"Microtel provides value and quality, and is the traveler's alternative to the higher-priced, full-service properties currently found in many airport markets," said Mike Leven, president and CEO of Atlanta-based U.S. Franchise Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: USFS), franchisor of the Microtel brand.  Microtel Inn & Suites is the fastest growing chain of all newly-constructed, interior corridor, budget/economy hotels in the U.S. Microtel properties are currently open at 27 airport locations, with another 12 in development.

The Microtel Inn & Suites in Pittsburgh is a three-story, 99-room property.  All single, double and suite accommodations offer queen beds, HBO, Pay-Per-View and Nintendo, as well as complimentary daily coffee and airport shuttle service.  The hotel is within 10 miles of Three
Rivers Stadium, Star Lake Amphitheater, the Civic Arena and Convention Center.  It is also located close-by to numerous area restaurants and shopping.

"The Microtel product is right for the needs of today's traveling public," said Michelle Travers, general manager of the property.  "We are excited about opening another Microtel airport property." 

Microtels are also open at the following airport locations: 

• Gulf Shores, Ala.
• Anchorage, Alaska
• Phoenix (Tempe), Ariz.
• Sacramento, Calif.
• Denver, Colo.
• Jacksonville, Fla.
• Atlanta, Ga.
• Pooler-Savannah, Ga.
• BWI Airport, Md.
• Eagan, Minn.
• Kansas City, Mo.
• Charlotte, N.C.
• Raleigh/Durham, N.C.
• Gering, Neb.
• Lincoln, Neb.
• Gallup, N.M.
• Albany, N.Y.
• Buffalo, N.Y.
• Tulsa, Okla.
• Allentown, Pa.
• Greenville, S.C.
• Chattanooga, Tenn.
• Euless, Texas
• Irving/Texas Stadium, Texas
• Irving/DFW Airport, Texas
• McAllen, Texas 
• Richmond, Va.

As of December 22, there were 553 Microtels open or under development. For reservations or a copy of the Microtel directory, call 1-888-771-7171 toll-free.  Internet users can visit Microtel at www.microtelinn.com.

Based in Atlanta, Ga., U.S. Franchise Systems, Inc. was formed in August 1995 by Mike Leven, a 38-year veteran of thelodging industry, and Neal Aronson, former principal of a New York investment firm, when the company purchased the franchise system rights to Microtel Inn, Microtel Inn & Suites and Microtel Suites.  U.S. Franchise Systems acquired the franchise rights to Hawthorn Suites, an extended-stay product, in 1996, and full ownership in March 1998.  U.S. Franchise Systems also acquired the franchise rights to Best Inns & Suites, a mid-level economy brand.