Conde Nast Traveler Ranks Gettys' Chicago Spa Designs as "Two of the Top 10 Urban Spas in America in 2002".

Business Editors, Travel Writers

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 14, 2002

Gettys, a leader in hospitality design, has completed renovations of the Spas at Chicago's two Four Seasons Hotels, The Ritz-Carlton Chicago (A Four Seasons Hotel) and Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, garnering top honors for both designs from Conde Nast Traveler magazine. Each project included the transformation of underutilized spaces into full-service, revenue-generating, spa and fitness facilities. Conde Nast Traveler has recognized The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago as "Best Urban Spa," and has ranked The Spa at The Carlton Club at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago "One Of The Top 10 Urban Spas In North America In 2002," based on feedback from 4,000 readers of the magazine.

"This is truly Chicago's most rejuvenating spa -- a much sought after element for the leisure and business traveler," said Vince Parrotta, Director of Rooms, Four Seasons. "We're thrilled with the results that Gettys has achieved. They went beyond design, factoring the nuances of our business into their final choices."

"The Spa at The Carlton Club is a true urban oasis, thanks to the expertise offered by Getty's," said Pedro Dos Santos, Managing Director of The Carlton Club at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago. "Our guests enjoy a luxurious setting in which to refresh and rejuvenate."

Gettys worked closely with both Four Seasons properties to help them meet their financial objectives with the renovations, and to further elevate their world-class reputation. Recognizing the need for a spa consultant, Gettys prompted Four Seasons Chicago to hire spa development specialists, The Inova Group, who analyzed urban spa trends and assessed operations.

"We did a lot of research," said Joseph Conant, Principal, Inova Group and Director of Spa Services, Four Seasons. The group applied its 2400 point audit program to assess the spa's financials, management team and structure. "The International Spa Association released survey results stating that 85 percent of business travelers will choose a hotel that has a spa over one that does not," said Conant.

Four Seasons Hotel Chicago and The Ritz-Carlton Chicago both needed spas that reflected the elegance and exclusivity of the hotels. Gettys responded with designs that combine luxury, exclusive features and the key elements that define a Four Seasons property. "The spas needed to be ahead of the trend curve," said Meg Prendgergast, Vice President, Gettys. "But at the same time, they had to be timeless in their appointments. They're classic and clean rather than `contemporary'."

On the 9th floor, an underutilized and inaccessible sundeck at the Four Seasons was transformed into a full-service fitness room. In addition to overcoming the demanding structural requirements of this project, it was important that the facade remain true to the architectural context of its 900 North Michigan Avenue address. The south elevation of the ninth floor addition is an entirely glazed wall that affords fitness guests a scenic view of Michigan Avenue.

"Four Seasons has seen a fast return on its investment," said Parrotta. "We never would have imagined back in April of 2000 that eight months after opening, our spa would be named the number one urban spa by Conde Nast."

The Ritz-Carlton Chicago project included a transformation of its existing health club, pool and limited spa into a full service, upgraded and expanded facility. "Since a modern design direction was established for the spa within the context of the traditional interiors of the hotel, we had to build a bridge between the two styles," said Ariane Steinbeck, Senior Vice President, Gettys. "Throughout this project, our team collaborated with the ownership, management and other consultants to achieve a design solution that meets everyone's objectives."

The resulting design is one that is in keeping with The Ritz-Carlton's guest expectations. "The Spa at The Carlton Club is now a world-class facility ," said Dos Santos. "It's gratifying to know our guests are pleased beyond expectations."

Gettys is dedicated to creating value, reducing risk, solving problems and promoting the business successes of hospitality industry clients. With over 14 years of providing exceptional hospitality design solutions and with the assemblage of numerous honors, Gettys has designed more than 250 hotels and has specified and/or purchased over $1 billion in furniture, fixtures, equipment and art. Ranked among the top hospitality purchasing companies in the United States and nominated by Hospitality Design Magazine as one of the top 20 innovators in the hospitality industry, Gettys provides fully integrated architecture, interior design, procurement, and consulting services with sensitivity to the individual objectives of each client.

Interior photographs of the Four Seasons spa are available. Interested media should contact Robin A. Carroll, Treacy Marketing Group, 312-482-8900 ext. 116 or [e-mail]. For more information regarding Gettys, please visit www.gettys.com