The Don CeSar Beach Resort & Spa, listed on the National Register of
Historic Places, officially joined Loews Hotels on December 5, 2003 as its
first resort on Florida`s Gulf Coast, and fifth property in the state.
Renamed the Don CeSar Beach Resort, a Loews Hotel, the legendary resort
poised along St. Pete Beach and Boca Ciega Bay adds a new chapter to its
75 years of distinguished history.

Loews Hotels has entered into a partnership with Connecticut General Life
Insurance Company (CGLIC), a subsidiary of CIGNA Corporation, and will
operate the Don CeSar under a long-term management contract. This latest
addition marks the national brand`s ninth new property in five years,
continuing the largest expansion period in the company`s 57-year history.
The Loews Hotel New Orleans is scheduled to open in December 2003.

The 277-room Don CeSar now offers Loews Hotels brand programs and services
including Home Sweet Loews, Loews Loves Kids, Loews Loves Pets, and the
Loews First guest loyalty program. The resort features four-star dining at
the Maritana Grille, a beachside entertainment complex, 40,000 square feet
of meeting space and a full service spa. In 2000, the Don CeSar underwent
an $18 million guest room renovation. The pool and outdoor areas were
renovated and upgraded in the summer of 2002. Loews Hotels will also
manage the affiliated 70-room Beach House Suites by the Don CeSar.

“The Don CeSar is an excellent addition to our brand of one-of-a kind
hotels that reflect the character and environment of their destinations,”
says Jonathan Tisch, CEO of Loews Hotels. “This legendary property on the
Gulf Coast of Florida is an ideal complement to our other great resort
destinations for both our leisure and corporate guests.”

With the addition of the Don CeSar to the Loews portfolio of 19 hotels and
resorts in the United States and Canada, 25 percent of the corporate
collection is now concentrated in Florida and include the Loews Miami
Beach Hotel as well as three hotels at Universal Orlando: the Hard Rock
Hotel, Portofino Bay Hotel, a Loews Hotel, and the Royal Pacific Resort, a
Loews Hotel.
“The partnership with Loews Hotels will contribute to the continued growth
of this unique and historic asset by leveraging the skills of a well
known, high quality hotel industry leader and the strong real estate
investment experience of CIGNA Realty Investors (CRI)” says William
Carlson, senior managing director and head of equity real estate for CRI.
CRI is a division of CIGNA Investments, Inc., investment advisor to CGLIC.

The landmark architecture of the Don CeSar Beach Resort reflects a pink
castle accented by Moorish bell towers and imperial turrets.
World-renowned for its access to seven-and-one-half miles of powdery
shores, the resort hosts more than 300 weddings a year and attracts
everyone from presidents and movie stars to multi-generational guests who
have built decades of memories.

From pet massage therapy in tandem with Loews Loves Pets to lending guests
a special pillow to make the stay more comfortable through Home Sweet
Loews, the Don CeSar incorporates Loews Hotels programs delivering
thoughtful, personalized comfort that allows every guest to feel like they
are in their own “home away from home.” The Don CeSar`s newly renovated
children`s play area is a haven for young ones participating in Loews
Loves Kids. And, the newest addition, T. Loews, offers 13- to 17-year-old
guests an amenity kit catered just for teens. Guests at the Don CeSar may
also join Loews First, a frequent guest club, offering rewards for
travelers.
As part of the Loews Hotels` Good Neighbor Policy, the hospitality
industry`s first and most comprehensive community outreach program, the
Don CeSar will partner with the Ronald McDonald House, to assist children
in the greater Tampa Bay communities. The hotel will also aid local food
banks, shelters, Welfare-to-Work programs and conservation efforts. For
reservations or more information on Loews Hotels, call 1-800-23-LOEWS or
check http://www.loewshotels.com/. For additional information on The Don
CeSar Beach Resort, a Loews Hotel, visit http://www.doncesar.com/.

Loews Hotels currently owns and/or operates 19 hotels and resorts in the
U.S. and Canada. Scheduled to open in December 2003 is the 285-room Loews
New Orleans Hotel, a conversion of an office building located across the
street from the city`s only casino and a short walk to the French Quarter
and the New Orleans Convention Center. In addition to developing new
hotels, Loews recently added a new property to the chain by assuming
management of a 137- room property in Los Angeles central to Beverly Hills
and Century City, now called the Loews Beverly Hills Hotel.

——-