TabletHotels.com Is Launched: A Unique Web Site for Travelers Seeking Exceptional Accommodations Throughout the World

First-of-its-kind Selection Committee Ensures That Web Travelers Can Locate The Most Extraordinary Hotels In Their Destination of Choice

New York, NY [July 9, 2002] -- Tablet, already known for its sophisticated reservations software used by such clients as Ian Schrager Hotels, announces the launch of Tablet Hotels (www.tablethotels.com), a unique web site designed for discriminating business and leisure travelers seeking extraordinary hotels around the world.

Unlike traditional travel sites, which require surfers to sift through countless hotel listings at various price points within each destination, Tablet Hotels refines the search so the viewer is presented with only the best hotels at the best rates-and can check availability on the spot. The site pre-screens and selects a range of exceptional properties, and presents them with vibrant, clear photographs and candid, detailed critiques of the hotel's architecture, amenities, services, neighborhood, and overall ambiance.

To date, Tablet showcases over 250 properties, most of which are boutique hotels chosen for their personality, charm and outstanding quality. The current roster of accommodations includes: No 5 Maddox Street in London; Begawan Giri in Bali; Clift in San Francisco; Strawberry Hill in Jamaica; Maison 140 in Beverly Hills; XV Beacon in Boston; Hotel Lancaster in Paris; The Mercer in New York City; Le Sirenuse in Positano; The Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong; and lOtel in Sydney. An additional 300 properties-a mix of boutique and classic, grand hotels-have been selected for inclusion over the next six months.

At the core of Tablet's new web venture is the "Selection Committee", a cross-section of industry experts including travel writers, photographers, architects, and hotel owners. This panel decides collectively which properties will be invited to join Tablet's exclusive listing. The Committee consists of, among others, Andre Balazs, owner of such influential hotels as Chateau Marmont in Hollywood, The Hollywood Standard, and the brand new Downtown LA Standard; Daniel Rowen, award-winning architect for Martha Stewart Living and Ian Schrager; and Chris Blackwell, founder of the acclaimed Island Outpost group of hotels.

In the early days of travel web sites, it was enough to provide your audience with rudimentary information on hotels, rates and amenities based on a destination search," says Laurent Vernhes, CEO and co-founder of Tablet. But we believe that todays web travelers have evolved. They are more savvy and discriminating. They want to be ensured of a personalized experience. When they come to Tablethotels.com, they know that every hotel they find is extraordinary in its own way."

Tablet Hotels is not only a sophisticated search tool, it's an inspiring resource for anyone planning a trip or dreaming about a vacation. The site is designed to help the traveler find what he or she is looking for- be it beach, city, jungle, desert, or island; classic or modern; romantic or urbane; with spa or water sports; in Paris or Marrakech. Whatever the agenda, Tablet Hotels will match desire to destination...and book it!