Historically, Saint Charles is known for being the organization point of the Lewis and Clark expedition in 1804.  To pay tribute to the city�s heritage, the groundbreaking ceremony will kick off with the firing of a cannon, followed by remarks from Mayor Patti M. York and Mr. Hammons, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc.  Also participating in the celebration will be 25 meeting planners, some of whom will use authentic quill pens to sign hotel and convention center meeting contracts.  Construction of the Embassy Suites Hotel � Saint Charles will begin immediately after the groundbreaking ceremony.  The official hotel grand opening is scheduled for January 2005. 

�Saint Charles serves as the pinnacle of Missouri�s fastest growing county, and I�m honored to be a part of the strong economic growth happening in such an exciting and historic city,� said Mr. Hammons.  �Opening in conjunction with the city�s 2004 Bicentennial celebration to commemorate American pioneers Lewis and Clark, the Embassy Suites Hotel � Saint Charles will continue the city�s tradition of exploration by allowing guests easy and convenient access to all local attractions, cultural and historical landmarks, the convention center and airport.�

The development of the Embassy Suites � Saint Charles and the Saint Charles Convention Center has received tremendous support from the local influencers.  The Embassy Suites � Saint Charles and the Saint Charles Convention Center will have a tremendous economic impact in the area, bringing more than 500 full-time jobs and nearly $1 million in annual tax revenue.  Key supporters of the development of the Embassy Suites Hotel � Saint Charles and the Saint Charles Convention Center include Mayor Patti York; Paul Mydler, representing the South Main Preservation Society; Jim O�Connor, city administrator; and Roger Pryor, chairman of The St. Charles County Convention and Sports Facility Authority.

Property Information

The strategic combination of the Embassy Suites Hotel � Saint Charles and the new Saint Charles Convention Center will add more than 144,000 square feet of meeting space to the area, with 5,200 square feet of flexible meeting space on-site at the hotel.  The short drive from Lambert-St. Louis International Airport and downtown St. Louis, the generous amount of new meeting space, and the hotel and convention center�s close proximity will contribute to creating an ideal setting for a variety of events, from lavish weddings and celebrations, to corporate meetings and conferences.

Located on I-70, less than two miles from the heart of historic Saint Charles, the Embassy Suites Hotel � Saint Charles will appeal to guests who want convenient access to the charming shops, restaurants and nature trails that make the 233-year-old city a popular tourist destination.  

The Embassy Suites Hotel � Saint Charles also will feature a variety of amenities for both business and leisure travelers.  The property will have a private bedroom in every suite, a living room with a sofa sleeper, wet bar, refrigerator, microwave and coffeemaker.  In addition, each of the hotel�s 265 suites will be equipped with two color televisions, high-speed Internet access, customizable voicemail, Nintendo 64 and WebTV.  Travelers also will be able to enjoy the sports bar restaurant and lounge, as well as full cooked-to-order breakfast during their stay.  Guests will be treated to a complimentary USA Today every weekday morning, laundry/valet service, sundeck, cardio fitness center, 24-hour gift shop, complimentary business center and an oversized indoor pool and whirlpool. 

Privately owned by Mr. John Q. Hammons, the Embassy Suites Hotel � Saint Charles will be managed under contract by John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc.  Publicly traded on the American Stock Exchange (AMEX: JQH), Springfield, Mo.-based John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc. is the nation�s leading independent builder, developer, owner and manager of upscale, full-service hotels, resorts and suites, including: Embassy Suites Hotel, Renaissance, Marriott, Radisson, Residence Inn, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Holiday Inn and Hampton Inn & Suites brands.  With 58 hotels strategically located near demand generators, such as state capitals, universities, airports, corporate headquarters or office parks in secondary and tertiary markets, John Q. Hammons Hotels� properties are dominant in their markets.  The company�s focus is capitalizing on positive operating fundamentals in the upscale, full-service sector, converting existing hotels to franchise brands and selling mature assets, while reinvesting the proceeds and reducing debt.  Over the course of his impressive career in the hotel business, Mr. Hammons has developed 148 hotels.