Press Release: U.S. Franchise Systems
September 19, 2000
ATLANTA, GA -- Bay Winds Lodging, LLC and Atlanta-based U.S. Franchise Systems (Nasdaq: USFS), parent company of
the franchisors of the Hawthorn hotel brand, have opened Florida's 6th Hawthorn property at 3557 Pine Ridge Rd.
in Naples. The all-suites hotel is within five miles of local beaches and golf courses, Philharmonic Arts Center,
Caribbean Gardens Zoo and Waterside shops.
Commented Steve Hymans, vice president of brand marketing for Hawthorn, ``We are proud to continue Hawthorn's expansion
throughout Florida. With spacious accommodations and an array of all-inclusive services and amenities at excellent
value, we expect Hawthorn to be both the business and leisure traveler's alternative to higher-priced, full-service
properties.'' There is currently a Hawthorn property in Fort Myers and four Orlando Hawthorns at Universal Studios,
the Airport, Sea World and Lake Buena Vista.
The Naples Hawthorn Suites includes 82 spacious studio, one- and two- bedroom suites, all with fully-equipped kitchens,
CNN, ESPN, HBO and VCR. In addition to daily complimentary hot breakfast buffet and social hour, the property offers
an outdoor pool, spa, fitness center and putting green. All- inclusive amenities and business services include
complimentary USA Today newspaper, guest laundry, on-site convenience store and meeting facilities. Hawthorn will
also soon bring computers and high-speed wireless Internet access to all its guestrooms in North America.
``We're looking forward to providing the Naples market with a quality extended-stay product,'' said Tom White,
general manager of the new property. ``The hotel is less than one mile from I-75 on Pine Ridge Road, and ideally
located for Collier & Lee County visitors.'' The property also offers unique views of the adjacent five-acre
wetland preserve.
As of June 30, 2000, there were 158 Hawthorns open or under construction worldwide. For reservations, contact 1-800-527-1133
toll-free, or visit Hawthorn at www.hawthorn.com to access information and
make reservations instantly.
SOURCE: U.S. Franchise Systems