FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

                                                                        March 20, 2008

                                                                        FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact:

                                                                        Joe Agostinelli

                                                                        (800) 724-1779 x206

Courtyard by Marriott Ithaca Undergoing Million Dollar Renovation

        -Guest Rooms Renovated with Lobby, Meeting Space, and Fitness Room to Follow-

Ithaca, NY- Renovations at the Courtyard by Marriott Ithaca are underway. The hotel, which opened in 1999, offers 106 guests rooms on four floors. The initial phase of the project, renovation of all the guest rooms is complete.

            “Our guests, both business and leisure guests, have been very pleased with the changes that have been made to the hotel,” says Jim Cavallo, General Manager of Courtyard by Marriott Ithaca. “The hotel sports a customer-focused design that allows our guests to be comfortable and productive.”

            Each of the hotel’s guest rooms now includes new bedding, high performance workspace and complimentary high speed Internet access. New carpeting and sofas have also been added in each room. By the end of March, all rooms will feature a 32” flat screen television.

Later this year, the lobby, fitness facility, and meeting space will be renovated. EJ Del Monte Corporation, which owns and operates the hotel, is spending $1 million on the renovation.

            In addition, there are new technology and business services for guests, including a complimentary business center with computer, printer, copy and fax machine, the capability to print from your guest room, and complimentary wireless Internet for business meetings.

            “Our goal in this renovation was to enhance the overall guest experience and to allow travelers to be productive while away from home,” says Cavallo. “Many guests are surprised that such a new property would undergo such a significant renovation. I'm amazed by how many guests take the time to tell me how much they love the renovated rooms.”

            For more information on Courtyard by Marriott Ithaca, you can visit www.marriott.com/ithcy.

            Founded in 1953, the E.J. Del Monte Corporation entered hotel construction and operation in 1974. Since that time, the E.J. Del Monte Corporation has added 17 Marriott hotels to its portfolio to include Marriott, Renaissance, Courtyard by Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott and Fairfield Inn by Marriott brands. Ernest J. Del Monte serves as Chairman of the Board and John Del Monte is president of the E.J. Del Monte Corporation which owns and operates Courtyard by Marriott Ithaca. With its headquarters in Rochester, NY, the E.J. Del Monte Corporation employs over 800. For more information, visit www.ejdcorp.com.