The ribbon will be cut by Mike Leven, chairman and CEO, USFS; Steve Romaniello, president and COO, USFS; Walter Myers, president, K Partners; Tim Sanford, vice president, K Partners; Traci Burton, general manager of the hotel; Mayor Karen Gayle of Aransas Pass, and John Krogness of the Aransas Pass Chamber of Commerce.   According to Mayor Gayle, Myers will be presented with a symbolic key to the City of Aransas Pass to thank him

Pictured (left to right) are: Steve Romaniello, president and COO, USFS; Tim Sanford, vice president, K Partners, owners of the property; Walter Myers, president, K Partners; Mike Leven, chairman and CEO, USFS; Rick Ewaniszyk, Aransas Pass City Manager; Councilmember Renee Shaw; Jimmy Peer, chairman, Chamber of Commerce, and Traci Burton, general manager of the property.

Commented Leven, �We�re proud to partner with Walter Myers and his team.  He is a well-respected developer who builds quality properties.�  K Partners owns and manages five more hotels, including Hawthorn hotels in Lubbock, Texas and Denver, Co.   

Added Leven, �USFS reached its 500th open property in little more than five years to represent one of the fastest growing chains in lodging history.�  According to Business Travel News, USFS is the nation�s 10th largest hotel company in terms of open hotels.  When USFS began operation in October 1995, there were 27 hotels open and under construction.  Today, there are 596 hotels open or under construction, and Hawthorn hotels comprise 164 of those properties. 

Leven added that it was particularly appropriate that USFS� 500th hotel be a Hawthorn hotel, as the brand has grown far beyond expectations, appealing to guests on both business and leisure.  Hawthorn was cited several times during 2000 for its record growth, and named an �Extended-Stay Champion� based on the number of openings.  It continues to boast robust operating statistics that steadily improve 
as new hotels ramp up.  While the Hawthorn hotel in Aransas Pass is the 500th USFS hotel to open, it is the 24th Hawthorn hotel in the State of Texas, which has some of the largest concentration of Hawthorn properties in the nation. 

In addition, with USFS� acquisition by the Pritzker family interests of Chicago last November, it is interesting to note that USFS acquired the Hawthorn brand from the Pritzkers in 1996.  At that time, there were 17 open properties. 

The Hawthorn hotel in Aransas Pass is an 86-suite property on three floors.  Rates range from $89 for a studio suite to $119 for a one-bedroom suite with full kitchen and balcony, and the property is an excellent value for family and business travelers alike.  Amenities include Hawthorn�s signature daily hot buffet breakfast and social hour Monday through Thursday, outdoor pool, hot tub and fitness center, and meeting room.  The Hawthorn hotel is close by to several business centers including Ingelside Naval Base, Aker Gulf Marine, Reynolds Metals and Dupont, and within minutes of such sports activities and entertainment as deep-sea fishing, bird watching and gambling.

Senior management includes Traci Burton, general manager, and Linda Feges, assistant general manager.