VICTORIA S FAMILY OWNED HOTEL UNDERGOES EXTENSIVE RENOVATION AFTER BUYING INTO THE HILTON NAME

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1 VICTORIA S FAMILY OWNED HOTEL UNDERGOES EXTENSIVE RENOVATION AFTER BUYING INTO THE HILTON NAME October 21 st, 2013 Victoria, B.C- The Executive House Hotel located in downtown Victoria will be shutting down their accommodation rooms and other guest facilities for extensive renovations. Re-opening of the hotel will be rebranded as Double Tree by Hilton after the local family owners bought into the corporate name in the Spring of The last check-out date for guests will be November 15 th and beginning November 16 th, the hotel side of the building will be inaccessible to the public. Renovations will start on the North side of the hotel allowing Belmiro s Restaurant and Lounge, Doubles Lounge, and Bartholomew s English Style Pub to stay open for patrons until January. Although the hotel has been upgrading small changes in the guest rooms, elevators, and exterior in the past two years, this upcoming renovation project will vastly alter the hotel s facilities. All guest rooms will be repainted and new carpets will be installed; décor within the rooms will be redesigned with brand new furniture and beds. Bathrooms within rooms and public areas will be remodelled with state of the art sinks, tubs, and other accessories. Hallways and other public areas will install new light fixtures, carpets, and furniture to maximize brightness indoors while creating a warm and welcoming environment for guests. Suites and penthouses will also be revamped with larger entertainment areas, newly equipped kitchens, and advanced technology accessories to assist guests with their daily needs. We are grateful of our customer s suggestions and feedbacks are taken very seriously which is why we finalized the decision to make the upgrades necessary. Our family and staff are all very excited for the improvements and we can t wait for our guests to come and experience the new Executive House Hotel when it is all finished, said Company President Andrea Phillips who is the daughter of founders Derryck and Anne Jackson. For the next few weeks, The Executive House Hotel will be offering a special rate of $79 per night for one bedroom suites as a way to celebrate their history before new beginnings. Executive House Hotel 777, Douglas Street, Victoria Contact Person: Christine Yam Christineyam13@gmail.com -30-

2 Backgrounder Executive House Hotel will be changing its image through extensive renovations and rebranding. The Executive House Hotel has been a long time popular accommodation choice for both locals and tourists in Victoria. Located in city centre with views of the inner harbour, it boasts convenience and charm at a reasonable price. Small renovations have been done throughout the past two years but complete hotel shutdown will begin November 6 th for intensive remodelling. The Hotel was founded in 1965 by husband and wife couple Derryck and Anne Jackson where the hotel was solely family owned and managed. In the late 90 s, operations for the hotel was passed down to their daughter Andrea Phillips and son in law John Phillips where they have been running the hotel and making key decisions in place of the cofounders. Because of vast advances in technology and the increasing tourism attractions in Victoria, The Executive House Hotel have found itself in need of makeover that will help better meet the needs and wants of customers. In the Spring of 2013, it was finalized that the family owned business will buy into the Hilton Hotels name rebranding itself as Double Tree by Hilton. This will help obtain the investments needed to remodel the entire the hotel, but old management will still be in control. The expected official start of construction will begin November 16 th and the assumed reopening date will be in the summer months of Current Attractions of the Executive House Hotel Located just a short walk from Inner Harbour, Beacon Hill, the Parliament building, and other downtown attractions. Expansive views of Olympic Mountains, Inner Harbour, and Strait of Juan de Fuca 181 guest rooms, one and two bedrooms suites Day spa with fitness studio, steam room, and sun deck, Meeting rooms and banquet facilities available Valet and Concierge Service Pet Friendly Upcoming Changes All guest rooms will have RFID door locks to ensure function and security Concrete installation and new double glazed tinted windows will ensure quiet and comfortable stay without the disturbance of the downtown buzz New balcony railings, floor, wall, window coverings New energy efficient boilers

3 Rooms will be stocked with LCD flat screen, Ipod/mp3 player docks Expanded health and wellness facilities Air conditioning system in all rooms Additional meeting space and banquet facilities Upgrades to hallways, front desk, lobby, etc. Dates Pushed Back For Closing of Dining Services In the original planning of the renovation, the whole building was to be shut down on November 6 th. However, farther strategic planning has allowed the south side of the building to remain untouched until January. Although guest rooms and hotel services will not be accessible, visitors and locals will still be able to frequent the popular dining destinations. This includes: Belmiro s Restaurant and Lounge- West Coast Cuisine Doubles Lounge- Cocktails, dinner, and appetizers Bartholomew s English Style Pub- Pub fare, heated patio, live music and dance floor Special Room Rates For the Last Month While the hotel is preparing for renovations, it is celebrating its history by offering guests $79/night rates for one bedroom suites featuring a separate King bedroom, full kitchen, living room, and balcony. The rate also includes complimentary wireless internet, cable TV, and access to the Day Spa, steam room, and fitness centre. Decisions were made based on the collection of customer feedback and suggestions throughout the past few years. It became apparent that although the hotel had charm, great service, and convenience; visitors and locals were asking for building improvements and other foreseen changes needed for a 45 year old building. The rebranding and partnership with Hilton will not only provide investments necessary, but will deliver trustworthy contractors and project managers to ensure smooth change operations. -end-

4 Executive House Hotel Fact Sheet The Executive House Hotel will undergo extensive renovations starting in November. Actions are part of the hotel s rebranding plan as they shift from The Executive House Hotel to Double Tree by Hilton. Start and end date of construction and renovation North side of the building will begin November 16 th South side assumed to begin January 10 th Reopening for guests is assumed to be in June of Exact date not confirmed. Cost of Project Approximately $3.2 million dollars 3 Key Green Key Certified The Green Key Eco-Rating Program and Green Key Meetings Program are graduated rating systems designed to recognize green hotels, motels and resorts that are committed to improving their environmental and fiscal performance. Based on the assessment both operational areas and sustainable practices, The Executive House Hotel currently holds 3 key ratings out of 5 with special emphasis on solid waste management and corporate environmental management. The renovations and installation of better systems will improve the hotel s energy conservation, indoor air quality, building infrastructure, and engineering which will help them gain even better ratings. It is the hotel s goal to reach 5 key rating by the summer of Funding Sources The Jackson Family, Hilton Hotels Corporation, Belmiro s Restaurant Areas Being Upgraded All guest rooms including one bedroom and two bedroom suites, executive Jacuzzi rooms, penthouse suites as well as long stay suites. Public areas such as lobby, lobby bathroom, elevators, hallways, and meeting facilities will undergo change and enlargement. Day Spa, Fitness Room, Steam room will all be installed with new equipment. Exteriors, walls, and balcony will go through major construction for renewal and safety.

5 Audience Profile and Direction Planning Sheet The subject of the piece: The closing of the Executive House Hotel located in downtown Victoria for major construction and remodelling Format: Online for social media release and print Objective(s): To inform the industry of the official partnership with Hilton Group To inform the industry, city, and visitors the closing date of the hotel Identify the changes that will be put forth along with the benefits Intended audience: The hotel and tourism industry (primary)- They will need to know so they can inform visitors of what is going on and why they cannot book rooms at the Executive House Hotel during the shutdown period. It will also motivate the industry to promote an exciting new plan and restructuring of the building to the public. Since tourism in Victoria is extremely important, the renewal of the building will encourage more visitors looking for affordable accommodation to experience many of the comforts offered in high end hotels. City Of Victoria (secondary)- Victoria residents would probably like to know of major changes in the hotel and tourism industry that will help boost their economy. Since the Executive House Hotel is also a well-known family establishment, it will also be an interesting piece to showcase in the Times Colonist or other local news channels. Angle: The Hook is simply the shutdown of the hotel for the next few months as well as the family owned business buying into the Hilton Group. Key ideas: Closing and assumed opening date of the hotel The partnership with the Hilton Group The renovations that will be done Restaurant establishments in the building will remain opened until January Length: Print Press Release (one page), Social Media (one page with videos, pictures, etc.), Backgrounder (2 pages), Fact Sheet (1) Deadline: October 21 st, 2013