DALLAS (Apr. 13, 2009) � It�s a bright day for travelers looking for a hotel that offers value, comfort and convenience in the heart of Chicago�s Financial District.  La Quinta Inns & Suites announces the opening of its first hotel in downtown Chicago located inside the Loop at One South Franklin.  Following the conversion of the existing structure, the Jewish Federation Building built in 1958, along with the addition of two newly constructed wings, this hotel has a total of 241 guest rooms.

The La Quinta Inn & Suites � Chicago Downtown has three meeting rooms, a business center, an indoor heated swimming pool with spa and a fitness center.  In addition, the hotel features four different room choices: standard room with two full-size beds, king room or king room with a sofa/sleeper for longer stays, and two-room suite for families or business travelers desiring extra space.  All king rooms and suites include a refrigerator and microwave oven.  Other popular amenities include a 32� flat panel television, in-room coffee maker, hair dryer and iron with ironing board. With a bright, fresh contemporary look, and like all La Quinta hotels, Bright Side Breakfast� and high speed Internet access are free. 

�We are thrilled to be a part of all Chicago has to offer with the opening of this newly constructed, downtown hotel.  Now both business and leisure travelers will have an opportunity to experience affordable accommodations plus many of the amenities you have to pay extra for in more expensive hotels,� said Wayne Goldberg, president and CEO for La Quinta.  �This year, La Quinta will expand by opening more than 80 new locations.  Travelers will find we are bigger and brighter than ever before.� 

To help reduce the carbon footprint, this La Quinta hotel is doing its part to create a more energy-efficient distribution network by employing �district cooling,� an innovative system that eliminates the need for equipment such as boilers and a central plant located on the property.  The hotel will also participate in Chicago�s Green Roof Program which helps conserve energy by lowering air temperatures and reducing �urban heat island effect.�  Green roofs help clean and retain rainwater, improve air quality and create conditions for longer-lasting roof systems.

About La Quinta
LQ Management L.L.C. is one of the largest operators of limited-service hotels in the United States.  Based in Dallas, Texas, the Company operates and provides franchise services to more than 700 hotels in 45 states, Canada and Mexico under the La Quinta Inn® and La Quinta Inn & Suites® brands.  For reservations or more information about La Quinta, please visit www.LQ.com or call 1-800-SLEEPLQ. 

Teresa Ferguson
Director Communications & Public Relations
LQ Management L.L.C.
909 Hidden Ridge, Suite 600
Irving, TX 75038
Office:  214-492-6937
Cell:  972-983-1732

.