NEWS RELEASE TRANSMITTED BY CCNMatthews

FOR:  ROYAL HOST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST

TSX SYMBOL:  RYL.UN RYL.DB

MARCH 17, 2004 - 18:33 ET

Royal Host REIT Announces March 2004 Distribution of
$0.02 to Unitholders

CALGARY, ALBERTA--Royal Host Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) 
has declared its March 2004 distribution of $0.02 per unit 
payable April 30, 2004 to Unitholders of record as of April 15, 
2004. This distribution is the 77th consecutive monthly 
distribution to the Unitholders and brings the total funds 
distributed by Royal Host to $5.30 per unit since inception. A 
portion of the 2004 distribution will be eligible for tax 
deferral. 

Royal Host REIT owns 39 hotels, manages 75 properties and 
franchises 117 locations for over 15,500 guestrooms in the 
mid-market to upscale segments. Royal Host owns the master 
franchise rights for the Travelodge brand in Canada and provides 
hotel and resort management services for its portfolio and to 
third party properties. Royal Host's objective is to maximize 
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" and "RYL.DB". 





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