Super 8 Motels was ranked the top U.S. hotel franchise and the eighth best franchise of any type by Entrepreneur magazine in its 24th Annual Franchise 500® edition this month, the hotel chain said today.

This is the fourth year that Super 8 Motels has been ranked number one in the magazine’s hotels and motels category. The chain also capped the honor in 1999, 2000 and 2001.

The brand moved up to eight this year in its overall ranking, up from 47 in 2002, topping Holiday Inn Worldwide at 17, Hampton Inn/Hampton Inn & Suites at 40 and Choice Hotels International at 42, joining the ranks of high-ranked franchise systems including McDonalds, Subway, Taco Bell and Jackson Hewitt Tax Service.

Entrepreneur this month also ranked Super 8 Motels 48 on its list of the 98 fastest-growing Franchises in 2003.

The Entrepreneur Annual Franchise 500 edition identifies the top franchise opportunities based on financial strength and stability, growth rate and size. Other factors include number of years in business, start-up costs and litigation history.

“The fact that nearly 60 percent of our franchisees own more than one Super 8 motel is a testament to the chain’s appeal,” said Super 8 President John Valletta. “We’re very proud of the Entrepreneur ranking, and we aim to continue growing the brand in addition to maintaining the quality image our customers have come to expect.”

Super 8 Motels Inc., founded in America`s heartland in 1974, is one of the world’s largest economy lodging chains, with 2,083 motels representing 126,862 rooms throughout the United States and Canada. All Super 8 motels are independently owned and operated under franchise agreements with Super 8 Motels Inc. Reservations can be made through Superline®, Super 8’s toll-free reservation center at (800) 800-8000, or online at www.super8.com. Super 8 Motels Inc. is a subsidiary of Cendant Corporation (NYSE: CD).

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