Oakwood Launches Major Apartment-Hotel Expansion in Tokyo

Press Release: Oakwood Worldwide
March 6, 2002
TOKYO -- Oakwood Worldwide (www.oakwood.com) has announced a major expansion of its serviced apartment business in Japan, with the scheduled opening this month of two new properties in Tokyo -- Oakwood Residence Aoyama, and Oakwood Apartments Shirokane. Already open is a third location in Tokyo, Oakwood Residence Akasaka.

Serviced apartments (also sometimes referred to as ``apartment-hotels'' or ``extended stay hotels'') combine the spacious comfort of a private residence with furnishings, service and security of a hotel. Oakwood's apartments are among the largest rooms in Tokyo, often triple or quadruple the size of conventional hotel rooms. Oakwood's guests in Japan are expected to include business travelers, foreign executives based in Tokyo and also visitors for events such as this year's World Cup soccer tournament.

OAKWOOD RESIDENCE AOYAMA

The new Oakwood Residence Aoyama is located in the fashionable neighborhood of Aoyama-Jingumae, and is the only hotel or serviced apartment located at Aoyama Crossing next to the famous Bell Commons shopping plaza. Oakwood Residence Aoyama offers seventy-two (72) huge apartments ranging in size from 442 - 1,431 square feet. The property is surrounded by trendy restaurants and boutiques. Published rates for Oakwood Residence Aoyama begin at 18,000 yen per day (approx. US$136). There is a two-week minimum stay.

OAKWOOD APARTMENTS SHIROKANE

Oakwood Apartments Shirokane (also spelled ``Shirogane'' in some translations from Japanese) is the first serviced apartment located in the exclusive neighborhood of Shirokane, on Meguro-dori Avenue adjacent to the Shirokanedai Subway and several restaurants.

The midrise Oakwood Apartments Shirokane offers thirty-six (36) apartments of contemporary design and furnishings, with stunning city views. Floor plans range from 431 - 1,130 square feet. Published rates for Oakwood Apartments Shirokane begin at 17,000 yen per day (approx. US$128). There is a two-week minimum stay.

FURNISHINGS THAT ARE UNIQUELY OAKWOOD

At its new Tokyo properties, Oakwood blends the comforts of home with the features of a boutique hotel. Elegant furniture has been sized for an international clientele. Each apartment includes multiple phone lines with broadband internet; washer/dryers; dishwasher; a private balcony; and a home entertainment system with TV, DVD, CD and cable television. Gourmet kitchens have been fitted with three burner stoves and ovens combining functions of regular, convection, and microwave ovens. Luxury all-cotton bed linens have a 220 thread count.

The Oakwood Residence brand, found at the Aoyama and Akasaka locations, provides 24-hour front desk and three-times-a-week maid service. Aoyama also offers continental breakfast in the morning. The Oakwood Apartments brand, as found at Shirokane, offers more limited service.

RESERVATIONS

Reservations or general inquiries about Oakwood's three locations in Tokyo can be made at: www.oakwood.com, 1.800.888.0808 (U.S. Toll Free) or 81.3.5786.7800 (Japan).

Privately-held, Los Angeles-based Oakwood Worldwide is the global leader in serviced apartments and corporate housing, with more than 20,000 units located throughout North America, Asia, and Europe.

-----------------------------------------------

Contact: 

     Oakwood Worldwide
     Robert Philips, 1.310.268.8085
     rphilips@oakwood.com