For Immediate Release

THE SUTTON PLACE HOTEL WINS COVETED

AAA FIVE DIAMOND AWARD FOR 2003

VANCOUVER, BC -- The Sutton Place Hotel has earned the prestigious AAA Five Diamond Award, the fourteenth year this establishment has won the award. “AAA’s Diamond Rating System is the most respected lodging and restaurant rating system in the industry,” said Michael Petrone, Director of AAA Tourism Information Development. “Less than one-half percent of all properties inspected by AAA actually receive the coveted Five Diamond Award.”

“We are extremely pleased to have earned this award again,” said John Sandor, General Manager.  “It is recognition of the hard work that goes into creating and operating a lodging establishment.” Few hotels can rival the elegance and hospitality of the Sutton Place, situated in the heart of downtown Vancouver.  The luxury hotel boasts a distinctive European charm, and offers the utmost in exceptional service and amenities.  Enjoy an exquisite dining experience in the award-winning Fleuri restaurant, relax in the sumptuous European spa complete with an indoor heated pool and whirlpool, or join the vibrant bustle of the Robson Street shopping district located just steps away.  The 397 elegantly appointed guest rooms and superior meeting facilities make The Sutton Place Hotel an inspirational venue for your next escape or group function.

A Diamond Rating is recognition that the property has undergone a rigorous evaluation process.  AAA evaluates more than 40,000 properties each year.  Approved properties are included in AAA's popular TourBook® travel guides, and have the opportunity to be included in many of the 200 travel books published by AAA each year. To be considered for AAA approval and rating, lodgings and restaurants undergo a thorough inspection, at least once a year, by one of AAA’s 60 full-time, trained, professional evaluators, called tourism editors.  AAA first started listing accommodation information in its travel publications in the early 1900s.  In 1937, the first field inspectors were hired, and the current Diamond Rating System was introduced in 1977.

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For more information contact:

Kostas Christopoulos

Director of Sales & Marketing

(604) 642-2974

kchristopoulos@suttonplace.com