Omni Hotel at CNN Center Remains Open for Business After Atlanta Tornado

Luxury Downtown Landmark Restoration Underway

ATLANTA, March 20 /PRNewswire/ -- The Omni Hotel at CNN Center today announces that restoration has already begun in the aftermath of the tornado that hit downtown Atlanta on March 14.

The hotel remained open during the storm and is currently operating with approximately 600 guestrooms, the vast majority of its meeting space and its full complement of food & beverage venues. Management expects most of the restoration to be complete by mid April. The property is currently hosting a group of 400 guests in the North Tower for this week's U.S. Department of Energy conference.

A thorough assessment of all 1,070 guestrooms and other facilities in both towers of the Omni Hotel at CNN Center is nearly complete. It has been determined that of the South Tower's 470 guestrooms, approximately 170 rooms suffered broken window glass and related damages. Correspondingly, of the 600 guest rooms in the North Tower, only eight experienced damage.

Restoration on the South Tower has already begun with all guestrooms closed to minimize disruption. By mid-April, approximately 850 guestrooms will be available.

The Omni Hotel at CNN Center is also working diligently with the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau and other members of the hotel community, especially its partners through the Convention Collection at Centennial Olympic Park (CCCOP), to effectively relocate business where necessary.

"We are grateful there were no major injuries which we attribute to our associates' and the city's prompt response," said Gary Froeba, area managing director of the hotel. "It is remarkable that the North Tower had limited damage, and we have been able to continue serving customer needs. We look forward to the fast return of the rest of our hotel and the other facilities in the immediate area, reinforcing Atlanta's leading position in the meetings and conventions industry."

About Omni Hotels

Omni Hotels creates compelling, memorable guest experiences by tempting the senses in innovative ways, surrounding them with a balanced blend of scents, sounds, sights, textures and tastes. Omni Hotels offers luxury accommodations at 45 hotels and resorts in leading business gateways and leisure destinations across North America. From exceptional golf and spa retreats to dynamic business settings, each location features four-diamond services, including award-winning signature restaurants, Wi-Fi connectivity and unique fitness options. Omni's mission for total customer service is further supported by its "Power of One" program that empowers associates to make on-the-spot decisions to meet or exceed guest expectations. Guests can locate hotels and book accommodations by visiting www.omnihotels.com or by calling 1-800-THE-OMNI.

Source: Omni Hotels

CONTACT: Caryn Kboudi of Omni Hotels, +1-972-871-6525

Web site: http://www.omnihotels.com/

2008-03-20 18:31:58 0317677 PRNEWSWIRE