FORTUNE MAGAZINE NAMES EXTENDED STAY AMERICA, INC. ONE OF THE FASTEST-GROWING COMPANIES IN THE U.S.

Press Release: Extended Stay America, Inc.

August 18, 1999
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL -- Extended Stay America, Inc. (NYSE:ESA) has been named as one of America's 100 Fastest-Growing Companies by Fortune magazine. The Company, which Fortune ranked 23rd over all and third in revenue growth, was the only lodging company named to the top 100 list in the Sept. 6th issue.

"We have known for some time that we are the fastest-growing owned and operated hotel chain in U.S. history. To be chosen by Fortune as one of the fastest-growing companies among all industries is an incredible accomplishment. Our hotels have been well-received by the traveling public and we look forward to continued success as we expand our extended-stay lodging chain,'' said George D. Johnson, Jr., CEO, Extended Stay America, Inc.

Extended Stay America, Inc. was founded in January, 1995 by Mr. Johnson and H. Wayne Huizenga. Mr. Johnson was formerly President of the Consumer Products Division of Blockbuster Entertainment Corp., a division of Viacom, Inc. Mr. Huizenga, who is Chairman of the Board, also is Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer of AutoNation, Inc. and formerly was Vice Chairman of Viacom, Inc., and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Blockbuster Entertainment Corp.

Recently selected as a Best Practices Champion by Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration, Extended Stay America, Inc. currently owns and operates 350 extended-stay lodging hotels in 38 states, which includes 88 StudioPLUS Deluxe Studios, 223 Extended StayAmerica Efficiency Studios and 39 Crossland Economy Studios hotels. The Company will continue expanding its hotel chain with the addition of 57 new properties this year.

For reservations, locations or additional information on Extended Stay America, Inc., please call 1-800-EXT-STAY or visit the Company's Web site at www.extstay.com.


Contact:

Extended Stay America Inc., Fort Lauderdale
Monique Damiano, 954/713-1624
mdamiano@extstay.com
News-On-Demand: 888/395-STAY (7829)