ATLANTA – U.S. Franchise Systems, Inc. USFS, franchisor of Microtel Inn & Suites, Hawthorn Suites and Best Inns & Suites, has taken a major step to embrace the Internet as a marketing tool with the redesign of its World Wide Web sites at www.microtelinn.com, www.hawthorn.com, and www.bestinn.com. Each site has been rebuilt to be more user-friendly, quick and easy to navigate, and with enhanced reservations capabilities.

Mike Leven, president and CEO of USFS, commented, "Our expanded Internet presence will be a strong resource in helping to bolster our rapid growth and substantially enhance marketing capabilities for all three of our chains. We want to be the hotel brands of choice for web surfers."

To market each of its brands, Microtel, Hawthorn and Best sites provide an enhanced direct hotel facility for booking reservations on-line. Leven added, "The flexibility the web provides will help us address the needs of the nation's travelers with ease of reservations booking. Guest comment cards are already showing a marked increase in reservations activity via the Internet. "

In addition, there are virtual tours of typical properties, a 'Steals & Deals' section with descriptions of special national and regional offers, a "Hotels of the Week" showcase area, and built-in mapping technology to allow users to map out door-to-door driving directions to each hotel. A press room contains recent and archived press releases, and users can register to receive a complimentary quarterly electronic newsletter directly from the home page.

"A real standout of each site are the virtual tours," said Allison Solomon, USFS' director of electronic marketing. "They provide 360-degree views of prototypical hotel rooms, along with such hotel amenities as exercise facilities, pool and public areas." Solomon also pointed to information on group and motor coach, business, government and military travel, franchise information and career opportunities with job listings as well.

Microtel Site Features Section for Travelers with Disabilities

Microtel's newly-designed site at www.microtelinn.com features a special section dedicated to travelers with disabilities. Along with information on the brand's new Opening Doors(R) program which addresses attitude accessibility, there is a virtual tour of an ADA-guest room, frequently asked questions and travel tips for travelers with disabilities.

Included is an updated version of Microtel's Survey for Travelers with Disabilities, a hospitality industry-first. Future plans for the site include an on-line directory with special icons for travelers with disabilities.

www.usfsi.com
In addition, USFS has introduced a corporate Web site at www.usfsi.com. Of special interest to the financial community is an 'Investor Relations' section with corporate information about USFS, pop-up stock quotes, real-time stock graphing, information on SEC filings and financial reports, press releases and interactive e-mail alerts. The Internet version of USFS' 1998 Annual Report is also available.

U.S. Franchise Systems

Atlanta-based U.S. Franchise Systems was formed in 1995 by Mike Leven, a 38-year veteran of the lodging industry, and Neal Aronson, former principal of a leading New York investment firm. The company was formed with a customer- oriented, quick-response corporate culture that has enabled it to grow faster than any other new franchise company in the industry. USFS also offers hotel management services to its franchisees.

Certain of the above statements are forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially as a result of a variety of factors, including competitive developments, and risk factors listed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports.

Barbara Wiener
Vice President, Corporate Communications Of U.S. Franchise Systems
+1 404 235-7400
U.S. Franchise Systems