NEWS RELEASE TRANSMITTED BY CANADIAN CORPORATE NEWS

FOR:  ROYAL HOST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST

TSE SYMBOL:  RYL.UN

APRIL 17, 2000

Royal Host Real Estate Investment Trust Announces
Distribution to Unitholders

CALGARY, ALBERTA--Royal Host Real Estate Investment Trust (Royal 
Host) has declared its April 2000 distribution of $0.08 per unit 
payable May 18, 2000 to unitholders of record as of April 28, 
2000.     

Royal Host REIT owns 36 hotels, manages 78 properties and 
franchises 83 locations for almost 16,000 guest rooms in the 
mid-market to upscale segments.  Royal Host also owns the 
Travelodge Master Franchise in Canada, provides hotel and resort 
management services for the portfolio and to third party 
properties, markets vacation intervals in hotels, resorts, and 
operates a facility for customers to trade and bank prepaid 
vacation weeks. 

Royal Host maximizes earnings while balancing risk for its 
unitholders through efficient operations, strong marketing and a 
focus on providing travelers with superior accommodations and 
travel experiences.  Royal Host units are traded on the Toronto 
Stock Exchange (RYL.UN).   

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Royal Host Real Estate Investment Trust
Ellen Walsh
Director of Communications
(403) 258-5601
(403) 292-0922 (FAX)
Website: www.royalhost.com
Email: investorinfo@royalhost.com