Overlooking the 27-hole Midlane Golf Resort, the property  marks the debut of a new extended-stay upper-end all suites lodging concept, especially targeted to business travelers from out-of-town attending meetings and conferences, and who are looking to combine a golf and meeting retreat experience.  Midlane Partners L.P. owns the new golf resort and general partners include Cary Glenner, Tom Rosenquist and Lenny Khayat.  The Hawthorn brand is franchised by Atlanta-based U.S. Franchise Systems (Nasdaq: USFS).

"Hawthorn Suites Golf Resorts is the first chain-affiliate of its kind in the hospitality industry," said Mike Leven, president and chief executive officer of USFS.  "Combining one of the most popular sports in this country with locations that fit the profile of the extended-stay business and weekend leisure guest, is a natural as we continue Hawthorn's aggressive expansion."

Hawthorn Suites at Midlane Golf Resort is beautifully landscaped and features three floors with 81 studio, one- and two-bedroom suites. Two-bedroom suites are equipped with full kitchens, and studio and one-bedroom suites offer butler kitchens, coffee-maker, two-line telephone with modem port, a working desk, voice mail, daily complimentary newspaper and extended cable television with movie channel and VCP.  In addition to complimentary daily breakfast and social hour, the resort offers tennis courts and a driving range, indoor/outdoor pool, exercise room, hot tub, barbecue area and meeting facilities for up to 550.  There is also an on-site convenience store, guest laundry services, business services and complimentary airport shuttle. 

The resort is located close-by to Six Flags Great America, Forest Preserve, Gurnee Mills shopping, Lake Michigan, and numerous bike and horse trails.  Shuttle service is available.

"We're excited about the first golf resort targeted to the extended stay corporate and leisure market, and look forward to providing the Chicago area with a quality product," said Lenny Khayat, general manager of the new property.  Other senior staff include Tom Moderow, hotel manager; Bill Eldridge, PGA golf pro; and Toni Heiring, director of sales.

As of November 24, there were 223 Hawthorn properties open or under development.  An additional Hawthorn Suites Golf Resorts is currently under construction in Conyers, Ga., outside of Atlanta.  For reservations, contact 1-800-527-1133 toll-free, or visit Hawthorn at www.hawthorn.com to access information and make reservations instantly.

U.S. Franchise Systems, Inc. was formed in August 1995 by Mike Leven, a 38-year veteran of the lodging industry, and Neal Aronson, former principal of a leading New York investment firm, when the company purchased the franchise system rights to Microtel Inn & Suites.  USFS acquired the franchise rights to Hawthorn Suites in 1996, and full ownership in March 1998.  The company also recently acquired the franchise rights to Best Inns & Suites.