Press Release
December 29, 2000
RICHARDSON, TX -- Springfield, Mo.-based developer John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc. (AMEX: JQH) yesterday announced
the Renaissance® Richardson Hotel is now accepting reservations for group functions and events for 2001. Under
construction in the heart of the thriving Telecom Corridor® area in Richardson, Texas, the luxurious 337-room
Renaissance is expected to open in May 2001.
The development of the hotel marks John Q. Hammons Hotels' entree into the North Dallas area. Construction of the
Renaissance, a Marriott International, Inc. brand, began in November 1999 and represents the first full-service
hotel to be built in the North Dallas area in the past 10 years. Conveniently located at Campbell Road and Central
Expressway at 900 East Lookout Drive, the hotel resides in the 27-acre Galatyn Park Urban Center. The hotel is
adjacent to the Richardson Performing Arts and Corporate Presentation Center, which is scheduled for completion
in February 2002. In addition, the Galatyn Park DART station is under construction and is expected to begin providing
service to the area in 2002.
With a full sales staff now in place at the Renaissance Richardson Hotel, accommodations are quickly being reserved
for events in 2001. The more than 30,000 square feet of functional meeting space, including a 12,400-square-foot
ballroom, will make the Renaissance ideal for a variety of events from lavish weddings and celebrations to corporate
meetings and conferences. The hotel's staff will cater to a group's specialized needs and will provide a full-range
of event planning assistance and catering.
The Renaissance Richardson Hotel will boast a timeless style, combining a touch of whimsy with a contemporary flair
that invites guests to revel in the first class appointments and exceptional customer service that defines the
Renaissance brand. Designed with the signature atrium style of John Q. Hammons Hotels, the unique decor of the
12-story hotel will be vibrant and inviting, reflecting the cutting-edge spirit of the popular Telecom Corridor®.
The modern-day feel of the property will be achieved with eclectic furniture in rich jewel-tone colors, dramatic
art glass and expressive sculpture.
The Renaissance Richardson Hotel will feature a variety of amenities for both business and leisure travelers. The
hotel's rooms will be up to 20 percent larger than the average hotel room, a signature touch for which John Q.
Hammons is known. Rooms will be equipped with some of the latest technologies, such as CAIS high-speed Internet
access. The hotel also will have a full-service restaurant, a New York style cafe, a complete health and fitness
center, indoor pool, whirlpool and sauna.
``The excitement surrounding the development and opening of the Renaissance Richardson Hotel is remarkable,'' said
Jackie Devine, director of sales and marketing for the Renaissance Richardson Hotel. ``We are receiving tremendous
interest from business, civic and philanthropic leaders in the North Dallas area. We are delighted to be part of
such a welcoming community.''
Devine continued, ``North Dallas represents a unique blend of cultures and businesses. I believe part of the incredible
public interest we are garnering is due in part to our property also being unique. The Renaissance embodies a fresh
and creative style without losing sight of the importance of functionality and unsurpassed customer service. Plus,
the willingness of the staff to cater to each guest's specific needs adds to the widespread appeal of this phenomenal
property.''
Making a Reservation
To reserve space for a group function at the Renaissance Richardson Hotel, contact Jackie Devine, director of sales
and marketing, at 972.367.2000 or via email at renrich@jqh.com. The Renaissance Richardson Hotel participates in
Marriott Rewards®, Marriott International's award-winning frequent travel program, where meeting planners and
travel agents can earn points toward free vacations for booking meetings at Marriott properties. Readers of Business
Traveler magazine recently named Marriott Rewards the ``Best Hotel Rewards Program in the World.''
Company Information
Privately owned by John Q. Hammons, the Renaissance Richardson Hotel will be managed under contract by John Q.
Hammons Hotels, Inc. Publicly traded on the American Stock Exchange (AMEX: JQH), Springfield, Mo.-based John Q.
Hammons Hotels is the nation's leading independent builder, developer, owner and manager of upscale full-service
hotels, resorts and suites including: Embassy Suites, Renaissance, Marriott, Radisson, Crowne Plaza, Residence
Inn, Homewood Suites, Holiday Inn and Hampton Inn & Suites brands. Properties in Texas also owned and managed
by John Q. Hammons Hotels include: Holiday Inn Beaumont Plaza, Beaumont, Texas; Embassy Suites Outdoor World, Grapevine,
Texas; Radisson Hotel, Houston, Texas; Hampton Inn & Suites, Mesquite, Texas; and the newly announced Embassy
Suites in Frisco, Texas.
Renaissance Hotels, Resorts and Suites is an upscale brand providing full-service accommodations with local flair
to discriminating business and leisure travelers at over 100 properties in 26 countries. The brand's presence is
strong in the United States and worldwide, with more than 40 properties in the United States and more than 55 properties
throughout Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Renaissance Hotels, Resorts and Suites properties are often located
in major gateway cities and resort destinations, presenting guests with a collection of distinctive properties
from which to choose. Most Renaissance Hotels, Resorts and Suites participate in Marriott International's award-winning
frequent travel program, Marriott Rewards. For reservations at any Renaissance property, call 1-800-HOTELS-1, visit
www.renaissancehotels.com, or contact a travel agent.
Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) is a leading worldwide hospitality company with over 2,000 operating units
in the United States and 57 other countries and territories. Marriott Lodging operates and franchises hotels under
the Marriott, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites and Ramada
International brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott, Ritz-Carlton and
Horizons brands; operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its ExecuStay
by Marriott division; and operates conference centers. Other Marriott businesses include senior living communities
and services, wholesale food distribution, procurement services, and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC. The company
is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has approximately 151,000 employees. In fiscal year 1999, Marriott International
reported system wide sales of $17.7 billion. For more information or reservations, please visit the Web site at
www.marriott.com.
- Telecom Corridor® geographically refers to the City of
Richardson, Texas, and is registered to the Richardson Chamber of
Commerce.
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Contact:
Publicis Dialog for Renaissance Richardson Hotel
Kelly Campbell/Laurie Swyers
972/628-7738 / 972/628-7761
kcampbell@publicis-usa.com
lswyers@publicis-usa.com
or
Renaissance Richardson Hotel
Jackie Devine, 972/367-2000
jackie.devine@jqh.com