HIGHLANDS, NC--The Old Edwards Hospitality Group is pleased to announce that the Old Edwards Inn and Spa has joined National Trust Historic Hotels of America, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The resort is one of more than 2100 hotels and resorts throughout the country that is recognized for preserving and maintaining historical integrity, architecture and ambiance.

"We are so pleased to be associated with HHA," said General Manager and CEO, Mario Gomes. "The historical integrity of this property is so valuable to the community and to this area. We are pleased that our protection of it has been recognized in this official way." The Old Edwards Inn and Spa re-opened in July 2004 as a luxury destination spa resort after more than $40M and two years of renovation, restoration, and expansion.

Accommodations at the Old Edwards Inn consist of 30 individually designed guestrooms, suites and cottages, which have period antiques, Frette linens and the finest contemporary amenities. The 10,000 square foot Spa features an exclusive collection of the world's finest products and an extensive menu of signature body, skin care and relaxation therapies in a luxurious European setting. Madison's Restaurant and Wine Garden, the resort's fine dining restaurant, offers seasonally inspired Carolina High Country cuisine and an exceptional wine list.

The trend of cultural travel in America continues to grow, said Thierry Roch, Executive Director of Historic Hotels of America. "By inviting Old Edwards Inn and Spa into our collection of distinguished properties, we are continuing to encourage historic preservation while at the same time showcasing this hotel"s rich history. Our goal is to bring these historically special hotels and their authentic experiences to the attention of the traveling public."

Established in 1989 with 32 charter members, National Trust Historic Hotels of America is a diverse collection of properties ranging form large luxury hotels in major cities to small-town inns, country retreats and polished resorts throughout the country.

The directory of member hotels can be purchased by sending a check for $4.00 to National Trust Historic Hotels of America, P.O. Box 320, Washington, D.C. 20055-0320. Rooms at any of the member hotels can be reserved by calling 800-678-8946, visiting www.historichotels.org, or through a travel planner (GDS code "HE"). Reservations made through Historic Hotels of America support the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a non-profit organization of 200,000 members that provides leadership, education and advocacy to save America's diverse historic places and revitalize our communities.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a private, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to protecting the irreplaceable. Recipient of the National Humanities Medal, the Trust provides leadership, education and advocacy to save America's diverse historic places and revitalize communities. Its Washington, D.C. headquarters staff; six regional offices and 25 historic sites work with the Trust's 200,000 members and thousands of local community groups in all 50 states. For more information, visit the National Trust's web site at www.nationaltrust.org.

For more information, visit the Historic Hotels of America website at www.historichotels.org.

The Old Edwards Inn and Spa opened in July 2004 as a luxury destination spa resort after more than $40M and two years of renovation, restoration, and expansion. Accommodations consist of 30 Individually designed guestrooms, suites and cottages have period antiques, Frette linens and the finest contemporary amenities.

The 10,000 square foot Spa features an exclusive collection of the world's finest products and an extensive menu of signature body, skin care and relaxation therapies in a luxurious European setting. Madison's Restaurant and Wine Garden, the resort's fine dining restaurant, offers seasonally inspired Carolina High Country cuisine and an exceptional wine list.

The Old Edwards Inn and Spa is located at 445 Main Street, Highlands, NC 28741, 828-526-8008 or 1-866-526-8008. The Old Edwards Hospitality Group, LLC, founded in 2003, includes the Old Edwards Inn and Spa, Madison's Restaurant and Wine Garden, The Farm special events facility, Acorns and Miss Priss retail shops, Miss Priss-Charlotte, Kelsey & Hutchinson Lodge, Rib Shack, the Laundry and Dry Cleaners at Old Edwards Inn and Old Creek Lodge.