The Grand, Historic Willard InterContinental is the Exclusive Washington D.C. Choice of Readers Queried for the Coveted Travel + Leisure's 2003 World's Best Awards

It's a coveted title few hotels can claim -- World's Best. But this year, in its eighth annual World's Best Awards survey, Travel + Leisure magazine readers who have traveled for business rated the Willard InterContinental the top hotel in Washington for business travel. The World's Best Business Hotels are featured in the September issue of Travel + Leisure magazine, and online at travelandleisure.com

For Travel + Leisure's eighth annual World's Best Awards, the publication turned to its readers, and asked them to rate everything from hotels to cruise lines to destinations. The research group Harris Interactive then tallied the data. The result is a definitive guide to the very best in travel, based on nearly 200,000 evaluations from the most discerning travelers. In the nation's capital, the Willard InterContinental, a leader in providing world-class service for the discerning business traveler, prevailed over several other well-known luxury brands. In the World's Best Business Hotels category, readers who had traveled for business were given the option to rate top hotels on how well they cater to business travelers. The results indicate the property that earned the highest score for this category in each city.

In a continued effort to support the needs of business traveler guests, the Willard InterContinental Washington hotel offers high-speed wireless Internet WiFi in its public areas, and high speed Internet in guest rooms.

"As the choice Washington DC hotel for many American and international business leaders, our guests know that we take the 'comfort of doing business at the Willard' seriously. We hope that in providing high speed internet access in our guestrooms and palatial public spaces and an array of amenities for business travelers, we help to meet and exceed our guests' experiences", said General Manager, Jean-Jacques Reibel.

The Willard InterContinental also offers these outstanding amenities to ease the way for business travelers:

High Speed Internet - In all Willard InterContinental guest rooms and public spaces.

Around the Clock - "What you need at any time" - 24 hour Business Services, 24 hour Laundry / Valet Services, 24 hour Room Service, 24 hour Fitness Center.

Global Connections / World News - Guests can access over 150 international newspapers including most major European papers, delivered daily to rooms.

World Print - The Willard offers complimentary Fax / printer / scanners for personal in-room business needs.

In An Instant - Instant service buttons on all hotel room phones for guests who have requests at any time.

Insider Concierge - www.insider.intercontinental.com offers city highlights and interactive online mapping service.

Business Options rates start at $269.00. Guests can book a Standard room (usually $425.00) and receive the choice of one of the following options; Upgrade - Upgrade to an improved room type, Relaxation - Free in-room movie and minibar credit per night; Leisure Voucher - Voucher for a free weekend night stay (with the purchase of an additional night) on a future visit. Prices are per room, plus tax, based on availability. For information and reservations call, 202-628-9100, 1-800-827-1747 or book online at: www.washington.interconti.com.

The Crowned Jewel of Pennsylvania Avenue and a favorite of world figures and people doing business since 1850, the historic Willard InterContinental is Washington DC's only grand hotel -- a great American institution, in the European style. Situated two blocks from the White House, the Willard is a quick walk to Washington's downtown business, theatre and museum districts, and within close proximity to the city's new convention center. The hotel's central location offers many of our guestrooms full dramatic views of the Washington and Jefferson Monuments. Additionally, the breathtaking vista down Pennsylvania Avenue from the hotel's entrance features the nearby magnificent domed U.S. Capitol.