ATLANTA (June 18, 2007) - John Murphy, a 25-year hospitality industry veteran and Director of Design & Construction for the Microtel Inns & Suites and Hawthorn Suites hotel brands with Atlanta-based US Franchise Systems, Inc. (USFS), has received this year's "Mike Leven Culture Award."  The award, named for USFS' founder and former Chairman, Mike Leven, annually recognizes the USFS employee who most closely models the company's guiding principles and values of being service-oriented and always putting the customer (franchisee) first.

Murphy works closely with franchisees, architects, contractors and vendors to ensure that hotels are designed according to USFS standards, and to expedite myriad corporate services so that hotels open on-time and on-budget.

"John Murphy has truly made a difference as one of a group of outstanding development and service-oriented professionals who have produced excellent results for Microtel's pre-construction initiatives," said Roy E. Flora, Chief Operating Officer of USFS.  "He was as much the reason for breaking ground on 26 Microtels in less than six months during the last half of 2006 as anyone and has played an important role in the brand's success." 

Flora added, "John is the consummate customer service professional who is not only a great source to tap for research and resolution, but who truly cares about our franchisees.  He is a shining example of how developing relationships and always putting the customer first can make both an individual and company successful." 

Murphy's experience ranges from limited service, franchised hotels to full service, luxury and international resorts.  Before joining USFS in 2001, he held executive positions with Atlanta-based Omega Hospitality Group and Care Hospitality, and served as General Manager for two hotels in Washington, DC (Savoy Suites and Carlyle Suite Hotel).  He worked for the Loews Corporation for 11 years in supervisory capacities at the Loews Regency and Loews Summit Hotels in New York City, and as General Manager for the Loews Harbour Cove Hotel in Paradise Island, Bahamas. 

Murphy earned the designation of Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) from the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute in 1992 and received General Manager Leader Program certificates from Promus Hotel Corp. and Hilton Hotels Corp. in 1999.  He was a member of the Washington, D.C. Hotel & Motel Association from 1990 to 1998.  He received an Outstanding Service Award from USFS in 2002.  He currently resides in Atlanta with his wife and daughter.

About Microtel Inns & Suites
Microtel is the first economy/budget hotel brand to offer guests free local and long distance phone calls within the continental U.S., plus free wireless high speed Internet access in all guestrooms nationwide. All hotels provide complimentary continental breakfast, and members of the MicroPass(tm) frequent guest program earn a free night's stay after nine night stays at any location.  In addition, guests will soon enjoy the comforts of the brand's stylish new bedding known as "Dream Well" at all Microtel hotels.  Dream Well beds include a plush pillow-top mattress or topper and fitted bed skirt, high quality 200-thread count white and khaki-piped linens with triple sheeting, down-like blanket, decorative top sheet, bed scarf and pillows. There are currently 304 Microtel hotels open and under construction worldwide.  For hotel reservations, contact 1-800-771-7171 or TDD 1-800-824-2082 toll-free, or visit http://www.microtelinn.com or http://espanol.microtelinn.com. 

About Hawthorn Suites
Hawthorn Suites offers spacious one-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens and studio suites with wet bars.  Amenities include daily
complimentary hot breakfast buffet and Wednesday evening social hour, and free high-speed Internet access.  Most hotels feature meeting space, swimming pool, exercise facilities, guest laundry, on-site convenience store, valet and grocery shopping services.  Guests can earn free nights at Hawthorn and other Hyatt hotel brands by taking advantage of Hawthorn's partnership in the Hyatt Gold Passport® frequency program.  There are currently 97 Hawthorn Suites open and under construction worldwide.  For hotel reservations, contact 1-800-527-1133 or TDD 1-800-824-2116 toll-free, or visit http://www.hawthorn.com. All hotels are independently owned and operated. Photo available upon request.