SPRINGFIELD, Mo., and HOT SPRINGS, Ark. � September 27, 2002 � Mr. John Q. Hammons this week celebrated the goundbreaking of the new $35 million, 252-room Embassy Suites Hotel � Hot Springs in Arkansas, with an event that attracted a crowd of honored guests and friends, including business and civic leaders. 

The much-anticipated event kicked-off with a special ceremony that included remarks from Mr. John Q. Hammons, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc.; Mayor Mike Bush; and Mr. Jay Chessir, president of the Garland County Economic Development Corp. 

�I couldn�t be happier with the success of the official goundbreaking of the Embassy Suites Hotel � Hot Springs,� said Mr. Hammons.  �The new hotel marks my 150th hotel to be built, as well as my entrée into the greater Hot Springs, Ark., area.  I have been impressed by the excitement and anticipation of the local community surrounding the development of this property.  I always strive to build and maintain the finest hotels in growth markets and the Embassy Suites Hotel � Hot Springs delivers on that commitment.�

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Strategically located in downtown Hot Springs, the Embassy Suites Hotel � Hot Springs will be conveniently connected to the Hot Springs Convention Center via an overhead, all-weather walkway.  To be built by CDI Construction of Little Rock and designed with the signature atrium style of John Q. Hammons Hotels, the nine-story Embassy Suites Hotel � Hot Springs will boast an architectural style that complements the design of the convention center.  The décor will have a contemporary flair that invites guests to enjoy the exceptional appointments and outstanding customer service that defines the Embassy Suites brand. 

Convenient access to the Hot Springs Convention Center and the more than 6,000 square feet of functional hotel meeting space, including generously sized board rooms, make the Embassy Suites Hotel � Hot Springs ideal for a variety of events from lavish weddings and celebrations to corporate meetings and conferences.  The hotel�s staff will be able to respond to a group�s specialized needs and provide a full-range of event planning assistance and catering. 

The Embassy Suites Hotel � Hot Springs will feature a variety of amenities for both business and leisure travelers.  The property will have a private bedroom in every suite, a living room with a sofa sleeper, wet bar, refrigerator, microwave and coffeemaker.  In addition, each of the hotel�s 252 suites will be equipped with two color televisions, Internet data port and customizable voicemail, Nintendo 64 and WebTV.  Travelers also will be able to enjoy the sports bar restaurant and lounge, as well as full cooked-to-order breakfast during their stay.  Guests will be treated to a complimentary USA Today every weekday morning, laundry/valet service, sundeck, cardio fitness center, 24-hour gift shop, complimentary business center and an oversized indoor pool and whirlpool.

Publicly traded on the American Stock Exchange (AMEX: JQH), Springfield, Mo.-based John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc. is the nation�s leading independent builder, developer, owner and manager of upscale full-service hotels, resorts and suites including: Embassy Suites, Renaissance, Marriott, Radisson, Crowne Plaza, Residence Inn, Homewood Suites, Holiday Inn and Hampton Inn & Suites brands.  With 56 hotels strategically located near demand generators, such as state capitals, universities, airports, corporate headquarters or office parks in secondary and tertiary markets, John Q. Hammons Hotels� properties are dominant in their markets.  The company�s focus is capitalizing on positive operating fundamentals in the upscale, full-service sector, converting existing hotels to franchise brands and selling mature assets, while reinvesting the proceeds and reducing debt.