Parsippany, NJ (January 7, 1998)--In a festive ceremony at Ramada's annual convention, the national hotel chain named its top property winners for 1997. The awards recognize an individual hotel's outstanding service, accommodations and products.

"Each year, Ramada honors the most outstanding properties in its system with national recognition at its annual conference. Not only is it important for the owners and general managers at these award-winning hotels to receive recognition for their achievements, it's also rewarding for them to be featured as stellar examples of high quality, mid-tier lodging in front of their peers and the rest of the industry," said Ramada President and CEO, Steven J. Belmonte. "We developed these awards to showcase the fine products, services, amenities and exceptional customer service available at Ramada Plaza, Inn, and Limited properties nationwide."

The Ramada Plaza Suites of Fargo, North Dakota won the honor of "Ramada Plaza Hotel of the Year." This unique property features a 150-foot water slide and complete entertainment center. The hotel consists of 67 regular rooms and 115 suites and offers an exercise room, sauna, whirlpool and on-site restaurant.

Topping the "Ramada Plaza Hotel Food and Beverage Service of the Year" category was the Ramada Plaza Suites Hotel at Fargo, North Dakota featuring Basie's on 42nd Street. This café style eatery seats approximately 165 people and offers an eclectic blend of beef, fish and poultry dishes prepared in a variety of styles including classic Italian and American Noveau.

Following a multi-million dollar renovation, the Ramada Plaza Hotel Beach Resort at Ft. Walton Beach, Florida won the "Ramada Plaza Hotel Renovation of the Year" award. The project resulted in a complete overhaul of the hotel's interior and exterior. All of the hotel's guest rooms and bathrooms were updated with new furnishings, windows and lighting. As an added improvement, 14 junior suites have been created; ten of these rooms overlook the beach and the remaining four face the property's tropical gardens.

The Ramada Inn of Manhattan, Kansas was selected from among more than 600 Ramada Inn locations nationwide to win the "Ramada Inn of the Year Award." This 115-room hotel is conveniently located across from Kansas State University and features a pool and exercise room.

The "Ramada Inn Food and Beverage Service of the Year" award went to the Ramada Inn at Manhattan, Kansas for its Goldfork Restaurant. The restaurant combines a casual, yet upscale atmosphere with classic American fare. The menu features over 220 choices with a concentration on grilled dishes including Black Angus steaks and grilled salads.

The Ramada Inn of Clearwater, Florida was named the winner for "Ramada Inn Renovation of the Year." The hotel completed a $6 million renovation last year that included a transformation of the hotel's lobby. The lobby and front entrance were redesigned to facilitate better guest service. Some of the improvements include an expanded front desk with marble accents and a Mexican tile floor. All of the guest rooms and bathrooms were also outfitted with new furniture, artwork and fixtures.

The Ramada Limited South Miami/Dadeland of Miami, Florida was selected from among more than 300 Ramada Limited locations to win the "Ramada Limited of the Year" award. This 122-room hotel features a swimming pool, complimentary breakfast to all guests and is located nearby a variety of beaches and restaurants.

Finally, the Ramada Limited Hollywood/Universal Studios of Hollywood, California won top honors for the "Ramada Limited Renovation of the Year." The hotel completed a $3 million renovation last year. The 130-room hotel features a beautiful atrium with a fountain, fitness center, arcade room and gift shop.

Ramada Franchise Systems, Inc., a subsidiary of Cendant Corporation (NYSE:CD), is a mid- to upper-mid-market chain of nearly 1,000 Ramada Limited, Inn and Plaza Hotel properties throughout the United States. To make a reservation at any Ramada, call 1-800-2-RAMADA.