MILWAUKEE, WIS. � (January 10, 2003) Baymont Inns & Suites is anticipating another year of success in its role as one of the leaders in the U.S. lodging industry.

The keys to the brand�s success in 2003 include: committing to uncompromised quality and excellence in service; maximizing distribution channels that bring guests to the doors of the chain�s 182 properties; and seeing to it that those guests recognize the value received during a stay at a Baymont Inn. 

Jim Abrahamson, president and chief operating officer of Baymont Inns, said as the lodging industry in particular and travel and tourism in general enters a period of recovery, Baymont is poised to parlay its past success into future victory. He said brand strength and recognition are important factors in Baymont's anticipated accomplishments in 2003.

"We understand that consumers are looking for more value in their lodging experience, and that value is inherent in what we have at Baymont Inns & Suites," Abrahamson said. "As strong competitors in the industry's middle market, we have achieved that distinction by giving our guests an excellent stay at a great price.

"Our commitment to quality and service is uncompromised because we know that keeping the customers we have as well as attracting new customers is what strengthens our bottom line and the bottom lines of our franchisees,� he said.

Strong CRS Performance

The performance of Baymont's central-reservation system in 2002 is indicative of what can be expected in 2003�more improvement, Abrahamson said.

The number of room nights generated by the system in 2002 increased 23.6 percent over the performance in 2001. Revenue generated by the reservation system increased 17.1 percent over 2001.

�We have the added advantage this year of rolling out our two-way reservation system,� Abrahamson said. �Clearly, Baymont�s properties benefit greatly from a strong reservation system, and those benefits increase each year.�

Best-In-Class Brand

One of Baymont�s goals in 2003 is to be recognized by the traveling public as a best-in-class brand, Abrahamson said.

�We focus on exceeding guest expectations with superior quality and service,� he said.

�Understanding that consumers use a variety of channels to find Baymont Inns is only a small portion of achieving success,� Abrahamson said.  �The most important part is managing those channels so that, in the future, customers will make reservations directly with Baymont Inns.

�We recognize the shift in how people search for and make travel purchases,� he added. �This is a computer literate society that knows what it desires in travel choices and is looking for exceptional deals.�

Abrahamson said strong management of its participation in those reservation channels will ensure that Baymont achieves its fair share of business. That is followed by unsurpassed services that will make the customer think of Baymont first when again making travel arrangements.

"We understand the value that there is in learning as much as possible about first-time customers and their preferences," Abrahamson said. "We use that information to our advantage by helping them realize that it is Baymont that can best meet their lodging needs.�

Focusing on Growth

Dan Daniele, president of Baymont Franchises International, said Baymont will again be focused on growth in 2003.

"We will add properties. Our franchising team is committed to finding the very best franchisees in strong locations," Daniele said, noting that the lodging franchisee community recognizes the strength in owning a Baymont franchise.

He said Baymont has a strong reservation system, strong and skilled marketing, and a franchisee community that is dedicated to its success and the success of the entire organization.

"We will add properties and our franchisees understand that they have the support of an outstanding team of lodging professionals in the field and at Baymont headquarters,� Daniele said. "Every organization needs to grow, and we are ready for more smart growth.�

Key lodging-industry indicators show that occupancy and revenue per available room are rising faster at Baymont Inns & Suites than our competitive set. 

�This brand is rapidly becoming an industry leader in the middle market,� Daniele said.

About Baymont Inns & Suites
Baymont Inns & Suites continues to be a leading brand in the mid-market segment. The Brand offers a 110-percent Satisfaction Guarantee, and has made a huge investment in its frequent-stay program � Guest Ovations��  with more than 193,000 members and growing. Under the guarantee, a dissatisfied guest receives his or her night's stay free, plus a coupon for a 10-percent discount on the next Baymont stay. In addition, Baymont�s Ovations Rooms offer upscale amenities not found in competitive mid-market hotels, such as plush pillow-top mattresses, Down Lite� pillows, fluffy towels, branded bath products, and free in-room bottled water. The rooms also feature an enhanced workstation with an executive-sized desk, comfortable ergonomic chair and task lamp with a data port. The bottom line: Baymont is a strong brand with a strong commitment to the success of its franchisees, offering rewarding, comfortable and pleasant stays for guests.

Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., Baymont Inns & Suites, a mid-priced lodging chain that operates or franchises 182 locations in 31 states nationwide, is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS). For more information on The Marcus Corporation, go to www.marcuscorp.com. For more information, visit www.baymontfranchises.com.