The Latest in Luxury Resort & Real Estate News

---

Troon Takes Over Golf Course Management at Lansdowne Resort

(LEESBURG, VA) -- Troon Golf, the world's largest golf course manager, was selected by Benchmark Hospitality International to manage The Golf Club at Lansdowne, located at Lansdowne Resort near Washington, D.C., in Leesburg, Va. The resort is owned by LaSalle Hotel Properties (NYSE:LHO) and will continue to be managed by Benchmark Hospitality International.

The Golf Club at Lansdowne, known as one of the most prestigious private clubs in the mid-Atlantic region, provides members and guests with an ideal environment for golf and leisure. The club offers 45 holes of world-class golf, a 43,000 square-foot clubhouse featuring The Crooked Billet restaurant and Pub 46, a five-pool aquatic complex, indoor pool and fitness club, plus the full-service Spa Minérale.

"Lansdowne Resort is excited to partner with Troon Golf on the management of our golf club," said David Kohlasch, Benchmark Hospitality's general manager at the resort. "Troon's operating philosophy, commitment to excellence and industry knowledge is in alignment with Lansdowne Resort. We expect our partnership will provide members and guests with an experience exceeding all expectations."

To celebrate the new partnership, The Golf Club at Lansdowne has introduced an inclusive package for golfers to experience these renowned golf courses. The Lansdowne Unlimited Golf Package, which starts at $329 per night based on double occupancy, includes deluxe overnight room accommodations for two, unlimited golf for two, complimentary rental clubs, a $25 Lansdowne Resort credit and 15 percent off selected merchandise in The Golf Club at Lansdowne golf shop.

"The Golf Club at Lansdowne is an exceptional golf destination that offers a premier private club experience as well as luxury accommodations and stay-and-play packages at Lansdowne Resort," said John Easterbrook, Troon Golf executive vice president of operations. "We are honored to have been selected by Benchmark Hospitality International and are confident that our management practices will contribute positively to the experience of members, guests and the profitability of the club."

At The Golf Club at Lansdowne, world-renowned designers Robert Trent Jones Jr. and Greg Norman created three distinctly different courses for golfers of all playing abilities. The Jones Course delivers a memorable round with every outing, showcasing a master designer's touch within the Virginia countryside. The course creatively incorporates fields, woodlands, natural stone outcroppings and century-old rock walls into its unique personality.

The Norman Course, designed by the legendary golfer, utilizes the natural undulations of the Potomac River Valley, in which the club is situated, and Norman's "Least Disturbance Approach," which incorporates the natural environment into a stunning championship layout. The course measures 7,300 yards and challenges the most skilled players. For more leisurely play, Lansdowne offers the Norman-designed, nine-hole Shark Bite Course, which despite its name, presents a playable design ideal for quick practice rounds, junior golfers, beginners, or families looking for an enjoyable time together.

Superb golf courses are just part of the exceptional experience at The Golf Club at Lansdowne. Members enjoy an equally impressive 16-acre grass driving range, three large putting greens and an 80-yard short-game area. A full PGA staff and a host of other golf amenities, including bag storage, club cleaning, handicap service and a full tournament schedule, add to a truly unique golf club experience. All golf members have access to the resort's fitness center and five-pool aquatic complex in addition to discounted rates at the resort, including the restaurants, events and Spa Minérale.

Lansdowne Resort, a AAA Four Diamond Award recipient, is one of the mid-Atlantic's premier, full-service resort. Managed by Benchmark Hospitality International, the resort is set on more than 500 acres of secluded countryside. Located in the heart of Virginia's wine country, Lansdowne is 30 minutes from Washington, D.C. and just eight miles from Washington Dulles International Airport. Lansdowne Resort features 296 guest rooms, including 14 suites and 50,000 square feet of International Association of Conference Centers Certified Meeting Space.

Benchmark Hospitality International is a leader in the management and marketing of resorts, conference centers, hotels, and Personal Luxury Hotels. The independent company, launched in 1980, is a founding member of the International Association of Conference Centers.  Benchmark Hospitality is a worldwide organization operating properties in major metropolitan and resort destinations.  Benchmark's international headquarters is located in The Woodlands, Texas, near Houston. The company's northeast regional office is in New Jersey, with international offices in Tokyo, Japan, and Santiago, Chile.

---

Greek Island Samos is United Kingdom's Top Holiday Destination

(SAMOS, GREECE) -- According to the travel website zoover.com, of the 17,000 people surveyed, 44 percent chose Greece as the best place to visit with the Greek islands coming out on top for the ideal destination. Not only did those surveyed highlight Greece as the place to be, but the island that topped the charts was Samos.

Samos is the seventh largest island of the Greek archipelago and is widely known for being the most beautiful of the islands. Green verdant valleys, azure seas and quaint classical Greek villages cling to hillsides.

Samos is the picture perfect postcard of the ideal holiday destination and highlights everything the British love about Greece.

Property prices on Samos have remained steady over the past few years, and the island's clear popularity is keeping prices buoyant, according to local developers. The luxury five star resort of Halcyon Hills on Samos offers holiday properties available from $56,000 to $1860,000 with financing, but prices are rising on September 30, according to developer Robin Barrasford.

---