Thistle Hotels' Manchester Property Re-Launches as The Portland

LONDON, November 19, 2010 - Thistle Hotels is celebrating the completion of its refurbishment of The
Portland by Thistle, formerly Thistle Manchester.

From this significant investment, the hotel has been transformed into a
contemporary, relaxing and stylish base - ideal for business and leisure
guests wanting a comfortable, quality experience in the heart of the city.

The enhancement project, that saw the hotel revert to its original name
of The Portland as a mark to its heritage which dates back to its warehouse
beginnings in 1851, has taken eight months to complete across seven floors
and includes: 204 new look bedrooms with air conditioning units, two new
lifts, and a refurbished front hall, as well as a refreshed Portland St
Restaurant and Bar.

First established as a hotel in 1973, The Portland hotel (
www.thistle.com/en/hotels/united_kingdom/manchester/the-portland/index.html)
is a popular hub for local businesses as well as attracting both
domestic and international guests, thanks to its central location nestled
within the city centre - with easy access to the Airport and Manchester
Piccadilly station.

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Already ranked as a top business hotel, the hotel's management will
continue to invest in growing its meetings and events offering, following the
refurbishment of The Portland's Riley Suites, named collectively in honour of
popular local artist Harold Riley, but separately known as the: Sir Bobby
Charlton, Sir Matt Busby, Dennis Law and Mercer; honouring the local football
legends.

Ian Corner, general manager of The Portland by Thistle, commented: "The
hotel lies at the very heart of the city and its heritage within Manchester,
from its former years as a working warehouse, makes it a unique part of the
city's history.

"We're proud that we can reveal the latest chapter in the property's
existence following our investment and are confident the refurbishment will
re-establish The Portland, as it will now be known, as one of the city's most
fondly-regarded hotels. The transformation of The Portland will place Thistle
as a major force in Manchester's business and leisure sector - a welcome stay
for business and leisure guests travelling into the city."

The recent refurbishment of The Portland by Thistle is further evidence
of Thistle's ongoing and significant investment in its properties. Since
2008, Thistle has invested GBP100 million, transforming its entire portfolio
into modernised, individual properties with a contemporary look and feel.

About Thistle

Thistle Hotels is part of Guoman Hotel Management (UK) Limited which
operates hotels throughout the UK. Thistle has 33 UK hotels (
www.thistle.com/en/hotels/united_kingdom/manchester/the-portland/index.html)
many in superb city centre locations, including hotels in Covent
Garden, UK hotels 5 star London hotels, (www.guoman.com/en/index.html)
luxury London hotels (www.guoman.com/en/index.html), hotels near Hyde
Park and hotels in Kensington.

With a selection of restaurants, a choice of excellent health and leisure
facilities, and a choice of wedding venues in Manchester (
www.thistle.com/en/hotels/united_kingdom/manchester/the-portland/weddings/index.html),
Thistle has something to offer everyone.

Thistle Hotels is the first hotel group to achieve Hospitality Assured
accreditation, across its entire UK portfolio. Created by the Institute of
Hospitality, the Hospitality Assured standard measures the quality within
customer facing businesses across the hospitality, tourism and leisure
industry.

    PR contact:
    Kymberley Hill
    Head of Public Relations
    Guoman & Thistle Hotels
    The Grosvenor
    101 Buckingham Palace Road
    London
    SW1W 0SJ
    +44(0)20-7868-6322

www.thistle.com

PR contact: Kymberley Hill, Head of Public Relations, Guoman & Thistle Hotels, The Grosvenor, 101 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 0SJ, +44(0)20-7868-6322