NEWS RELEASE TRANSMITTED BY CCN NEWSWIRE

FOR:  ROYAL HOST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST

TSE SYMBOL:  RYL.UN

DECEMBER 20, 2001 - 11:46 EST

Royal Host Real Estate Investment Trust Announces
Distribution To Unitholders

CALGARY, ALBERTA--Royal Host Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) 
has declared its December 2001 distribution of $0.06 per unit 
payable January 31, 2002 to unitholders of record as of January 
15, 2002. 

Royal Host REIT owns 36 hotels, manages 77 properties and 
franchises 94 locations for almost 15,000 guestrooms 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 under the trading symbol "RYL.UN". 

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Royal Host Real Estate Investment Trust
Peter Sikora
Chief Financial Officer
(403) 259-9800
(403) 259-8580 (FAX)
Website: www.royalhost.com
Email: investorinfo@royalhost.com