisine, in a vibrant and sophisticated setting. The ultra modern bar, serving rum and tequila-based cocktails, has been designed as a place where business people in Leeds can go for a laid-back drink in up-beat surroundings.

Opening rates at the hotel start at USD $124 (£79.00) per night for a Superior Double Room, USD $134 (£85.00) including breakfast; USD $172 (£109.00) per night for an Executive Double Room, and USD $181 (£115.00) including breakfast all inclusive of VAT and subject to availability.

Other hotels in the USD $472 million (£300 million) investment portfolio include Victoria Park Plaza and Sherlock Holmes in London, which opened in fall 2001, and the Park Plaza Nottingham which opened in August 2002. The Riverbank Park Plaza-the largest new-build hotel to open in 30 years in central London-is due to open in mid-2005. The hotel will offer 400 deluxe guestrooms and 75 exclusive one and two-bedroom suites.

Reservations for Park Plaza & art'otel can be made through the website at , through your travel agent or by calling toll-free in the United States and Canada: 800-814-7000.

Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts is part of Carlson Hospitality Worldwide, a global leader in hospitality services, encompassing more than 1,690 hotel, resort, restaurant and cruise ship operations in 82 countries. In addition to Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts, specific brands include: Regent International Hotels; Radisson Hotels & Resorts; Country Inns & Suites By Carlson; Park Inn hotels; Radisson Seven Seas Cruises; T.G.I. Friday's and other restaurant brands; and Provisions, a worldwide procurement division.

Park Plaza Hotels Europe is the master franchisor of Carlson Hospitality Worldwide for the Park Plaza brand in 55 countries in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Park Plaza Hotels Europe is one of Europe's fastest growing hotel management companies with 26 hotels open and under development in nine countries, including the art'otel brand.

At over 35 easily accessible key locations, Park Plaza Hotels provide a welcome sign worldwide with hotels offering superior service, luxury guestrooms, modern meetings facilities and fine restaurants catering to leisure and business travellers.