Company Press Release: U.S. Franchise Systems, Inc.
May 8, 2000
ATLANTA, GA -- With concern for our health at an all-time high, and a growing awareness of the ill-effects of indoor
air and water quality, today's consumers want a healthier experience on the road. Now, after a successful pilot
program and to meet the needs of this growing market, Best Inns & Suites -- the chain of mid-priced economy
hotels -- is providing special EverGreen(TM) accommodations for health conscious, environmentally- sensitive guests
at all its hotels nationwide.
According to Mike Leven, president and CEO of U.S. Franchise Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: USFS), franchisor of the Best
Inns & Suites brand, 10 percent of guestrooms or up to 10 health-conscious rooms at each Best hotel are currently
being installed, with all hotels in the system to be completed by mid-summer. Each EverGreen(TM) guestroom contains
two EverGreen(TM) Aire cleaners, an EverGreen(TM) filtered drinking system and an EverGreen(TM) filtered shower
system with massage head. Each hotel also has an EverGreen(TM) water system in the breakfast area.
``We want to offer a fresh, new alternative to enhance the travel experience for the 52 million Americans who suffer
from allergies or asthma,'' said Leven. ``With our EverGreen(TM) rooms, guests can enjoy the benefits of freshly
filtered air and bottle-quality water for drinking and bathing.'' EverGreen's(TM) air purification system is designed
to remove odors, airborne allergens, dust and other irritants, while the water and shower filters eliminate chlorine,
sulfur, iron and other contaminants often found in well and municipal water.
Commented David Rothschild, general manager of the Lake Charles, La. Best Suites, one of the EverGreen(TM) pilot
properties, ``Guests like the EverGreen(TM) rooms and they've been heavy sellers...we get many requests for them.''
The health-conscious rooms are being installed by Wilmington, N.C.-based EverGreen Rooms by Hartford, Inc., which
has been manufacturing, selling and servicing its air and water purification systems to the lodging industry since
1992. According to James Felds, president, ``We're delighted to team with Best Inns & Suites, which is perfectly
positioned to attract health-conscious travelers looking for extra value and comfort as well.'' EverGreen Rooms
by Hartford, Inc., formerly The Hartford Air & Water Authority, Inc., sells and services some 3,500 EverGreen(TM)
rooms in 40 states. For more information, call 800-929-2626, or visit www.evergreenrooms.com
.
As of March 31, 2000, there were 153 Best Inns & Suites open or under construction nationwide. For information
or reservations at a Best property, call 1-800-BEST-INN (800-237-8466) or visit www.bestinn.com
. All hotels offer complimentary breakfast and free local phone calls, along with the benefits of the 'Best Traveler'
frequent guest program.
SOURCE: U.S. Franchise Systems, Inc.