"Having been predominately located in the Midwest and Southeast, we are thrilled to add over 550 new rooms in California to our portfolio, especially in this high tourist area. Rim is a reputable company and is one that shares our vision of providing quality accommodations. It has provided us the visibility on the West Coast we were seeking. We look forward to expanding further in this region," said Paul Kirwin, president, Country Inns and Suites By Carlson.

"We explored several franchise affiliations and felt Country Inns & Suites was the perfect marriage for our hotels. Both companies command high quality properties with high service standards. We are excited to work with this successful brand," said Mark Burden, chief executive officer, The Rim Corporation.

Country Inns & Suites locations feature traditional architecture and sophisticated residential interior design with hardwood flooring and hand-stenciled ceiling borders. Each hotel welcomes guests with traditional furnishings that blend rich woods and elegant floral-patterned fabrics.

The rooms offer many amenities often found at higher-priced hotels such as complimentary breakfast, in-room coffee maker, in-room iron and ironing board, and weekday morning newspaper. Country Inns & Suites is known for its consistently high quality accommodations and personal, warm hospitality.

For reservations and information, call "Countryline" reservations at 1-800-456-4000 or through the Internet at www.countryinns.com>. There are over 160 locations worldwide.

Country Inns & Suites By Carlson is part of Minneapolis, Minn.-based Carlson Hospitality Worldwide organization, whose operations also include Radisson Hotels Worldwide, Regent International Hotels, T.G.I. Friday's, Italianni's, Friday's Front Row Sports Grill, AquaKnox, Star Canyon, Timpano Italian Chophouse, Provisions and Radisson Seven Seas Cruises.

The Rim Corporation was founded in 1983 and has since evolved into a reputable company involved in both hospitality management and development. Maintaining high standards and a respectable track record, The Rim Corporation has a combined experience of over 110 years in hospitality, marketing, and management technology and consulting.

Carlson Hospitality Worldwide is one of the major operating groups of Carlson Companies, Inc., headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn. Other Carlson Companies groups include Carlson Marketing Group, a worldwide marketing services company operating in 17 countries; Carlson Leisure Group, responsible for leisure travel ventures around the globe; and Carlson Wagonlit Travel, a world leader in business travel management. Carlson's travel agency interests include 5,300 travel locations in more than 140 countries around the world. Systemwide revenues for Carlson Companies, Inc. reached $20 billion in 1997.