Memphis, Tenn., May 22, 2003 - In only its first year of operation, the Madison Hotel received high honors from three prestigious organizations in the hotel industry: the American Automobile Association (AAA), The Connoisseur's Guide to the World's Best Resorts and Great Hotels magazine, and Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

AAA recently awarded The Madison Hotel with its prestigious Four Diamond Award. Only 4 percent of the 44,000 AAA-rated lodgings and restaurants in the country attain this designation of excellence.

"All the AAA Four Diamond winners take quality, consistency and customer service to a higher level," says Kevin Bakewell, senior vice president of public and government relations for AAA Auto Club South. "They're a cut above the rest because they never lose sight of their first priority - the guest."

Likewise, the 2003 edition of the annual Connoisseur's Guide to the World's Best Resorts and Great Hotels publication designated The Madison Hotel as a "Connoisseur's Choice." The Madison shares this year's "Connoisseur's Choice" designation with such legendary properties as The Plaza in New York; Inn on Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina; and the Hotel Monaco in Chicago.

"This year's edition represents an amazing array of the hotel and resort industry's most elite," says publisher Dan Fox. "It is with great pleasure that we showcase The Madison Hotel in recognition of its ultimate commitment to hospitality."

Finally, in 2003 The Madison was named a Small Luxury Hotel of the World by that organization, which includes 290 of the finest-quality hotels, rural retreats, city sanctuaries, spa centres, sports resorts and superior game lodges around the globe.

"All three of these awards are a testament to the hard work and commitment of our employees and staff," says Mohamad Hakimian, managing partner of The Madison. "All of our employees are committed to one thing - total customer satisfaction."