Microtel Inns & Suites Recognized as Highest Ranked Economy Hotel Chain By J.D. Power and Associates For the Second Consecutive Year
	ATLANTA (Aug. 27, 2003) - For the second consecutive year, J.D. Power and Associates has ranked Microtel Inns & Suites the highest in guest satisfaction among the economy/budget hotel chains in its North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Study(sm).
Microtel scored highest of the 10 national hotel brands in its price segment with an overall score of 726, nearly 9% higher than the industry average of 668. From a sample of 12,850 travelers, guests responded that Microtel outperformed competitors by a significant margin in all four key guest satisfaction measures including pre-arrival/arrival, guest rooms, hotel services and departure. "Microtel is proud to once again live up to the expectations that guests associate with any brand who has received recognition by J.D. Power and Associates. The areas that are evaluated in this study are ones that every successful hotel should strive to perfect," says Mike Leven, CEO and President of U.S. Franchise Systems, Inc. (USFS), the parent-company of the franchisor of the Microtel brand. "These findings are highly valued because they are a compilation of first-hand experiences of our guests." In less than eight years, Atlanta-based USFS has grown Microtel from only 22 hotels to more than 250 hotels most of which are located in the U.S. Additional properties are located in Argentina, Honduras, and the Philippines. "The admiration of others in the industry should go to the individual Microtel owners who are committed to consistently providing guests with the best combination of value and quality possible in their lodging experience," says Leven. At a time when the travel industry as a whole has been struggling, Microtel has continued to gain market share and brand strength. Centrally delivered reservations have risen by almost 9% on a per available room basis and contribution has increased by nearly 11%. The MicroPass frequency program has grown to over 150,000 members since its inception a little more than a year ago. Microtel Inns & Suites are all newly-constructed, interior corridor, budget/economy hotels and one of the fastest growing hotel brands in the U.S. The MicroPass frequent stay program offers members the tenth stay free. As of June 30, 2003, there were 269 Microtel branded hotels open or under construction worldwide. For reservations, contact 1-888-771-7171 toll-free, or visit Microtel online at www.microtelinn.com to access information and make reservations instantly. All Microtel hotels are independently owned and operated.