Ramada International has entered into an exclusive franchise development agreement with Andras House, Ltd., a leading property development and hospitality company in Belfast, Northern Ireland, for the development in Ireland and Northern Ireland of its Ramada and Ramada Encore brands. The first of the hotels to be developed under this agreement is a 250-room Ramada hotel at Lincoln Center, a mixed-use development currently under construction in Belfast. The hotel is expected to open in 2002 and will be the first Ramada International property in the country.

“We are delighted to have forged this relationship with Andras Hotels,” said Reas Kondraschow, senior vice president and managing director of Ramada International. “Andras Hotels has an outstanding record of developing and managing successful hotels under a number of lodging brands. We are confident that the new Ramada Hotel Lincoln Center will be popular with both business and leisure travelers and will be a welcomed addition to the Belfast tourism infrastructure.”

Under terms of the agreement, Andras Hotels Ltd. will open five new-build Ramada International properties, offering at least 500 rooms within the next eight years.

Ramada hotels are positioned for the moderate tier and are located in business and leisure destinations. Each property has approximately 150-300 guest rooms and offer core amenities that business travelers expect.

Ramada Encore hotels center on lifestyle, based on the guest comfort experience and expectations throughout the global market. These hotels feature contemporary signature items and a multi-functional all-day space called “The Hub,” which offers a premier coffee shop and far ? atmosphere that serves as an informal gathering place at each property. Ramada Encore hotels typically have about 80-150 rooms.

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