The quality standards and accommodation categories are the first of their kind in the vacation rental industry, and are designed to ensure high guest satisfaction levels, and meet travelers' expectations by providing consistent, quality accommodations at all ResortQuest locations. The quality standards and accommodation categories will be implemented starting Nov. 1 and will be effective
throughout the current ResortQuest lodging inventory by Jan. 1, 1999.

As part of ResortQuest's commitment to introducing quality initiatives to the fragmented vacation rental industry, the company has established a basic set of criteria based on quality, appearance and amenity standards for every ResortQuest rental property, and has categorized its rental home and condominium inventory on five levels - Quest Home, Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze. 

ResortQuest's quality designations are similar to other well-known ranking systems in the lodging industry, which assign ratings to hotels and motels based on their level of quality, physical appearance, amenities and service.

Each property in ResortQuest's inventory will receive one of the five quality designations, which are based on a detailed set of criteria that cover furnishings, soft goods, flooring, kitchen / appliances, electronics, bathrooms, decor, and other features such as swimming pools and exercise facilities. Each ResortQuest rental property must maintain a certain level of quality and appearance in order to remain in the company's lodging inventory and at its respective level.

ResortQuest's premier properties will be classified as a Quest Home. This designation is given to the company's rental homes and condominiums that feature the "best of the best" in terms of quality, appearance and amenities. 

For example, the "Heart's Desire" home located on Pine Island in the Outer Banks area of North Carolina, is an exquisite three-story Quest Home that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. With eight bedrooms and seven and a half bathrooms, the property can accommodate up to 22 people. The oceanfront Quest Home also features a private pool, hot tub, elevator, four televisions, two videocassette recorders, a central stereo system with CD, a music and video library, a laundry room, and a recreational room with a pool table, foosball table and wet bar. In addition, the home's gourmet kitchen features two ovens, two sinks, two dishwashers and a Sub-Zero refrigerator.

ResortQuest's Platinum properties feature superior accommodations marked by unique interior design and superior furnishings, as well as designer appointments and top-of-the-line kitchens and baths. The company's Gold properties provide upscale, well-appointed accommodations, excellent furnishings, and high-quality kitchens and baths. The Silver segment includes properties that feature midscale accommodations that are tastefully decorated, quality furnishings and contemporary kitchens and baths. Finally, the company's Bronze properties offer guests comfortable accommodations that feature many of the comforts and conveniences of home.

"These new quality standards and accommodation categories are important steps in bringing consistency to the fragmented vacation rental industry, and they support ResortQuest's commitment to providing a wide variety of quality vacation properties under a single brand name," said David Levine, president and chief operating officer of ResortQuest. "Whether consumers choose a Quest Home in Colorado, or a Silver vacation property in Florida, guests can be assured that ResortQuest will deliver a satisfying vacation rental experience no matter which resort destination they choose."

Consumers may make reservations at any ResortQuest property by accessing the company's Web site at www.resortquest.com. The ResortQuest Web site provides links to vacation property rental information in each of its markets, complete with property descriptions, photography, floor plans, pricing and booking information. The Web site also includes a "Special Offers" section featuring the latest seasonal offers, last-minute deals and special packages throughout ResortQuest's inventory of vacation rental properties, as well as links to other travel resources for booking air travel and rental cars. Consumers also may make reservations at any ResortQuest property by calling the company's toll-free reservations number at 877/588-5800.

ResortQuest International, Inc., headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., is the first branded company providing vacation rental and property management services in premier resort destinations throughout North America. Through the acquisition of its founding companies and
subsequent acquisitions, ResortQuest has created an inventory of more than 13,000 rental homes and condominiums available in locations that include Nantucket, Mass.; Bethany Beach, Del.; Gulf Shores, Ala.; the Outer Banks of North Carolina; St. Simons Island, Ga.; Captiva and
Sanibel Islands, Destin, Fort Walton Beach and the Beaches of South Walton, Fla.; Aspen, Breckenridge and Telluride, Colo.; Park City, Utah; Whistler, British Columbia; and Maui, Oahu, Kauai and the Big Island, Hawaii.