ESSEX, VT – The Essex Resort &

Spa, located between the base of the Green Mountains and the shores of Lake Champlain, announced today that it has partnered with Stash Hotel Rewards, the nation's largest points-based rewards program for independent hotels. As a result of this new partnership, Stash members are now able to earn and redeem points at The Essex Resort & Spa, the only AAA Four-Diamond in the Champlain Valley.

"Stash Hotel Rewards is perfect for travelers who appreciate properties that offer one-of-a-kind

guest services – like the culinary experience we offer at The Essex," said Jim Glanville, General Manager at The Essex Resort & Spa. "It's a rewards program that values the uniqueness and individuality of its independent hotel partners – traits we're proud to have recognized by travelers from around the United States."

From the moment guests walk through the doors at The Essex, they are treated to a true culinary

experience. The resort boasts two unique award winning restaurants, each featuring signature menus inspired by seasonal ingredients – the majority of which are procured from the on-site garden. It's also home to Cook Academy, an onsite cooking class program. Guests can sign up for a variety classes taught by professional Chefs, ranging from classic techniques to indoor barbeque. Classes are held in the Chef's Kitchen, an intimate space for eight, or in The JK Adams Classroom, a larger space to accommodate groups.

The Essex is also a member of the New England Inns & Resorts Association (NEIRA), a collection of New

England's most distinctive, independently owned and operated lodging properties. There are currently 250 independent hotels, inns and resorts that are a part of NEIRA – including 13 Stash partner hotels.

"NEIRA members are revered as New England's most outstanding independent lodging properties,"

said Joe Lavin, President of NEIRA and owner of the Norwich Inn, Norwich Vermont. "These operators are constantly working to improve their guest experiences and find unique ways to stay competitive with the larger chains. A growing number of our members are part of the Stash Rewards Program. As more continue to join, it should strengthen us individually and as a group while enhancing the impact of Stash for travelers in our region."

Travelers interested in earning points at The Essex can join Stash for free at www.stashrewards.com. Stash

members earn five points for each dollar spent on eligible room rates and can redeem them at nearly 200 unique independent hotels across the U.S. Stash points never expire, and redemption is simple, without blackout dates or category restrictions found in many chain programs. Stash partner hotels also provide members with access to exclusive travel deals.

About Stash Hotel Rewards
Stash Hotel Rewards frees travelers from

the uninspired offerings of existing hotel reward programs by making it easy to break free from big, bland hotel chains and stay at amazing hotels. Stash was founded on a belief in the happiness- producing power of traveling to places that convey a unique and interesting story. It's a belief that is shared with the independent hoteliers and the independently-minded travelers the company was created to serve. Launched in May 2010, Stash was founded by a team of travel and e-commerce veterans from Expedia, Amazon, Microsoft, and Zillow. Stash is headquartered in Palo Alto with offices in Seattle and Miami. Travelers can easily sign up for a free account at www.stashrewards.com.

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