POINTE SOUTH MOUNTAIN RESORT UNVEILS NEW "PASEO" OUTDOOR EVENT VENUE

PHOENIX (December 13, 2000) – The Pointe South Mountain Resort has completed The Paseo, a $3 million outdoor promenade, completely transforming the areas between the resorts three main buildings into a unique gathering oasis for leisure guests and group events.

The Paseo adds an additional 16,000 square feet of outdoor function space with landscaped sitting areas, magnificent fountains, garden pathways, trellis areas, botanical collections and enhanced guest room patios. Paseo, literally meaning, to take an easy stroll along an outdoor walkway," is certainly a fitting name, with its charming residential furniture, gas fireplaces and festival streetscape design. With more than 40,000 square feet of paved surface, there are 180,000 paving bricks along the path, with 106 boulders, some 3,372 shrubs, 59 trees and 40 towering palms.

The Paseo creates an inviting spot for all of our guests to enjoy," said Pointe South Mountain Managing Director Ron Olstad. By expanding the resorts already successful conference facilities and services, we do expect to see an increase our convention and catering sales business. We are already offering planners many new themed events that The Paseo venue inspires."

The major focus of The Paseo is the Palm Court in the East Pointe Courtyard. Framed by a canopy of palms that beautify the space between the ballroom facilities and the guest suites, The Paseo creates a new lacy shade over the entire area. Complemented with dramatic lighting and dynamic sound system, meeting attendees can enjoy new function areas, fountain patios, cozy sitting areas with gas fireplaces and the breathtaking Arizona outdoors.

The Fountain Circle design (toward the West Pointe building) takes full advantage of a new formal stairway from the Ballroom level, creating an incomparable setting for weddings and social events with exceptional views of South Mountain. The circle features a dancing water fountain that serves as a centerpiece for any function.

In the West Pointe Courtyard, the Fragrance Garden is welcoming for smaller, more intimate functions with colorful displays of florals, herbs and greenery. The Botanical Garden which features cacti and succulents native to this region will give first floor guests the luxury of opening up their patio suites into this lovely Southwest setting.

Newly managed by Destination Hotels & Resorts and owned by MONY/PSM Properties, the Pointe South Mountains Paseo is the first in a list of master plan enhancement projects for the resort. Coinciding with The Paseo is the remodeling of the West Pointe Penthouse, a two-bedroom, 2,000 square-foot suite, making it a one-of-a-kind retreat.

In 2001, plans call for realigning East Pointe Parkway, creating a more tranquil environment for resort guests, which will redirect local traffic. During the summer of 2001, the resort will also refresh all guest rooms by adding pillow-top mattresses, bedspreads, draperies, carpet, and upgraded case goods, providing a more plush ambiance for guests.

Concept and design plans are also being developed for a dramatic water garden feature for the enjoyment of leisure guests and as a venue for special events, completed by 2002. The expanse of untouched acreage on the Pointe South Mountain property will enable the creation of Arizonas most spacious and unique water feature at a resort.

Located at 7777 South Pointe Parkway, the Pointe South Mountain Resort is a 220-acre resort at the base of the landmark South Mountain. The property includes 640 all-suite accommodations, 18 holes of championship golf at Phantom Horse Golf Club, four themed restaurants, the 38,000 square-foot Phantom Horse Spa and Athletic Club, 10 tennis courts and more than 95,000 square feet of meeting and function space, including a 20,000 square-foot ballroom and a 20,000 square-foot outdoor exhibit pavilion. Reservations can be made by calling 877-800-4888 or logging onto pointesouthmtn.com.

The Pointe South Mountain, managed by Destination Hotels & Resorts, is part of a collection of distinctive, independent upscale and luxury hotels and resorts in the U.S. offering exceptional recreational opportunities and conference facilities. You can visit Destination Hotels & Resorts online at www.destinationhotels.com. Travel professionals can access Destination Hotels & Resorts properties, including the Pointe South Mountain Resort, on the global distribution system via the companys chain code DN.
# # #