Appointments & Promotions

John J. DePaul Named EVP Development Sonesta International

September 7, 2010 - Sonesta International Hotels Corporation (Nasdaq:SNSTA) announced today that John J. DePaul has joined the company as Executive Vice President Development. In this role, Mr. DePaul will identify hotel and resort opportunities for Sonesta brands as the company aggressively looks to expand, with an immediate focus on projects in the United States.

"John will be responsible for directing and coordinating brand growth through management contracts, franchise agreements, joint ventures, acquisitions, and other new development opportunities," said Stephanie Sonnabend, Sonesta's CEO and President. "John brings a strong background in successful acquisition and brand growth to Sonesta. We anticipate he will capitalize on Sonesta's strong reputation for operating unique, high quality hotels and resorts to grow the Collection."

John brings to Sonesta over 28 years of experience in the global lodging industry holding senior management positions with National Hospitality Holdings, LLC, Berwind Corporation, Ritz Carlton and Hilton. He has expertise in all aspects of brand expansion, hotel real estate development and acquisitions, asset management, strategic financial planning and joint ventures.

Prior to joining Sonesta, Mr. DePaul was Managing Member and President of National Hospitality Holdings, LLC and NHH Hotels & Resorts. NHH and its affiliates advised pension funds, pension fund advisory firms, servicing companies, banks, and brands. NHH advised and/or managed over $4 billion of assets. Mr. DePaul can be reached directly at 617.421.5432 or jdepaul@sonesta.com.

"Sonesta has a rich history and is recognized as a leader in operating distinctive lifestyle properties," said Mr. DePaul. "I look forward to joining the Sonesta team and growing its presence within the United States and internationally. We will be a fresh and progressive multi-segment alternative to owners, management companies and joint venture partners."

For over 60 years, Sonesta has owned, managed, designed, built and marketed hotels throughout the world. There are presently 33 Sonesta hotels and resorts, including 6 Nile cruise ships. The Sonesta Collection is located in Boston, Miami, New Orleans, Orlando, St. Maarten, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Peru, and Egypt. Properties are under development in Cartagena and Bogota, Colombia; Miami, FL; and San Carlos, Mexico. Sonesta's stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global stock market under the symbol SNSTA..

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