Sonesta to Rebrand the Sheraton Orlando as Sonesta Orlando

Franchise Agreement with Resolution Services LLC

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. December 28, 2009

BOSTON, MA, December 23, 2009 - (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Sonesta International Hotels Corporation (Nasdaq:SNSTA) today announced the company's first property in its new US franchise program, the Sonesta Hotel Orlando Downtown.

Effective January 17, 2010, the 341-room, upscale hotel will operate under the Sonesta flag. The announcement of the 31st Sonesta hotel worldwide, is the result of the recent franchise agreement between Sonesta Franchise Corporation, a subsidiary of Sonesta International Hotels Corporation, and owner RSLLC Orlando Downtown Hotel, LLC, a joint venture comprised of affiliates of Glenmont Capital Management, LLC and Resolution Services, LLC.

The hotel, which recently underwent an extensive $10 million renovation, currently boasts a rooftop heated pool with dramatic views from downtown of the Orlando skyline, fitness center, club level with private lounge, updated guest rooms offering wireless high speed internet, and a contemporary lobby. Dining options include a full service restaurant, lobby lounge and coffee bar. The hotel also features 20,000 square feet of meeting space for groups of up to 500 guests.

An additional four million dollars will be invested by the hotel's owner to rebrand the hotel to Sonesta standards, including 37 inch LCD-HD televisions and Sonesta's luxurious bedding package with 250-thread count Egyptian cotton sheets and hypo-allergenic European down blankets and pillows.

"Sonesta is pleased to welcome the Sonesta Hotel Orlando Downtown into our collection. As our first domestic franchise since the launch of Sonesta's US franchise program earlier this year, this attractive upscale property represents a new era for Sonesta as our company embarks on its exciting domestic expansion.

We are also very happy to be working with the partnership of Glenmont Capital LLC, and Resolutions Services LLC as our first Sonesta US franchisee, as they clearly share our vision and overriding commitment to quality and excellence. We look forward to a long and successful relationship," commented Philip M. Silberstein, Sonesta's executive vice president of development.

Overlooking Orlando's Lake Ivanhoe, the Sonesta Hotel Orlando Downtown is located in the city's business district near the arts center, and provides easy access to the Citrus Bowl, the Amway Arena and the new Amway Center. Orlando's Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and The History Center are close by while the city's international airport is just 14 miles away.

"We are proud to be the first US Sonesta franchised hotel and look forward to expanding our relationship as Sonesta continues to grow the brand," said Larry Kestin, Managing Principal of Glenmont Capital Management, LLC. "Glenmont has always pursued opportunities to acquire quality yet distressed and underperforming assets, and through its hands-on entrepreneurial ownership, reposition those assets to a higher level of profitability. We believe Sonesta represents the perfect partner in light of its shared vision for the hotel and its similar entrepreneurial and flexible approach to its business."