Hotel Indigo Sarasota News - Gretchen Walker

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HOTEL INDIGO-SARASOTA APPOINTS GRETCHEN WALKER,

DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING

Boutique Brand Delivers Upscale Guest Experience with Focused Service Model

SARASOTA, FLORIDA (October 6, 2009) – Hotel Indigo-Sarasota has named Gretchen Walker, Director of Sales and Marketing of its award winning 95-room boutique, lifestyle hotel at 1223 Blvd. of the Arts – located near Sarasota Bay in the heart of the downtown arts and cultural district.

“Walker is an accomplished, seasoned leader with exemplary guest service skills, and strategic results-driven sales and marketing experience in the hospitality profession,” said Leslie Power, General Manager, Hotel Indigo-Sarasota. “With more than 20 years experience, we are pleased to introduce Walker to the vibrant community and urban neighborhoods of Sarasota and world-renowned beaches.”

A former resident of Orange County, CA, Walker journeyed to the magical sunsets and charming Gulf coast of Sarasota, FL. “I will intuitively engage guests in the culture and inspiration of Hotel Indigo,” said Gretchen Walker. “The hotel experience coupled with the urban vibe of Sarasota is refreshing and I am inspired to represent and direct the sales and marketing efforts of the Hotel Indigo-Sarasota.”

Over her rewarding career, Walker has managed and directed sales and marketing initiatives for single and multi-property hotel portfolios across the U.S. and most recently was the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Embassy Suites - Orange County, California. She notably championed sales teams for as many as 30 hotels nationwide in a regional capacity as one of her milestones as an hotelier. In every market, Gretchen Walker has engaged her professional role in the community and has participated in numerous hospitality, tourism and local affiliations and chapters lending support and building relationships. In 2008, Walker was nominated for Embassy Suites Director of the Sales and Marketing for the Year.

Hotel Indigo-Sarasota opened in October, 2006 and is approaching the hotel’s third year anniversary as the first newly constructed development for Hotel Indigo, the industry’s first branded boutique hotel experience by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG). The hotel’s seaside cottage style escape features hardwood floors, spa-inspired showers and indulgent plush bedding in every room. Seasonal murals, complimentary wireless Internet, courtesy SRQ airport shuttle, complimentary parking, gourmet bistro serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with specialty wine bar and Starbucks® beverages, 24hr ‘phi’tness studio, 24hr business center, intimate cool and warm wading pools, and interactive meeting and event facilities ideal for social, corporate, training, weddings and seminars are a few of the amenities and features at Hotel Indigo-Sarasota.

About Hotel Indigo Sarasota, FL

Hotel Indigo Sarasota is operated by Paradise Hotel Group and is independently owned. Hotel Indigo is a sensible boutique brand that delivers an upscale guest experience to business and leisure travelers who demand value without sacrificing genuine, personal service or intriguing, vibrant design. Launched as the industry’s first lifestyle, boutique brand in 2004 by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), Hotel Indigo Sarasota was the sixth to open. Currently, 32 Hotel Indigo properties are open worldwide and more than 60 hotels under development either in the pipeline or in final negotiation. By the end of 2009, Hotel Indigo will almost double its footprint in the Americas having opened hotels in San Jose, Costa Rica, Miami, New York City, San Diego, St. Louis, and Toronto. For more information or reservations at Hotel Indigo-Sarasota, please visit www.srqhotel.com or www.hotelindigo.com.

For information on Paradise Hotel Group, visit www.management-hotels.com .

For information on InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), visit www.ihg.com .

Media Contacts:

Leslie Power