Press Release
July 12, 2001
VANCOUVER, WA -- Red Lion Hotels & Inns® announced the simultaneous opening of two properties in Missouri,
the Red Lion® Inn Springfield North and the Red Lion Inn® Springfield South, in its accelerating expansion
from the Pacific Northwest across the country.
Formerly the Guest House Inns North and South, the newest properties are managed by Dean Lessley and operated under
license agreements with Red Lion Hotels Inc., a franchise subsidiary of Beverly Hills-based Hilton Hotels Corporation.
``The Red Lion long-term business strategy has always been to build a successful nationwide portfolio of fine hotels.
This is evident with our eastward progression into the state of Missouri,'' said Tom Murray, chief operating officer
of Red Lion Hotels & Inns and senior vice president -- hotel division for Hilton Hotels Corporation. ``These
two properties in the north and south sides of Springfield provide an immediate strong presence in a diverse city
that is both a value-oriented convention business and leisure destination.''
One of the country's most scenic regions, Springfield is the gateway to the Ozarks that offers fabulous entertainment,
great attractions, and wonderful shopping. Visitors will find excellent hunting, camping and fishing throughout
the area among beautiful rolling hills and clear spring-fed streams. Bass Pro Shops® Outdoor World, Dickerson
Park Zoo, Wonders of Wildlife Museum and the Exotic Animal Paradise are all within close proximity to the inns.
The nearby town of Branson is home to numerous entertainment venues hosting a variety of shows and performers from
yesterday and today.
All guestrooms at both Red Lion properties include a comfortable sitting area, iron and ironing board, coffee maker
and hair dryer. Guests will enjoy a complimentary USA Today®, hot complimentary breakfast, pool and spa, and
complimentary business center with Internet access. All rooms have two phones, one with a data port.
``We chose the Red Lion family because we have been impressed with their ability to grow aggressively while maintaining
their caring service and comfortable accommodations at a very reasonable price,'' said Dean Lessley, managing partner
of the Springfield Red Lion properties. ``This growth, coupled with access to a worldwide reservations system,
frequent guest program benefits and quality assurance programs supported by Hilton Hotels Corporation, means we
can better serve our customers and the community with a trusted name in the hotel industry.''
As part of the Red Lion Hotels & Inns family, both Red Lion properties offer guests exciting travel rewards
through the Red Lion Club(TM) program, including complimentary stays, Hilton HHonors® bonus points, and U.S.
Savings Bonds. Those who pay qualified rates can also earn Alaska Mileage Plan®, American AAdvantage® or
Northwest WorldPerks® frequent flyer miles for each stay.
The Red Lion Inn Springfield North is located at 1610 East Evergreen, Springfield, Missouri 65803; telephone 417/520-8800;
fax 417/520-8200. The Red Lion Springfield South is located at 3370 East Battlefield, Springfield, Missouri 65804;
telephone 417/520-6200; fax 417/520-6600.
Red Lion Hotels & Inns is owned by Hilton Hotels Corporation, recognized internationally as a preeminent hospitality
company. The company develops, owns, manages or franchises approximately 1,900 hotels, resorts and vacation ownership
properties. Its portfolio includes many of the world's best known and most highly regarded hotel brands, including
Hilton®, Conrad(TM), Doubletree®, Embassy Suites Hotels®, Hampton Inn®, Hampton Inn & Suites®,
Harrison Conference Centers®, Hilton Garden Inn®, Hilton Grand Vacations Company®, Homewood Suites®
by Hilton and Red Lion Hotels & Inns®.
For more information on Red Lion Hotels & Inns, visit our brand website at www.redlion.com,
contact your professional travel agent or call 1-800-RED-LION(TM) in the U.S. and Canada.
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Contact:
Red Lion Hotels & Inns Media Relations
Thomas Wingham/Brian Kuchar, 310/205-4545
thomas_wingham@hilton.com/brian_kuchar@hilton.com
or
R/H/A/S
Constance Southwick, 503/227-5547
csouthwick@rhas.com