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Microtel Inns & Suites Growth Continues: 285 Microtel Hotels Open in 46 states
and 6 Countries with 36 hotels Currently Under Construction

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ATLANTA � January 23, 2008 - Microtel Inns & Suites -- the chain of all new-constructed, interior corridor economy/limited service hotels -- today reported that it achieved its development objectives for 2007, having sold an outstanding number of franchises -- 100 -- during the year. The brand had a particularly strong fourth quarter and its best December ever, closing 35 deals.

The robust activity is also evident in Microtel's pipeline, which currently consists of a backlog of 187 executed franchise agreements and an additional 39 approved in-house applications pending execution. There are 285 Microtel hotels open in 46 states and six international countries, and 36 hotels under construction. During the next six months, Microtel plans to open an additional 18 hotels and break ground on an additional 14 hotels.

Results from the 'Construction Pipeline Report' for Fourth Quarter 2007 from Lodging Econometrics, Portsmouth, NH -- the industry authority for hotel real estate research -- indicate that Microtel Inns & Suites was once again ranked the top economy hotel brand in the U.S. by number of projects and rooms in the pipeline, outpacing all others with nearly 50% of the total, and its nearest competitor at 11%.

"Microtel continues to achieve its strategic objectives and demonstrate its leadership position in the economy lodging segment, selling more new construction franchises than any other brand in our segment," said Roy E. Flora, Chief Operating Officer of US Franchise Systems, Inc. (USFS), parent company of the franchisor of the Microtel Inns & Suites brand.

Flora cited that during 2007, Microtel's performance exceeded the economy segment average. Average daily rate (ADR) increased from $51.78 to $56.60; occupancy remained at 60%, and RevPAR increased from $30.78 to $33.43, as compared to 2006. According to Smith Travel Research, the average economy segment ADR for 2007 was $53.79; occupancy was 56.9%, and RevPAR was $30.62.

Additional highlights of Microtel Inns & Suites 2007 accomplishments included:

  • For an unprecedented sixth consecutive year, Microtel was ranked highest in guest satisfaction among economy/limited service hotel chains in the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study(SM). Microtel is the only economy brand in the hotel industry to have received this recognition six successive times.
  • Microtel was the winner of the "Market Metrix Hospitality Index" for First Quarter 2007 with an 83.3% customer satisfaction score, surpassing 10 hotel chains and outperforming the economy hotel segment average of 78. In addition, 68% of respondents said they were "very likely to return" to a Microtel hotel, significantly higher than the segment average of 47%.
  • Microtel unveiled an innovative new hotel suite prototype that consists of four zones in a space-efficient layout. The new suite creates a contemporary and comfortable environment with unexpected enhancements that guests would not ordinarily expect to find in an economy hotel. The concept is available in five color-coordinated palettes to accommodate local market and owner preferences. It is being launched at all new Microtels worldwide.
  • The brand continued to attract more travelers with disabilities. Microtel is a sponsor of The Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality (SATH) and is known as the preferred hotel chain for travelers with disabilities, Little People and seniors. The chain is committed to providing these rapidly growing market segments with quality, accessible hotel accommodations, and with a service culture prepared to make their stay an enjoyable experience.
Microtel Inns & Suites
The Concept

Our success story is based on simplicity, from our frequency program to the ease of operations, smaller space and land requirements and low development cost.

Ease of Operation

Microtel Inns & Suites are easy to operate and relatively inexpensive to build. A simple rate structure and fewer full-time employees make Microtel hotels less management-intensive than most other brands. You will also benefit from revenue management services, online check-in and check-out for your guests, and the ability to forward 800 calls to our central reservation office during peak or busy times. All these management tools are designed to help your operation run smoothly and keep your costs under control.

Design Space & Smaller Land Requirements

Many Microtel hotels have limited meeting space and downsized lobbies, and all pride themselves on no wasted space. This allows development on a smaller piece of property. A typical Microtel hotel can be built on 1 to 1.5 acres, compared to at least 2.5 acres for a conventional hotel.

A Microtel hotel can be built in as little as 180 days, notably less time than other hotels. Plus, more than 90% of the space in a Microtel is allocated to revenue-producing guest rooms, compared to 60% of space in the average full-service hotel.

Microtel Complimentary Continental Breakfast

To save guests time and money, and to provide something quick and nutritious while on the go, all Microtel hotels offer a complimentary continental breakfast which is served from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Low Development Costs

The Microtel hotel product has been value-engineered and efficiently designed. Compact rooms, built-in furniture, less elaborate décor and the elimination of low-profit-margin areas and "amenity creep" combine to lower construction costs and lessen anticipated construction time. Costs are reduced by lowering square footage, not by sacrificing the quality of construction.

Microtel is the only economy hotel chain to provide guests with free local and long distance phone calls within the continental U.S., plus free wireless high speed Internet access in all guestrooms nationwide. All hotels offer complimentary continental breakfast, and members of the MicroPass(TM) frequent guest program earn a free night's stay after nine night stays at any location. Now, guests can enjoy the comforts of the brand's stylish new bedding known as "Dream Well" with plush pillow-top mattress or topper, and high quality white and khaki-piped linens with triple sheeting.

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Contact:

Barbara Wiener-Fischhof
US Franchise Systems, Inc.    
404-235-7400
[email protected]
http://www.microtelinn.com
 

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Also See: The New Microtel Suite Prototype an Outgrowth of Interior Design Students at the Savannah College of Art and Design, Microtel Franchisees and Guests; A New Standard for Economy Hotels / November 2007
Microtel Solicits Customers and Owners Before Rolling Out New System Wide Contemporary Bedding Initiative / March 2007
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