MILWAUKEE�(April 10, 2002) Operators of Baymont Inns & Suites across the nation are moving closer to the time when they will have a cost-efficient two-way interface for their reservation system.

"There is still some infrastructure to put in place, but once Baymont completes production roll-out in September, the benefits from a two-way system will be incredible," said Mara Kuhlmann, project manager in Baymont's information technology department. "This has been in the works for nearly two years and the change to InnLink Reservation Services last October helped Baymont to put the final pieces in place."

Jim Abrahamson, president of Baymont Inns & Suites, said the switch to InnLink's central reservation center has already enhanced guest service and improved reservation-system contribution. He said that even before the switch, Baymont and InnLink began working on the two-way communication system that would continuously link Baymont hotels with InnLink's reservation center through a satellite-based Wide Area Network.

"The migration to InnLink's reservation center went without a hitch, and we are moving smoothly to the two-way communication system," Abrahamson said. "The U.S. traveling public is favoring midpriced properties, and this system will be an added way for Baymont to take advantage of that reality and to gain market share."

The two-way system will enhance efficiency and rate management, not only from the Central Reservation Center, but also from the GDS and Internet channels, provide all room types to the reservation center and offer last room sales availability in all distribution channels, he said.

"It presents a single point of entry for all room rates through all distribution channels and improves the integrity of the Central Reservation Center with the customer," Abrahamson said. �While there are small monthly communication fees, we have the lowest cost structure in the business for two-way communication."

Continuous communication

Kuhlmann said the two-way interface relies on continuous communication between the Central Reservation Center and Baymont's properties.

"The biggest benefit for our properties will be that they will be able to offer for sale more rooms and gain more revenue," Kuhlmann said. "Now we will also be able to offer exposure of all room types into all distribution channels."

The new system uses satellite technology that allows for immediate updates between the reservation center and properties. Kuhlmann said the satellite-based network was chosen because it is more efficient and less expensive than a landline-based Wide Area Network. There also are low upfront and ongoing costs for the satellite-based network.

Each Baymont property will purchase or lease a satellite dish. Baymont has arranged with Signal Mountain to provide the satellite dishes at a reduced cost. The lease or purchase comes with full warranty and maintenance.

Dan Daniele, president of Baymont Franchises International, said the availability of a two-way reservation system is another step in Baymont's efforts to make the brand the one of choice for lodging industry entrepreneurs.

"Owners and operators of midmarket properties face tough competition every day of the year and it is important that a hotel company fully understands the challenges of a very competitive marketplace," Daniele said. "Baymont Inns & Suites better understands the competitive situation in the midmarket because it owns and operates its own properties and therefore continually gains insight into what it takes to put heads in beds."

Daniele said that having franchises that rely on the Baymont team to help them achieve success means it has a duty to explore a wide variety of ways to increase business and help properties maximize revenue.

"The two-way reservation system recognizes the advantages a business can enjoy by fully utilizing the technology that has become available and implementing that technology in the most cost-efficient way possible," Daniele said. "The continued search for ways to fill as many guestrooms as possible at the best rate possible every night is an important aspect of the lodging business. Baymont understands that challenge and the two-way reservation system is our latest response to the challenge."

Kuhlmann said owners and operators of Baymont properties would appreciate the significant benefits to their businesses that will come from having a two-way reservation system.

"This is a cutting-edge system in an industry that more and more relies on cutting-edge ideas and the implementation of those ideas," Kuhlmann said. "It means the sale of more guestrooms at the best possible rates."

Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., Baymont Inns & Suites, a mid-priced lodging chain that operates or franchises 190 locations in 31 states nationwide, is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS).