Press Release: Prime Hospitality Corp.
November 2, 2000
FAIRFIELD, NJ -- Prime Hospitality Corp. (NYSE: PDQ) announced yesterday that it has completed the previously-announced
conversion of 27 Sumner Suites to its AmeriSuites brand. There are now 132 AmeriSuites in 31 states, representing
a 30 percent expansion of the chain.
The new AmeriSuites have been added to the chain's central reservation system and can be booked under the GDS code
``AJ;'' by calling 800-833-1516, or through the web site at http://www.amerisuites.com.
The former Sumner Suites hotels are located in 12 states primarily in the Southeast, Midwest and Southwest regions
of the country. The hotels were all recently constructed by Sholodge Inc., from whom Prime acquired the leaseholds,
with an average age of approximately three years. Due to the substantially identical designs of the hotel chains,
only minimal renovations and changes, such as amenity packages, signage and collateral materials, were necessary
to comply to AmeriSuites brand standards. Members of Sumner Suites' frequent guest program, Great Returns, were
automatically enrolled in the AmeriSuites Club loyalty program.
``The addition of the former Sumner Suites is another milestone in AmeriSuites' history,'' noted Prime Chairman
and CEO A.F. Petrocelli. ``The instant 30 percent growth in the brand will help further position it as a leading
chain.''
As part of the transaction, Sholodge will also construct three additional AmeriSuites (Mt. Laurel, NJ; Utica, MI
and Sterling, VA), two of which will be funded by Sholodge and one by Prime.
``This is a great development for the AmeriSuites brand and we are pleased the conversion went smoothly and on
schedule,'' noted Steve Kronick, Senior Vice President, Operations, AmeriSuites. ``Guests now have the added convenience
of 27 new locations to choose from, while the chain will benefit from increased penetration in the marketplace.''
AmeriSuites properties provide comfortable accommodations with separate living and sleeping areas and a wide array
of amenities including kitchen/wet bar area with refrigerator and microwave, high speed Internet access, video
cassette players, iron and ironing boards, hairdryers, fitness center, meeting space, heated indoor or outdoor
pools and complimentary bountiful breakfast buffets. AmeriSuites also feature Taking Care of Business (TCB)_ Suites,
which offer special amenities for the business traveler, including expanded work desk with adjustable return, task
lighting, executive chair, easy chair with ottoman, office supplies and snacks.
The following is a listing of the new AmeriSuites:
City/State Location:
Tempe, AZ Phoenix Airport/Rio Salado
Tucson, AZ Tucson Airport
Colorado Springs, CO Gardens of the Gods
Orlando, FL Airport/Northwest
Tampa, FL Sabal Corporate Park
Alpharetta, GA Nortel Parkway
Atlanta, GA (3) I-285/Galleria
I-85/Gwinett Mall
Airport
Fort Wayne, IN I-69/Washington Center
Indianapolis, IN Airport
Overland Park, KS 110th Street
Kansas City, MO Airport
Atlantic Beach, NC
Charlotte,NC Coliseum
Albuquerque, NM Midtown
Columbus, OH Dublin
Nashville, TN Hendersonville
Austin, TX North
El Paso, TX Airport
Dallas, TX (3) Grand Prairie
Las Colinas/Walnut Hill
North
Houston, TX Hobby Airport
San Antonio, TX (2) Crossroads Mall
Riverwalk
Dulles, VA Airport North
Prime Hospitality Corp., one of the nation's premiere lodging companies, owns, manages, develops and franchises
over 230 hotels throughout the United States. The Company operates two proprietary brands, AmeriSuites® (all-suites)
and Wellesley Inns & Suites® (limited-service). Also within Prime's portfolio are owned and/or managed
hotels operated under franchise agreements with national hotels chains including Hilton, Radisson, Sheraton, Crowne
Plaza, Holiday Inn and Ramada. Prime can be accessed via the Internet at http://www.primehospitality.com.
SOURCE: Prime Hospitality Corp.