�With its lower cost-per-key, shorter development time and greater design flexibility, the new Hampton Inn & Suites prototype has been embraced enthusiastically by the development community,� said Phil Cordell, senior vice president, brand management for Hampton.  �We are delighted to team up with American Lodging and U.S. Hospitality in Lufkin to announce the groundbreaking of the first prototype -- the first of many already in the design phase.�

The new prototype design focus is primarily on the guest suite, where the wall separating the bedroom and living areas has been eliminated, creating a more spacious �feel� to this studio suite.  All studio suites include a wet bar with under-the-counter refrigerator and microwave oven.  In addition, new core components added to all rooms (traditional and suite) in the new prototype include an ergonomic desk chair and more spacious work surfaces.  The lobby/breakfast and pantry area, which is the site of the chain�s everyday free continental breakfast, also has been expanded.

Additional elements of the new prototype include an enhanced, larger three-bay lobby with two-story ceiling height, as well as an expanded gift shop, exercise room and a three-bay meeting room.  The modified exterior features dryvit/stucco finish and roofline facade elements.
 

The Hampton Inn & Suites Lufkin offers a combination of non-suite guest rooms and studio suites, including 37 rooms and 30 suites.  Measuring approximately 375 square feet each, the studio suites offer high-speed Internet access, a microwave oven, refrigerator/wet bar; a spacious work surface with two chairs; separate vanity and bath areas; swivel television, VCR, fax machine and sofa sleeper.  Traditional non-suite rooms at the hotel feature high-speed Internet access, an expanded, ergonomic work surface with two chairs, a small microwave, refrigerator and sink.  All Hampton guests also will receive a complimentary breakfast, free in-room movie channel, and free local phone calls made from the room. Located on Highway 59 South, the four-story Hampton Inn & Suites Lufkin is within minutes of Crown Colony Country

From left, C.G. Macklin, City Manager of Lufkin, Ronnie Robinson, Angelina County Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Board, Victor Patel, U.S. Hospitality Management President/CEO, William Edmundson, Hampton Inn & Suites Senior Director Hotel Performance Support, Louis Bronaugh, Mayor of Lufkin and Don Neill, Chamber of Commerce member and former Chairman of the Board turn the first shovels of dirt at the Hampton Inn & Suites construction site, Monday, August 28, 2000, in Lufkin, Texas.

Hampton is a subsidiary of Hilton Hotels Corporation, recognized internationally as a preeminent hospitality company.