�The merger with Boutique Hotels & Resorts International will provide our ten hotels with a strong, elegant boutique identity. Boutique Hotels & Resorts International has an extensive menu of very creative global marketing programs and a state-of-the-art reservation and distribution system� explains John Sears of TopTenBoutiqueHotels.com. �Our ten hotels will gain even greater visibility in the affluent boutique niche market and benefit directly from those travelers, a welcome change away from heavily discounting online hotel booking wholesalers�. The TopTenBoutiqueHotels.com portfolio reflects gracious hospitality, distinctive architecture, originality, and includes contemporary boutique properties such as Boston�s Nine-Zero, historic landmarks such as New York�s Algonquin and Kansas City�s Raphael, and the architecturally significant like Houston�s Lancaster Hotel.

�The acquisition of TopTenBoutiqueHotels.com is in line with our strategy to expand our portfolio by merging with small entities in the boutique lodging segment, complementing our invitations to selected independent boutique properties to join our growing global alliance� said Martin H. Buehler, chairman and CEO at Boutique Hotels & Resorts International�s Art Deco headquarters in Miami Beach. �We are looking at some 200 hotels and resorts here in the USA, the Caribbean, and Europe by 2005.�

Boutique Hotels & Resorts International provides a distinctive brand identity for independent, authentic boutique hotels from around the globe as a full service alliance featuring creative marketing and the very latest in reservation and distribution technology.  To guests, Boutique Hotels & Resorts International guarantees a genuine boutique lodging experience in three collections: The Diamond Collection showcases luxury boutique hotels and resorts, The Emerald Collection features upscale four star and The Sapphire Collection superior mid-scale three star boutique properties.