ATLANTA (November 2002) In less than four years since Staybridge Suites by Holiday Inn opened its first hotel in Atlanta - Alpharetta, GA in 1998, the brand celebrates reaching a significant milestone of 50 hotels open, with its newest property in Tulsa, OK. This recent hotel opening makes Staybridge Suites the first up market extended stay hotel brand to reach 50 hotels in just under four years, which is significant growth for a new brand in a relatively young hotel segment.

“It is no wonder that Staybridge Suites is experiencing rapid growth and brand momentum given that extended stay is the fastest growing market segment in the industry with demand exceeding supply,” said Jim Anhut vice president of marketing for Staybridge Suites. “The segment`s occupancies consistently outperform industry averages,” he said.

Part of this growth can be attributed to the fact that Staybridge Suites franchises have the benefit of knowing that they have the support of Six Continents Hotels. Several of the existing properties are owned and operated by Six Continents Hotels.

“We’ve made a significant investment in the brand alongside our franchisees,” said Anhut. “Our ownership and management of these hotels focuses our attention on the matters most important to guests and franchisees alike,” he said. “As owners we know we have a very competitive hotel concept capable of delivering a very attractive return on investment.”

The new Staybridge Suites hotel in Tulsa is owned and managed by Woodland Park Hospitality and is operated under a license agreement with an affiliate of Six Continents Hotels, Inc. The $6.2 million, 55,000-sq. ft. suburban hotel is located near area corporations and key attractions such as museums, shopping and restaurants.

The new hotel will cater to extended-stay travelers and offer competitive rates to business travelers.

Guests will be able to choose from a selection of three suite configurations (deluxe studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom/2 bath). In each suite guests will find the comforts of home as well as the efficiency of an office. Guest suites include conveniences such as functional work areas with high-speed internet access, voice mail and direct-dial access, two phone lines per suite all of which enable guests to stay connected with their busy lives back home while on the road for extended periods of time.

Common areas include an on-site 24-hour Convenience Store, free self-service laundry, a well-appointed exercise room and library stocked with books and movies. The signature Great Room, with its stone fireplace and tall windows, is another example of the hotel`s relaxing atmosphere, which is considerate of the needs of extended stay guests. Since extended stay guests stay longer and typically have more downtime they need “space extensions.” Future guests of the new hotel will be encouraged to leave their suites to relax in the Great Room by the fireplace or to just converse with friendly hotel staff and other guests during the complimentary Sundowner receptions.

The new hotel will be located at 1111 East 73rd St. South, Tulsa, OK, telephone; (918) 461-2100 and facsimile; (918) 461-2300.

The new hotel will offer Priority Club Rewards, the world`s first hotel loyalty program. Guests benefit from new member-preferred features like points transfer, points purchase and the fastest way to Elite status, with competitive features of no blackout dates and no point expiration to form a powerful program that is easy and truly rewarding. According to CNN: “The new Priority Club Rewards program is the best one around…” Enrollment in Priority Club Rewards is free. Guests may enroll online at www.priorityclub.com, call 800-272-9273, or register at any Staybridge Suites hotel

About Staybridge Suites Hotels: The Staybridge Suites® by Holiday Inn® brand is an innovative all-suite hotel meeting the needs of the extended-stay guest. The amenities include three suite types with fully equipped kitchens,complimentary breakfast buffet and evening reception, and 24-hour business services with high-speed internet access. Staybridge Suites entered the extended-stay market in December 1998 when its flagship location in Alpharetta, Georgia, opened. Currently, there are nearly 50 Staybridge Suites hotels open and more than 35 under development.

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