John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc. to Rebrand Property under Marriott Flag; The Collins Plaza Hotel in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Undergoes Renovation as Part of Conversion

Business Wire, May 14, 2004

Business Editors/Travel Writers

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. & CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 14, 2004

Springfield, Mo.-based John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc. (AMEX:JQH) today announced the Collins Plaza Hotel in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, will be rebranded as the Cedar Rapids Marriott in Q3 2004. The conversion, coupled with the property's multi-million-dollar renovation, is part of John Q. Hammons Hotels' long-term strategy for continued growth in the Cedar Rapids market. The property is owned and managed by John Q. Hammons Hotels, the nation's leading independent builder, developer, owner and manager of upscale full-service hotels, resorts and suites.

"The renovation and conversion to a Marriott will only strengthen the status of the hotel in the Cedar Rapids community and among travelers," said Mr. John Q. Hammons, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc. "I am confident that combining the Marriott brand with our top-notch staff and superior accommodations will continue to uphold the property's reputation as the premier hotel in the area."

The hotel's renovation has focused on updating the 221 guestrooms and suites, redesigning the grand ballroom and meeting space, as well as adding a concierge level, a business center and an At Your Service center. Once the conversion is complete, additional renovations in 2005 will include upgrades to the pool area, fitness center, atrium restaurant and lobby lounge, as well as the pre-convention area.

The new interiors of the hotel have a contemporary flair and are richly decorated with new artwork, wall coverings, lighting fixtures, doors, hardware, airwalls and carpet, providing one of Cedar Rapids' most elegant locations for a variety of events. A cascading four-story waterfall is the centerpiece of the tree-filled, seven-story atrium, which opens to all the guestrooms and suites.

"As a John Q. Hammons Hotels property, we have always upheld the highest standards, examining every detail of our environment and operations to please each of our guests. With an outstanding reputation as the market leader, it is strategic to be aligned with a name that is top-of-mind with consumers and is synonymous with first-class service and standards," said Fred Jones, general manager of the Collins Plaza Hotel. "Converting our hotel to a Marriott continues our tradition of providing guests with unrivaled service and accommodations. It's with great pride that we are soon to be part of the Marriott family."

Property Information

The Collins Plaza Hotel, located off of I-380 at 1200 Collins Road, is just minutes from downtown and the Municipal Airport. The property offers a variety of amenities in each of its guestrooms and suites, including in-room coffee service, hair dryer, iron and board, in-room movies, alarm clock radio, high-speed Internet access, cable television, and a free newspaper. The hotel's well-appointed, two-room presidential, king leisure and executive suites feature additional amenities, including a wet bar and refrigerator. The hotel also offers complimentary parking and shuttle service, laundry/valet services, a gift shop, as well as an exercise room, spa, dry sauna and an indoor heated pool. Additionally, guests can enjoy the casual open-air ambiance at the hotel's Park Place Restaurant, which features a Sunday champagne brunch, or cocktails at Beethoven's Lounge.

With 17,775 square feet of flexible meeting space and a professional staff available for all convention and meeting needs, the Collins Plaza Hotel is an ideal location for a variety of corporate meetings, banquets and events. The meeting space is equipped with flexible baffled walls for numerous room configurations, microphone jacks, hospitality suites, a public address system, as well as state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment. The hotel is conveniently located to major industries, local shopping and tourist areas such as The Amana Colonies -- Iowa's number one visitor attraction.

To make a hotel reservation or to book a group function, contact the hotel at 319-393-6600 or contact your travel agent. Travelers also can visit the hotel's Web site at www.collinsplazahotel.com.

Company Information

Marriott International, Inc.

Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) is a leading worldwide hospitality company with over 2,700 lodging properties in the United States and 67 other countries and territories. Marriott International operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites and Ramada International brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club International, Horizons, The Ritz-Carlton Club and Marriott Grand Residence Club brands; operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division; and operates conference centers. Marriott is also in the synthetic fuel business. The company is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has approximately 128,000 employees. In fiscal year 2003, Marriott International reported sales from continuing operations of $9 billion. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com.