Milwaukee, Wis. � (October 3, 2003) Baymont Inns & Suites has come out of the gate lengths ahead of its competition in marketshare gains during the summer months of June, July and August 2003.  Baymont Inns & Suites increased its system (company and franchise) RevPAR index by 3.1 percent, according to figures just released from Smith Travel Research.  This achievement is keeping in stride with the brand�s strong finish for the fifth straight quarter of improved performance relative to specific competitive set in its markets.

�We have properties, programs and people that few in the industry can challenge,� said Jim Abrahamson, president and chief operating officer of Baymont Inns & Suites.  �The secret to our success stems from a guest-centric approach to hospitality that has enabled us to build and maintain brand loyalty and recognition.�

Reports from Baymont Inns & Suites Guest Satisfaction Index and the Market Metrix Hospitality Satisfaction Index both showed that the brand is receiving rave reviews for its friendliness of front-desk staff, value for price, efficient check-in, and comfortable bed and furniture categories.

�Baymont Inns & Suites stands out from the competition through our differentiation strategy, which include tangible and intangible products and services,� Abrahamson said.  �From the bed � with our comfortable pillows and pillow top mattresses, to the bath�with our fluffy towels and premium soap, to breakfast � with upgraded offerings, including French toast and waffles, to our complimentary bottled water, our Ovations Rooms and our amenities can�t be beat in our mid-priced segment.  Our in-room business services, which include task lamps, ergonomic chairs and a larger in-room work area, are similar to what is found in high-priced, full-service hotels.

He said providing exceptional customer service backed by a 110% Satisfaction Guarantee and Guest Ovations®, a frequent stay rewards program, have generated great guest loyalty and return business.  The Guest Ovations program attributes for 27 percent of the contribution to overhead.

Reservations To Renovations

In addition to its Guest Ovations program and Ovations Rooms amenities, Baymont Inns & Suites� two-way central-reservations system also has had a significant impact on the brand�s growth and success. Contribution from the reservations center for the summer months of June, July and August 2003 is up 3.7 percent, compared to the same period last year.

�Our move to a cost-efficient, two-way interface for the reservations system, combined with increasing occupancy rates, also has positioned Baymont Inns & Suites as a market leader,� said Dan Daniele, president of Baymont Franchises International.  �The system provides last-room availability through all global-distribution system channels and improves the integrity of our central reservations center with our customers.  Now our reservations capability is on par with the major brands.  As a result, we expect our numbers to continue increasing.�

Daniele said Baymont Inns & Suites views the current U.S. economic situation as an opportunity for the brand to reinvest in its people, its properties and its future.

�Cutting back on important areas such as capital improvements and maintenance actually minimizes the opportunity to be competitive,� he said. �Proactively investing in physical assets and human resources will maximize a hotel�s performance and extend the life of the asset, thereby enhancing the brand�s differentiation over the competition.�

Baymont Inns & Suites is gaining strength and establishing itself in a position of leadership in the lodging industry's middle market.

"Those who predicted long-term declines for the industry may not have considered the resolve and strength of Baymont Inns & Suites and its franchisees, and our commitment to grow market share during this difficult, prolonged recession,� Abrahamson said.  �We have been able to grow occupancy and revenue market share, bucking the industry trends.�

About Baymont Inns & Suites

Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., Baymont Inns & Suites continues to be a leading brand in the mid-market segment. The brand offers a 110% Satisfaction Guarantee, and has made a huge investment in its frequent-stay program � Guest Ovations® � with more than 290,000 members and growing. Under the 110% Satisfaction Guarantee, if any guest is dissatisfied with any aspect of his or her night's stay and the hotel is unable to resolve the problem, the guest will receive their night�s stay for free, plus a coupon for a 10-percent discount on their next stay at any Baymont Inns & Suites hotel.

In addition, Baymont�s Ovations Rooms offer upscale amenities not found in competitive mid-market hotels, such as plush pillow-top mattresses, Down Lite� pillows, fluffy towels, branded bath products and free in-room bottled water. The rooms also feature an enhanced workstation with an executive-sized desk, comfortable ergonomic chair and task lamp with a data port.

Baymont Inns & Suites operates or franchises more than 180 locations in 31 states nationwide, is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS). For more information on The Marcus Corporation, go to www.marcuscorp.com. For more information about Baymont Inns & Suites or to make a reservation, visit www.baymontinns.com or call 1-877-BAYMONT (1-877-229-6668).