La Quinta(R) Inns, Inc. announced today that A. John Novak has been appointed senior vice president of information systems.

Mr. Novak replaces B.G. Moore, who is leaving the organization to pursue other professional opportunities. In his new position, Mr. Novak will work with other executive team members to implement La Quinta's reservations, telecommunications, network, e-business and office automation systems.

"We are completely dedicated to our mission of increased RevPAR and 100 percent guest satisfaction. Cutting-edge information systems will help us meet these goals," said Butch Cash, president and CEO for La Quinta Inns, Inc. "With Mr. Novak's expertise and valuable contributions, the new systems will benefit all of our stakeholders: guests, hotel managers, franchisees, shareholders, and corporate staff."

Mr. Novak brings more than 20 years of information technology experience to La Quinta. His most recent position was senior vice president and chief information officer for Resort Condominiums International (RCI), a division of Cendant Corporation, where he oversaw 250 I.T. professionals and the management of Resort Computer Corporation, an RCI subsidiary that provides resort automation to the timeshare industry.

Immediately prior to that position, he acted as vice president of lodging property systems for Marriott International, where he designed NGS (Next Generation System) for Marriott's largest hotels, allowing integration of the mission critical systems.

Mr. Novak also was vice president of resorts and sales systems for Walt Disney World Company, and managed the development and support of systems for sales and guest-related operational areas for Disney resorts, hotels and the Walt Disney Travel Company.

About La Quinta Inns, Inc.

Dallas-based La Quinta Inns, Inc. owns and operates 230 La Quinta(R) Inns and 70 Inn & Suites in 28 states. La Quinta(R) is the lodging division of The Meditrust Companies MT, a real estate investment trust. For more information about La Quinta, please visit its website at . Other news about The Meditrust Companies is available at www.reit.com.