SACRAMENTO � August 1, 2003 - The California Lodging Industry Association - CLIA � is pleased to name the Comfort Suites Antioch-Oakley as the 2003 Outstanding Lodging Property.  The Comfort Suites Antioch-Oakley is owned by Ramesh Patel of Sonora and managed by American Hotels, Inc. of Palo Alto. Both Patel and American Hotels are active CLIA members. The Comfort Suites Antioch-Oakley opened in June of 2003 as the first lodging property in the city of Oakley.

Comfort Suites 5549 Bridgehead Road  Hwy 4 & Hwy 160  Oakley, California

Reflecting the uniqueness of the surrounding delta region, the Comfort Suites Antioch-Oakley is designed in a nautical theme. Fabrics, artwork, and other furnishings convey the refreshing delta theme throughout the hotel. This nautical décor helps to create the relaxing atmosphere of a comfortable waterside resort.

The hotel also offers a variety individualized specialty suites, each named in recognition of a great ship or marine rank. Each specialty suite is unique in the amenities offered, but many include fireplaces, whirlpools and four-poster beds. 

�The Comfort Suites Antioch-Oakley truly embodies something special for the delta traveler, as well as the surrounding community,� commented CLIA President/CEO Rick Lawrance. �The 2003 CLIA Excellence Award is a testament to this and we welcome the addition of this fine property to our CLIA family.� The Comfort Suites Antioch-Oakley will be recognized and awarded the Outstanding Lodging Property Excellence Award at the Tailgate Brunch Awards Celebration and Annual Membership Meeting in Ontario, California on September 7, 2003.

Renoo Tyra Named 2003 Outstanding Staff Person

The California Lodging Industry Association  named Renoo Tyra of the Maple Tree Inn in Sunnyvale the 2003 Outstanding Staff Person. Tyra has worked with American Hotels for over 25 years with a self-described mission of �Making every guest happy, and to turn negatives into positives.�

The Maple Tree Inn boasts of Tyra�s selfless commitment to their property and the satisfaction of their guests. Tyra has been instrumental in building a repeat customer base, and from that base many new guests have arrived at the Inn with requests to have Renoo Tyra tend to their needs.

As Executive Housekeeper, Tyra has set the example of consistent, high-level cleanliness, positive guest interaction, and a flawless work ethic. Other employees, as well as guests, look to Tyra as a positive role model and staff member.
Maple Tree Inn management eagerly nominated Tyra for the Excellence Award citing that she sees the Inn as her home, and her fellow employees and guests as family.

�Not only is Renoo Tyra an asset to the Maple Tree Inn,� commented CLIA President/CEO Rick Lawrance, �but she is a treasure to the entire lodging industry. Renoo is a model employee to all of us in the hospitality industry.� Renoo Tyra will be recognized and given the CLIA Excellence Award as Outstanding Lodging Property Staff at the Tailgate Brunch Awards Celebration and Annual Membership Meeting in Ontario, California on September 7, 2003.

Laura O�Connor named 2003 CLIA Scholarship Fund recipient

This fall, Laura O�Connor will be entering her senior year at the University of San Francisco (USF) as a Hospitality Management major. O�Connor holds a 3.7 cumulative grade point average and is competing an internship with the renown restaurant marketing firm Susie Biehler & Company in San Francisco.

CLIA awards academic scholarships annually to worthy California college students pursuing an education in the lodging and hospitality fields. The scholarship fund was created in 1998 to recognize and promote academic excellence in pursuing a career in the lodging and hospitality industry. The CLIA scholarship fund is completely funded through the generous donations of CLIA members.

CLIA�s Education and Scholarship Committee, chaired by retiring board member Bev Holthouse, unanimously agreed to award the scholarship to O�Connor.  In granting the scholarship funds to O�Connor, CLIA President/CEO Rick Lawrance commented, �It is gratifying to help provide the means for educational attainment.  Laura O�Connor is undoubtedly a worthy recipient of the CLIA scholarship, and will continue to work for the greater good of the hospitality industry.� O�Connor has followed her passion for people and relationship building throughout her educational career. This path has brought her to the hospitality industry. Coupled with her notable analytical skills and attention to detail, CLIA is certain that O�Connor will make a real difference in the industry throughout her professional career.

Laura O�Connor will be recognized and given the CLIA Excellence in Academic
Scholarship Award at the Tailgate Brunch Awards Celebration and Annual
Membership Meeting in Ontario, California on September 7, 2003.

Headquartered in Sacramento, the CLIA is California�s 1,200 member lodging and hospitality industry association, providing legislative, educational, marketing, and profit-oriented programs for independent lodging owners and operators. CLIA is the largest independent state lodging association in the United States.