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U.S. Franchise Systems, Inc. Promoting Brands 
on National Television
Microtel Also Debuts New Poster Campaign
 
ATLANTA (Mar. 11, 1999) � U.S. Franchise Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: USFS), franchisor of Microtel Inn & Suites, Hawthorn Suites and Best Inns & Suites, debuts its 1999 national television commercial campaigns for all three brands on CNN beginning March 15.  The commercials will run through mid-September 1999.

Mike Leven, president and CEO of USFS, is the host of the series called �US Traveler.  Five 30-second commercials � two each for Hawthorn and Microtel, and one for Best � are filmed in a talk-show format, featuring Leven as a travel expert discussing the special benefits of each brand. 

  • For Microtel, Leven points out that it is the only all-newly constructed interior corridor hotel chain in the budget/economy sector and promises, �Microtel � same great hotel everywhere you go.� 
  • For Hawthorn Suites � the extended-stay chain � he guarantees, �Whether you�re staying one night or 30, you�ll always get more for your money at Hawthorn Suites.� 
  • For Best Inns & Suites � a mid-level economy brand � he refers to the great hospitality and service, and says, �The friendliest hotels are always Best.� 
According to Debbie Campbell, USFS senior vice president, marketing, �With over 38 years in the hotel business, Mike is an industry expert.  People trust him, and who better to explain the benefits of each hotel?�

The commercials are airing on CNN�s �Business Day� between 6:00 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. EST and again at 6:55 a.m. EST as part of the brands� exclusive sponsorship of �Business Travel Advisory.�  They are also airing between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. PST on CNN Headline News.  The Best commercials are airing on CNNfn.  CNN reaches approximately 70 million households each day with its popular �Business Day� and �Business Travel Advisory� formats.

The commercials were created by the Atlanta-based agency, 360, Inc.  There are currently 525 Microtel, 259 Hawthorn and 245 Best properties open or in development. 

Microtel�s New Poster Campaign

In addition, three different posters are greeting guests in the lobbies of all open Microtel properties.  The first depicts Leven cutting a red ribbon to emphasize Microtel�s all new-construction.  He says, �Microtel.  Brand-new everything.�  The next features Leven in a bathtub full of hotel shampoos and lotions, and points out, �At Microtel, you don�t pay for what you don�t need.�  The third shows Leven on one of Microtel�s American Chiropractic Association approved mattresses, saying, �Easy on your back and your budget.�

The posters were also created by 360, Inc.

Atlanta-based U.S. Franchise Systems was formed in 1995 by Mike Leven, a 38-year veteran of the lodging industry, and Neal Aronson, former principle of a leading New York investment firm.  USFS� three hotel brands include Microtel Inn & Suites, the all-newly constructed, interior corridor, budget hotels; Hawthorn Suites, an upper-end extended-stay all suite brand; and Best Inns & Suites, the mid-level/economy brand.  USFS also offers hotel management services to its franchisees. 

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Contact:
Jessica Ploszaj 
U.S. Franchise Systems, Inc. 
(404) 235-5780 
[email protected]
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Also See: Microtel Inn & Suites Creating Strong Presence atAirport Locations, Now Located at 27 Airports Across U.S. / Dec 1998 
Best Western International - Three Innovative Advertising Programs / March 1998 

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