International Hospitality Veteran To Oversee Luxury Motorcity Casino Hotel

DETROIT, July 13 -- Asaad Farag, an international hospitality industry veteran, has been named vice president of hotel operations for MotorCity Casino Hotel. Farag's responsibilities will include all aspects of hotel operations including the spa, retail, catering and conference sales.

"Asaad brings enormous value to the MotorCity team," said Rhonda Cohen, MotorCity Casino chief operating officer. "His expansive high-end U.S. and international hotel background is critical to our mission of creating a luxury hotel that offers unparalleled guest service. He has historically demonstrated his ability to assess the needs of his guests and to exceed their expectations, which is consistent with our edict to raise the bar on hospitality in the City of Detroit and across the region."

MotorCity is currently undergoing a $275 million renovation at its current site which includes the construction of a 17-story, 400-room hotel tower as well as an expansion of its gaming space. A premium spa, convention and banquet space, a 1,200 seat theater, new retail and dining options and additional parking are also part of the project. The luxury hotel, which is scheduled to open in fall 2007, will establish MotorCity Casino Hotel as a unique and cutting-edge entertainment and conference venue.

Farag, a native of Egypt and a U.S citizen, brings to the MotorCity team more than 20 years of hotel management experience at some of the world's most impressive properties. Prior to his new assignment, Farag was general manager of the Conrad Istanbul where he directed the development of the Five Star Diamond, 584-room hotel internationally known for its fine restaurants and world class business and conference facilities. During his tenure, the Conrad Istanbul was awarded the 2005 World Travel Award as Europe's leading business hotel. Tens of thousands of travel professionals cast their votes to determine the recipient of this coveted award.

Farag has also served as general manager of the Regent Wall Street Hotel & Spa in New York City and was a member of the start-up team for the exclusive Stirling Club Turnberry Place in Las Vegas, serving as vice president and general manager. In addition, he has managed the St. Regis Hotel in Los Angeles and held various senior positions with the Ritz Carlton in Cleveland, the Walt Disney Dolphin in Orlando, the Beverly Hills Hotel in California and the Plaza in New York City.

Farag is a trustee of the Five Star Diamond American Hospitality of Science and a member of the esteemed Chaine of Rotisserie. He is a graduate of the Helwan University in Cairo, Egypt.