Company Press Release
February 25, 2000
DELRAY BEACH, FL -- ImOn(TM) Hospitality, Inc. has announced a technology agreement with hotel franchisor U.S.
Franchise Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:USFS) and its Hawthorn Suites chain to bring laptop computers and high-speed wireless
Internet access to every Hawthorn guestroom in North America. With the alliance, ImOn(TM) Hospitality will equip
and provide standard-setting Internet service to each hotel in the chain, as well as install in-suite equipment
and a customized portal for USFS.
"Providing guests with high-speed Internet access and easy-to-use computers will enable them to conduct business
faster, learn about local restaurants and attractions, enjoy in-suite entertainment and book travel and hotel reservations,"
said Jeff Maddox, president of ImOn(TM) Hospitality. Hawthorn will be the first hotel chain to go all-wireless
and offer a point of sale device in every guestroom.
According to Mike Leven, president and CEO of USFS, "Our partnership with ImOn(TM) Hospitality is one of the
most aggressive in the industry today and will bring an unparalleled level of service to Hawthorn hotels. It will
usher in a world of new service, value and in-room amenities for guests, and enhanced customer loyalty and expanded
marketing channels for our franchisees.
"This puts Hawthorn in a true leadership position with wireless Internet service and further shows our commitment
to servicing the needs of the business traveler," Leven added. ImOn(TM) Hospitality will initially install
the wireless program in 10,000 Hawthorn rooms. A flat-rate charge of $9.95 for 24-hour unlimited service will be
added to the guest's folio when they activate it.
Leven noted that ImOn(TM) Hospitality will also provide a standard PC in each hotel's Hawthorn breakfast area,
so that guests can easily participate in the chain's new online auction known as 'Sleep Once...Twice...Sold @hawthorn.com.'
Through Dec. 14, 2000, guests will receive 1,000 "Auction Dollars" for every room night they buy and
accumulate dollars to bid on Hawthorn's site at www.hawthorn.com for such valuable prizes as a new Jaguar, a Philips
Flat Screen TV and Hawaiian cruise.
In addition to the in-suite service, guests will be able to take home ImOn(TM) Free Internet Access, a free, unlimited
service. "Guests don't have to leave ImOn behind at checkout," said Maddox. "Through an easy sign-up
procedure, they can utilize Internet access wherever they go, free of charge, forever."
Hawthorn is targeted to business travelers attending training classes, handling long-term projects or on other
extended-stay travel, as well as to leisure travelers needing stays of any length. Hawthorn offers daily complimentary
hot breakfast buffet and evening social hour, plus an array of all-inclusive guest amenities and business services.
For reservations or information, call 800-527-1133 toll-free or visit www.hawthorn.com
.
In addition to Hawthorn, Atlanta-based U.S. Franchise Systems franchises the Microtel and Best Inns & Suites
brands. USFS was formed in 1995 by Leven, a 39-year veteran of the lodging industry, and Neal Aronson, former principal
of a leading New York investment firm.
ImOn(TM) Hospitality, based in Delray Beach, Fla., provides in-room Internet services and hardware to the lodging
industry, enhancing the guest experience and building long-term customer loyalty.
Contact: Jeff Maddox, President of ImOn Hospitality, Inc., 410-821-1870, or Barbara Wiener, Vice President, Corporate
Communications of U.S. Franchise Systems, Inc., 404-235-7400