December 12, 2006

Hotel & Motel Management Week In Review

BRIDGEPORT, WV - The new 86-room Microtel Inn & Suites hotel at 300 Conference Center Way, adjacent to the I-79 Technology Corridor and north of Bridgeport, WV held its official opening celebration and was welcomed as the newest addition to the $1.2 billion-plus master-planned community of Charles Pointe.
The hotel, located adjacent to the Bridgeport Conference Center, will be important in serving the Center's clientele, as well as visitors lured to north central West Virginia by the Greater Bridgeport Visitor and Convention Center, according to Mike Hager, director of resort and leisure services for Genesis Partners, developers of Charles Pointe. "Microtel's presence complements other progress that our master-planned community is experiencing. Its inclusion reminds both residents and visitors that Charles Pointe is a place to live, work and play," Hager said at the opening celebration.

He added that because Microtel Inn & Suites is synonymous with quality and value, the hotel is a complimentary addition to Charles Pointe, a community built on concepts that center around quality of life and progressive options. "We accommodate business and leisure travelers alike; both appreciate the affordable amenities that Microtel offers."

Mike Muir, senior vice president of franchise development for US Franchise Systems, Inc., parent company of the franchisor of the Microtel brand, attended the opening celebration and told the crowd, "During our discussions with Genesis Partners, a strong commitment to quality and excellence at Charles Pointe was conveyed. We are proud to be part of a vibrant master-planned community that shares our goals and values."

For the fifth consecutive year, the Microtel chain has been ranked highest in guest satisfaction among economy hotel chains by J.D. Power and Associates. Twice, it has received honors in Entrepreneur's Annual Business Travel Awards.

Microtel hotels feature single, double and suite accommodations, with free local and long distance phone calls within the continental U.S., and free wireless high speed Internet access, as well as complimentary daily continental breakfast for all guests.

Muir said that he is proud to participate in the celebration of this particular Microtel and its inclusion in Charles Pointe, which represents quality and progress. "I've watched Charles Pointe grow and take shape. I'm impressed with the speed and direction, as well as the strong vision and impeccable attention to detail that is intrinsic to this master-planned community."

Hager said that the partnership will excel: "We look forward to continuing our successful partnership between the Bridgeport Conference Center and the Microtel Inn & Suites at Charles Pointe. It's a win-win-win partnership - for our residents, visitors and north central West Virginians, for Genesis Partners, and for US Franchise Systems, Inc."

There are currently 295 Microtels open or under construction. For reservations, contact 1-800-771-7171 toll-free, or visit Microtel online at http://www.microtelinn.com . All Microtel Inns & Suites are independently owned and operated.