CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (September 2009) - The Chattanoogan hotel, Chattanooga's AAA Four Diamond-rated upscale hotel, has been honored with two of the highest awards in the meetings industry, the prestigious 2009 Best of the South Award from Meetings Media and the 2009 Successful Meetings Pinnacle Award. The Chattanoogan is one of only three properties in Tennessee to receive Best of the South Award, which is determined by readers of Meetings South magazine, and one of only two hotels in the state to receive the Pinnacle Award, given by readers of the highly regarded Successful Meetings magazine.

"We are extremely proud to receive these two very prestigious awards," said Tom Cupo, general manager of The Chattanoogan. "This recognition honors our outstanding staff and the services we provide our clients to ensure that they have the most productive meeting experience possible."

The Best of the South Award is given annually to a select group of hotels in the South that are identified as the best in the industry by meeting planners. The 2009 Best of the South Awards recognized 55 hotels in 14 states, Mexico and Caribbean Islands. Recipients are judged on quality of meeting space; guest rooms; guest services and amenities; food and beverage service; efficiency and helpfulness of staff; availability of technical equipment; recreational facilities and activities; and overall value and experience. Results are published in the September issue of Meetings South magazine.

The Pinnacle Award is the mark of excellence for meeting destinations. It is given each year to a select group of properties within the United States that are identified as the best in the industry by readers of Successful Meetings. Award recipients are properties that have consistently performed in an outstanding manner throughout the year servicing and supporting meetings. The four categories of evaluation readers consider for hotels and conference centers are accommodations, amenities, meeting facilities and services, and food and beverage.

The Chattanoogan, a 210,000 square-foot five-story upscale hotel with 198 guest rooms and suites, has three outstanding restaurants, a pampering day spa and a 25,000 square-foot conference center with comprehensive meeting planning and audiovisual support services. Meeting space includes 20 dedicated meeting rooms with five general session rooms accommodating 25 to 100 guests; a 16-seat circular board room with a flat data screen; 12 break-out rooms; a 7,500 square-foot ballroom; and an amphitheater with seating for 88.

The hotel is conveniently located within a two-hour drive from Atlanta; Nashville, Tenn.; Knoxville, Tenn.; Huntsville, Ala.; and Birmingham, Ala. It is within walking distance of the city's museums, galleries, retail stores, restaurants and The Tennessee Aquarium.

For more information or reservations, call (423) 756-3400, toll free (877) 756-1684, or visit The Chattanoogan's Website at www.chattanooganhotel.com.

The Chattanoogan is managed by Benchmark Hospitality International, a leader in the management and marketing of resorts, conference centers, hotels, and Personal Luxury Hotels™. The privately held company, launched in 1980, is a founding member of the International Association of Conference Centers. Benchmark Hospitality is a worldwide organization operating properties in major metropolitan and resort destinations. Benchmark's international headquarters is located in The Woodlands, Texas, near Houston, with regional offices in New Jersey and Connecticut. International offices are located in Tokyo, Japan, and Santiago, Chile. For the location of Benchmark's properties and additional information, visit www.benchmarkhospitality.com.

Contact:
Angela Southard Winther
Winther Communications
(843) 881-4824
AWinther@winthercommunications.com