Interstate Hotels & Resorts (Merged Meristar & Interstate)

ARLINGTON, Va. -- INTRIGUE™ Hotels & Resorts - Interstate's platform for the management of independent and soft branded boutique and lifestyle hotels and resorts - announces that it has formed a strategic alliance with TQP Investments, founded by Thomas Prins, a principal of TQP Capital Partners, LLC. The union will accelerate the growth of this dedicated division.

"Our alliance with TQP and Tom taps into a multitude of benefits, enhancing the depth of resources available to Interstate Hotels & Resorts," said Leslie Ng, Interstate's Chief Investment Officer. "Tom brings his superb reputation and proven experience in this space and will be serving as an advisor to Interstate, providing operational guidance, deal sourcing and support to the INTRIGUE division in order to accelerate the growth of the platform."

Thomas Prins co-founded Gemstone Hotels & Resorts, a premier boutique management company, in 1994. He became a partner in Benchmark Resorts & Hotels, A Global Hospitality Company, after the merger between Gemstone and Benchmark. Thomas sold his ownership interests in the combined companies in 2016. Thomas is an adjunct professor at his alma mater Cornell University in the Hotel School SC Johnson College of Business teaching graduate students hotel development.

"I am delighted to be partnering with Interstate," said Prins. "We anticipate substantial growth for INTRIGUE Hotels & Resorts that is deeply advantageous to hotel owners/equity groups and sustainable for Interstate. I look forward to working closely with INTRIGUE's dedicated team to infuse my experience derived from founding, growing and operating the Gemstone platform, which combined with INTRIGUE's technology stack and backed by Interstate's scale and strong industry relationships, will drive results and provide owners with a powerful platform and hotels with the tools and resources to reach peak performance."

About INTRIGUE

INTRIGUE Hotels & Resorts is a modern, lifestyle management division by Interstate Hotels & Resorts, the leading U.S.-based global hotel management company. INTRIGUE Hotels & Resorts by Interstate brings a modern, tech-centric, lifestyle-focused management psyche to a variety of independent and soft-branded properties including urban boutique hotels, upscale restaurants, spa retreats and international properties. INTRIGUE Hotels & Resorts delivers innovative culture, style and technology of next generation lodging and experiential services to fulfill the curiosities of the modern traveler. Immediately upon its introduction, INTRIGUE Hotels & Resorts draws from Interstate's decades of experience operating independent and soft-branded properties across the country and around the world. For more information visit www.IntrigueHotels.com.

About TQP Capital Partners, LLC

TQP Capital Partners, LLC is a privately held investment group founded by Thomas Prins, which focuses on acquiring independent luxury boutique and resort hotels. Thomas Prins, who co-founded Gemstone Hotels & Resorts, has a successful track record developing, programming, repositioning, renovating and operating assets to reach their full potential and become market leaders. TQP Capital Partners has entered into a long-term strategic alliance with INTRIGUE Hotels & Resorts, the boutique division of Interstate Hotels & Resorts, which will operate its assets. For more information, please visit www.tqpcapital.com.

About Aimbridge Hospitality EMEA

Aimbridge EMEA is the International Division of leading US-based global hotel management company, Aimbridge Hospitality. The Aimbridge Hospitality global portfolio, inclusive of managed and pipeline properties, includes approximately 1,500 hotels in 20 countries. The EMEA portfolio, inclusive of pipeline, is made up of 100+ properties. Brands managed by Aimbridge EMEA include Novotel, Adagio, Courtyard, Hilton Garden Inn, Hyatt Place, Radisson, Residence Inn, Staybridge, Mercure, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express, Luxury Collection, Marriott, AC Hotels by Marriott, Hilton, Hampton by Hilton and ibis Hotels. Aimbridge EMEA's portfolio also comprises a number of independent hotels, restaurants and spa and health brands, including Marco Pierre White, Novelli at City Quays and Mamucium. For further information about Aimbridge EMEA visit www.aimbridgeEMEA.com.