Mr. John Q. Hammons and the city of Huntsville, Ala., today celebrated the
groundbreaking of the new $40-million, 300-suite Embassy Suites Hotel(R)
located in downtown Huntsville’s cultural and entertainment district.
Slated to open in early 2006, the 10-story Embassy Suites Hotel will
adjoin the city’s 600,000-square-foot Von Braun Center via a climate
controlled sky bridge. The Embassy Suites Hotel - Huntsville will be owned
by Mr. John Q. Hammons and will be managed by Springfield, Mo.-based John
Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc. , the nation’s leading independent builder,
developer, owner and manager of upscale, full-service hotels, resorts and
suites.
More than 100 honored guests and friends attended a groundbreaking
celebration at the construction site, and Mr. Hammons led a traditional
turning of dirt ceremony. Participants held gold-colored shovels accented
with “Embassy Green” bows, mimicking the color of Embassy Suites Hotels’
green logo. Remarks were provided by State of Alabama Governor Bob Riley;
Huntsville Mayor Loretta Spencer; Council President Mark Russell; Lee
Sentell, director of the Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel; Wayne
Bonner, chairman of the Von Braun Center Board of Control; and Mr. John Q.
Hammons, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of John Q. Hammons
Hotels, Inc. During a brunch honoring Mr. Hammons, state and city
representatives recognized him for his commitment to Huntsville and the
State of Alabama and discussed how the new hotel will positively impact
the city’s future.

“The city of Huntsville has seen tremendous growth and development in
recent years, and Mr. Hammons’ all-suite, luxury hotel will aid in
continuing to drive that growth. The hotel is expected to pump over $15
million annually into the Huntsville economy, bringing hundreds of new
jobs to area residents,” Mayor Loretta Spencer said. “Additionally, with
the Embassy Suites Hotel - Huntsville adjoining the Von Braun Center, the
city is on its way to becoming a premier destination for both business and
leisure travelers, as well as a prime location for conferences, meetings
and exhibitions.”

The Embassy Suites Hotel - Huntsville is Mr. Hammons’ second hotel to be
built in the state of Alabama and will complement the company’s portfolio
of 58 hotels. Conveniently located just 15 minutes from the Huntsville
International Airport at the intersection of I-565 and Memorial Parkway
South, the new hotel will provide easy access for both business and
leisure travelers alike.

“As Huntsville continues to experience tremendous growth, there is an
increasing desire for a full-service convention center hotel to meet the
needs of meeting and tourism guests,” said Mr. John Q. Hammons, founder,
chairman and chief executive officer of John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc. “With
a luxurious interior and top-notch amenities, I am confident that the
Embassy Suites Hotel will not only meet the goals and objectives of the
city, but undoubtedly exceed the expectations of its guests. We look
forward to expanding our relationship with the Huntsville community, its
guests and ultimately contribute to the city’s rapid growth.”

Area Information

Nestled among the mountains of northern Alabama, the growing city of
Huntsville is consistently recognized as one of the best places in the
nation to live and work. The strong local economy is fueled by high tech
companies, federal programs related to national defense and space
exploration, as well as many Fortune 500 companies and homegrown firms in
the aerospace and electronics industry. Huntsville continues to attract
new industries because of the city’s diverse business base. With the
Redstone Aresenal army base, NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, Cummings
Research Park, and a variety of manufacturing, retail, and service
companies, Huntsville offers a truly dynamic economic climate for growth.
In addition, the city is the proud home of The University of Alabama in
Huntsville, Alabama A&M University and Oakwood College.

The Von Braun Center is the anchor of downtown Huntsville and houses
250,000 square feet of flexible convention space. Its sports arena,
concert hall and playhouse are also equipped to accommodate major
concerts, touring Broadway shows, ballets, and performances of the
Huntsville Symphony Orchestra. The center overlooks beautiful Big Spring
Park and a ring of mountains that flank the city’s downtown area.

Property Information

To be built with the signature atrium style of John Q. Hammons Hotels, the
Embassy Suites Hotel - Huntsville’s decor will emit a contemporary flair
that invites guests to enjoy the exceptional appointments and outstanding
customer service that defines the John Q. Hammons Hotels and the Embassy
Suites Hotel brands.

The Embassy Suites Hotel - Huntsville will feature a variety of amenities
for both business and leisure travelers. The property will have a private
bedroom in every suite, a living room with a sofa sleeper, wet bar,
refrigerator, microwave and coffeemaker. In addition, each of the hotel’s
300 suites will be equipped with two color televisions, high-speed
Internet service, customizable voicemail, Sony PlayStation and WebTV.
Travelers also will be able to enjoy a sports bar restaurant and lounge,
as well as full cooked-to-order breakfast during their stay. Guests will
be treated to a complimentary USA Today every weekday morning,
laundry/valet service, sundeck, cardio fitness center, 24-hour gift shop,
complimentary business center, and an oversized indoor pool and whirlpool.
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