According to Charlie Pereira II, director of international operations and development for U.S. Franchise Systems (Nasdaq: USFS), franchisor of the Microtel brand, �It�s exciting that the Microtel brand continues to expand as a national and international player, filling an important budget niche for new, high-quality hotels.�  Microtel Inns de Argentina S.A. plans to bring more Microtels to Argentina and will soon the introduce the concept to Uruguay as well. 

The new Microtel Inn & Suites in Buenos Aires is a 75-room property with single, double and suite accommodations, all with queen beds, remote cable TV, CNN and ESPN.  The hotel offers meeting facilities and with fax, copier and computer/printer services.  It is located inside the premises of the Costa Salguero Convention Center, one of the largest in Buenos Aires, and is close by to a driving range, miniature golf, and numerous restaurants and night clubs.

�The Microtel concept, with its mix of high value and comfort at an affordable price, is filling a real need on the international lodging scene,� said Guillermo Santaella, president of Hoteles Microtel Inns de Argentina S.A.  The property�s general manager is Carlos Otero.
        
USFS has also signed agreements to introduce the Microtel concept to Southern Africa, Canada, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Mexico and the Turks & Caicos Islands.  

As of Dec. 31, 1999, there were 586 Microtels open or in development worldwide.