ATLANTA, August, 1997-- For the 20 million people with disabilities who travel every year, the path is seldom easy. Now, the results of a survey taken via the internet by Microtel Inn Suites and parent company Atlanta-based US Franchise Systems (Nasdaq: USFS)(USFS) offers new insight into understanding handicapped travelers' needs and the accommodations they are looking for. According to respondents, what travelers with disabilities want most from their hotels are accessible showers, large bathrooms and accurate information when calling ahead for reservations.

Microtel - all newly constructed, interior corridor, limited service hotels with daily rates starting at $35 - has been changing the face of the hospitality industry as it plans for 1,000 new hotels in development by the year 2000. Said Mike Leven, chairman and CEO of USFS, "We want to be the preferred hotel chain for travelers with disabilities. Because all Microtels are newly constructed, we are in the unique position to be on the ground floor both physically and psychologically to truly serve the needs of these travelers, and that's what we're working toward."

Following is what respondents want most from their hotel, in order of preference:

The survey attracted travelers of varying ages and income, the majority wheelchair users (73%), and the remaining sight or hearing impaired (5%) and "other" (22%). Mostly 35 years of age or older (75%), with an annual income of $35,000 or more (60%), most spend at least 10 nights away from home each year in hotels (vs. with friends or family) and typically with a companion or family member. The majority travel for leisure and make reservations by calling the hotel directly.

With the help of Travelac and its president Don England - the wheelchair- user consultant who advises Microtel on accessibility prototype plans for all its properties - Microtel developed the survey to be proactive, not only by striving to meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) guidelines by making existing properties more accessible and to be consistent in all its hotels, but by practicing "attitude" accessibility to be more conscious, aware and friendly to travelers with disabilities as well.

For reservations or information about Microtels around the U.S., contact 1-888-771-7171 toll-free. To participate in the internet survey, or to offer suggestions regarding the survey or Microtel's accommodations for travelers with disabilities, go to www.microtelinn.com.

Based in Atlanta, Ga., US Franchise Systems, Inc. was formed in August 1995 by Michael A. Leven, a 37-year veteran of the lodging industry, and Neal K. Aronson, former principal of a New York investment firm, when the company purchased the franchise system rights to Microtel Inn, Microtel Inn Suites and Microtel Suites. The company, traded on the Nasdaq National Market system also acquired the franchise rights to Hawthorn Suites, a limited service extended-stay product, in 1996, and plans for 200 properties by the year 2000. USFS is committed to growing, marketing and servicing unique franchise brands that will provide consumers and franchisees alike with a product that exceeds their expectations in quality, consistency and value.