Springfield, Mo.-based John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc.
yesterday debuted the opening of the new $15 million Residence Inn by
Marriott(R) - Charleston Airport Hotel with a special ribbon-cutting
ceremony and day-long grand opening celebration. The four-story, 150-suite
property is owned by Mr. John Q. Hammons and managed by John Q. Hammons
Hotels, Inc., the nation’s leading independent builder, developer, owner
and manager of upscale full-service hotels, resorts and suites.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony included remarks from Keith Summey, Mayor of
North Charleston; Bill Mead, regional vice president for John Q. Hammons
Hotels and Michael Kapoulis, general manager of the Residence Inn by
Marriott - Charleston Airport. Special guests attending the celebration
included representatives of the City of North Charleston, Embassy Suites
Hotel(R), Hilton Garden Inn, Courtyard by Marriott(R) North, the Chamber
of Commerce, the North Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau, as well
as members of the community.

Located at 5035 International Boulevard, the Residence Inn by Marriott -
Charleston Airport provides convenient access to highway 526 and I-26 and
is approximately two miles from Charleston International Airport. The
property is strategically situated in a developing area of North
Charleston. It also provides guests with easy access to the charming
shops, restaurants, historical landmarks and entertainment experiences
historic Charleston has to offer.

The hotel’s exterior was designed to reflect Charleston’s distinctive
historical architectural style, like Rainbow Row, and the interior decor
features traditional furniture, accented with a flair of autumn colors.
With 1,700 square feet of meeting space, consisting of three rooms and a
large boardroom, the property is an ideal lodging and meeting option for
small groups, leisure travelers, and extended stay guests.

“With an exceptional staff, coupled with unparalleled first-class
accommodations, I am confident the Residence Inn by Marriott - Charleston
Airport will deliver a superior guest experience, while adding to the
historical charisma the city offers its visitors,” said Mr. John Q.
Hammons, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of John Q. Hammons
Hotels, Inc.

“Sure to make a lasting impression, the Residence Inn provides a lodging
option that is destined to make a positive impact on both the city’s
residents and its visitors,” said Michael Kapoulis, general manager of the
Residence Inn by Marriott - Charleston Airport.

Area Information

Charleston is often called a “living museum,” due to its lovingly
preserved houses and commercial buildings still in use today. The city’s
historic forts, including Ft. Moultrie and Ft. Sumter, have been at the
turning point of some of the nation’s most important events. Area
plantations and gardens provide a fascinating glimpse into the history and
natural beauty of the low country and offer a different perspective and
interpretation of the area’s antebellum culture and history. Within the
city’s historic churches, the first laws of the Carolinas guaranteed the
widest measure of religious liberty in all of the 13 colonies.

One of the most often mentioned reasons for visiting the Charleston area
is the unique shopping. The city is full of indigenous local crafts,
unique specialty shops and antiques, as well as a wide variety of high-end
national retailers, including Saks Fifth Avenue. Recently named as one of
the top 10 art destinations in the United States by American Style
magazine, Charleston’s thriving arts community provides the best in
eclectic galleries and darkened theaters. Additionally, the best way to
learn all of the rich history of the area is to embark on one of
Charleston’s many special interest sightseeing tours, taking guests on an
unforgettable journey back in time.

Property Information

The Residence Inn by Marriott - Charleston Airport features a variety of
amenities for both business and leisure travelers. Guests have the lodging
options of a studio, one-bedroom or two-bedroom suite, all equipped with a
sleeper sofa, living area with a color television, and a full kitchen that
includes a refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, sink, a four-person place
setting of dishes, and a cook top. The two-bedroom suites also provide
guests an additional bathroom and a choice of two queen beds or three
queen beds. Additionally, travelers are treated to a complimentary USA
Today or local newspaper every morning and enjoy a daily complimentary hot
breakfast and evening social. Guests also have access to a laundry
facility, outdoor pool and whirlpool, tennis courts, cardio fitness
center, and a business library outfitted with two desks, High-Speed
Internet, a printer, books, games and a color television with a DVD player.
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