MEMPHIS, Tenn., May 7, 2002 - Getting up at the crack of dawn, dealing with flight delays, making the presentation, sitting in meetings for hours. The life of a business traveler can be filled with stressful situations. Now in Memphis, finding a classy, comfortable place to stay isn't one of them.

The Madison Hotel in the heart of downtown Memphis provides business travelers to the River City with a fresh option - a boutique hotel with amenities designed to make the typical business trip stress-free and anything but typical.

Paying tribute to Memphis' rich musical history, the Madison Hotel reflects a melting pot of sounds and rhythms in its dˇcor and interior design.

"We have designed the Madison Hotel with business travelers in mind. Our goal is to make their stay in Memphis memorable and comfortable, while giving them everything they need to make their trip successful," says Mohamad Hakimian, President and CEO of Unison Hotel Company, the management company of the hotel.

Aside from its convenient location, the Madison Hotel provides guests with a variety of services business travelers have come to expect. Each guest room is equipped with high-speed Internet access, multiple phone lines with a cordless phone, an entertainment system and a wet bar. Doorman, bellman and valet parking services are also provided, as well as in-room dining 24 hours a day and twice-daily housekeeping.

Guests can begin their day with a quick dip in the indoor swimming pool or with a workout in the fitness center. A complimentary, first-class continental breakfast is served on the mezzanine overlooking the lobby. Following breakfast, guests can step out of the hotel and into the heart of the city's financial and business district.

Business can also be conducted in the hotel's hospitality suites and meeting room that accommodates 130 people. The plush Board Room, perfect for a more intimate business setting, holds 14 people. The lobby provides an elegant space for casual business meetings or for the long-awaited chance to relax at the end of a long day.

Guests can enjoy the hotel's culinary creations and local specialties in the privacy of their own rooms or in the lounge and restaurant. Guests also enjoy the sweeping views of the Mississippi River from many of the rooms and suites.

"The Madison Hotel is not only convenient for business travelers, but it is also a wonderful, quiet retreat from the stressful board room," says Hakimian. "Of course, it is more than just a place to stay. The Madison Hotel is a truly unique, luxurious Southern experience."

Memphis is proud to have the Madison Hotel experience as a cornerstone of the downtown business community.

"The Madison Hotel is another terrific example of downtown development. It will be a great highlight to the city, as it adds class, style and personality to the rejuvenated downtown scene," says Myron Hughes, vice president of planning and development for the Center City Commission. "Hopefully, other developers will find inspiration in the Madison Hotel to follow in their example and renovate some of Memphis' historic buildings, especially along Main Street."

The Madison Hotel is an affiliate of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. For more information about the Madison Hotel, call 901/333-1200 or toll free at 866/44-MEMPHIS, or email info@madisonhotelmemphis.com.