Extended Stay America, Inc. (NYSE:ESA), the nation`s fastest growing company-owned and operated hotel chain, has been selected as a “Best Practices” champion in the overall extended stay lower tier lodging category in a first-ever study conducted by Cornell University`s School of Hotel Administration.

The national study, commissioned by The American Hotel Foundation and American Express, identifies best practices in areas such as operations, marketing, information technology and food and beverage.

“It`s very gratifying to be chosen as a best practices champion within such a competitive industry. We are a young, fast growing company and this award confirms our position as a leader and trendsetter in the extended stay lodging category,” said George D. Johnson, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of Extended Stay America, Inc.

Extended Stay America, Inc. is one of 144 “Best Practices” champions chosen from 3,500 companies and individuals nominated from a national sample of 15,000 hospitality managers at both the corporate and property levels within the industry. Upon nomination, in-depth interviews were conducted with consumers, travel agents and meeting planners regarding the strategies implemented by the nominees, and the winners were chosen based on the feedback received from these interviews.

According to Mr. Johnson, the credit belongs to the company`s more than 5,000 employees. “Our employees provide exceptional service and that`s something not easy to come by in this industry. Because we are growing at such a phenomenal pace, I am particularly grateful to our employees for keeping up with our rapid growth and consistently giving 110 percent to maintain the high standards we have set forth,” said Mr. Johnson. “Without our employees, we wouldn`t have satisfied guests. Without satisfied guests, we wouldn`t be enjoying the honor of being named a `Best Practices` champion.”

Guests surveyed as part of the study reported that the quality of service, convenient locations, kitchens and affordable prices were the primary motives for choosing Extended Stay America, Inc.`s hotels.
 
The results of the study will be presented in a new book entitled American Lodging Excellence: A Key to Best Practices in the U.S. Lodging Industry. This how-to publication spotlights the “best of the best” and provides information on Extended Stay America, Inc.`s development, operations and management philosophies.
“This industry-wide recognition reaffirms that our business and operating models are well-conceived,” said Jay Witzel, President of Extended Stay America, Inc. “Being highlighted as a prototype for others to follow proves that our concept is working well.”

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