WASHINGTON - April 22, 2003 --"Red," a seven-inch bobble-head doll and Red Roof Inns' advertising spokesperson, today announced the hotel chain is renovating Washington D.C. area inns utilizing its new room design, appropriately named "Red's New Rooms."
 

The company plans to renovate a total of 1,747 rooms in 2003, and progressively implement Red's New Rooms at all locations nationwide over the next several years. Designed to create an atmosphere that is both relaxed and refined, "Red's New Rooms" feature attractive public areas and rooms that are comfortable and visually compelling. Enhancements to the eight Greater Washington D.C. Red Roof Inns include new furniture, new bedspreads and draperies, carpet, lighting, mirrors, artwork, granite vanities, textured walls and new paint. To strengthen its appeal to

"Red" . Red Roof Inns opened its first Inn in 1973 in Columbus, Ohio with the philosophy of providing guests a clean, comfortable room at an affordable price. Red Roof Inn has more than 350 properties open in 36 states and the District of Columbia. Red Roof Inns introduced franchising in late 1996 to quickly accelerate the expansion of the chain. Currently there are over 90 franchised Red Roof Inns open.

According to Joe Wheeling, Chief Operating Officer for Red Roof Inns, "The formula is very simple. With Red's New Rooms, we're offering customers an exceptional value -- the look and feel of a mid-scale room, but at a price you would expect to pay at an economy hotel."

On April 26, Red Roof Inns' refurbishment plans will extend beyond the chain's own hotel locations. The company has partnered with Rebuilding Together, an organization that works to ensure low-income homeowners live in warmth, safety and independence.  This year, volunteers in the Alexandria area will work to repair and rehabilitate the homes of elderly, disabled and low-income families.

Approximately 30 Red Roof Inns employees will roll up their sleeves to refurbish a Rebuilding Together client's home near the Potomac Yards shopping center.

"By participating in Alexandria Rebuilding Together, we have the opportunity to help a community that has been very supportive of us. Contributing to an effort that provides people with safe, comfortable lodging felt very natural to all of us at Red Roof Inns," added Wheeling.

In addition to Greater Washington D.C., Red's New Rooms are being outfitted in the Baltimore, Maryland and Columbus, Ohio areas where local employees are also volunteering their time with Rebuilding Together projects.

Over the next 90 days, Red Roof Inns will also enhance their in-room entertainment by offering one of the best TV packages in the budget segment. The new TV package will feature more than 14 channels. Three of the new channels include the HBO, HBO2 and HBO Signature.

At more than 350 locations nationwide, Red Roof Inns offers movies and video games on-demand at modest prices, snack centers, cribs at no charge, and free coffee. Other amenities include clock radios, photocopy and facsimile services for a small charge, free USA Today in the lobby and unlimited local phone calls. RediCard Preferred Members receive even more special services, including the ability to earn points toward free room nights.

About Accor North America
Headquartered in Dallas, Accor North America operates more than 1,200 upscale and economy properties including nationwide economy leaders Red Roof Inns, Motel 6 and Studio 6 and the upscale Sofitel and mid-scale Novotel and Ibis hotel locations in the U.S, Canada and Mexico.

About Accor
With 150,000 associates in 140 countries, Accor is the European leader and one of the world's largest groups in travel, tourism and corporate services, with two major international activities: