Demand for these machines is expected to be high -- additional Hyatt research shows that almost two-thirds of American business travelers use laptops when on the road. Whether it's to print a proposal from a laptop, copy a spreadsheet or fax a memo back to the office, guests in all Business Plan rooms will be able to use these ink-jet, plain-paper machines and thus be more productive in the privacy and comfort of their rooms. The new machines represent the first major enhancement to Business Plan, Hyatt's popular program of business travel services and amenities, since it was introduced in 1994. Previously, Hyatt Business Plan rooms came with standard InnFax
machines that sent and received faxes. As the new machines are installed, Hyatt plans to retain the standard machines and relocate them to select guestrooms throughout the chain, almost doubling the total number of Hyatt guestrooms equipped with a fax machine to approximately 10,000.

In addition to the more than 75 Hyatt hotels offering Business Plan, the new machines also will be installed in approximately 15 other Hyatt business hotels, where they will be placed in select suites and rooms in Regency Club, Hyatt's VIP/concierge floor. InnFax service and the new machines, called IBC-5000 Business Centers, are provided by Alphanet Hospitality Systems Inc.

The decision to install the new machines comes after successful testing and positive customer feedback at a Chicago-area Hyatt hotel. The machines have been installed in approximately 20 Hyatt hotels todate. Almost all of Hyatt's more than 90 business hotels are scheduled to receive the machines by the end of December 1998.

Hyatt's Business Plan is the hotel industry's most extensive business travel program. For a $20 upgrade fee, the program features the InnFax Business Center machines, waived access charges on local, toll-free and credit card phone calls; complimentary continental breakfast; coffee maker with coffee; iron and ironing board; and hair dryer in every room.