Press Release: Candlewood Hotel Co.
August 10, 2001
WICHITA, KS -- A former Mainstay Suites hotel here -- open less than two years -- is now a new Cambridge Suites,
Candlewood Hotel Co.'s new upscale brand.
The hotel has been officially ``re-flagged'' after undergoing a number of renovations to meet Cambridge Suites
standards. Meanwhile, redesign of the hotel's lobby and breakfast areas is under way, and construction of a swimming
pool and is set to begin this fall.
A new cook-to-order breakfast service has also been introduced at the hotel, a first for Cambridge Suites. ``Guests
can choose from omelets to pancakes, all fresh and prepared especially for them,'' says Candlewood President and
COO Jim Roos. ``We decided to offer this new service to attract upscale business and leisure travelers,'' Roos
added.
Cambridge Suites is Candlewood's new upscale hotel concept for business and leisure travelers, founded on the value-oriented
philosophy of the company's established Candlewood Suites brand. Cambridge Suites offers daily housekeeping service
for short-term stays, a wider variety of room suite choices, a hospitality area and at least two recreational features.
The newest hotel features 82 suites: 47 studios, 13 one-bedrooms, 17 studio doubles, and five two-bedroom king-queen
suites. All suites are roomy, with a complete kitchen, large work area with two phone lines, adjustable executive
chair, and more.
The unique Candlewood Cupboard will provide 24-hour access to food and sundries, and each suite will have CD and
video players. To ensure exceptional guest stays, hotel operations will closely follow the company's ``Best Methods''
quality assurance processes.
Located at 9444 E. 29th St. North in Wichita, the hotel is less than one mile from its sister property, the Wichita-Northeast
Candlewood Suites at 3141 N. Webb Road. Travelers can reach either hotel from the Webb Road exit at the K-96 Expressway.
Locally, the Cambridge Suites will compete directly with Courtyard by Marriott, Residence Inn and the Hilton Garden
Inn, according to general manager Jaysen Prophet.
``We are able to provide a top-notch experience and more services -- at prices that are easier on travelers' wallets
-- than what our competitors offer,'' Prophet says.
Prophet also manages the Wichita-Northeast Candlewood Suites. Other local Candlewood hotels include: the Wichita-Airport
Candlewood Suites at 570 S. Julia St.; Cambridge Suites at 120 W. Orme St.; and Hotel at Old Town at 830 E. First
St., which is operated by Candlewood.
Candlewood's Jim Roos says Cambridge Suites evolved, in part, from a persistent stream of inquiries from parties
interested in converting an existing property into a Candlewood Suites. ``While the options presented were not
viable plans for Candlewood Suites -- all of which have been new construction -- some candidates fit the new concept
perfectly,'' says Roos.
MSS of Wichita LLC owns the hotel under a license agreement with Candlewood Hotel Co., headquartered in Wichita.
Wichita's A.G. Hospitality Services will operate the hotel. Carrico Construction, also of Wichita, is renovating
the building.
Candlewood Hotel Co. (Nasdaq: CNDL) owns, operates and licenses Candlewood Suites; and licenses and operates Cambridge
Suites. Both concepts serve travelers on short- or long-term stays. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jack DeBoer
founded Candlewood Suites in 1995 and Cambridge Suites in 1998. DeBoer previously founded Residence Inn and co-founded
Summerfield Suites. He is recognized in the hotel industry as the creator of the extended stay concept.
SOURCE: Candlewood Hotel Co.