DALLAS -- Following its acquisition by affiliates of The Blackstone Group in January and the implementation of its new management structure, La Quinta hotels are experiencing strong financial performance and growth. The Company saw double-digit growth in RevPAR and EBITDA during the first quarter along with a strong increase in both ADR and occupancy.

La Quinta recently sold its Baymont Inn & Suites brand and converted 65 of its corporate-owned Baymonts to La Quinta Inns, which increased La Quinta's reach in the Midwest and Northeast by adding approximately 6,800 more rooms to the system. In addition, the Company acquired a 261-room La Quinta Inn & Suites in Little Rock, Arkansas and two hotels in California, a 183-room La Quinta Inn & Suites in Santa Ana and a 278-room La Quinta Inn & Suites at the LAX Airport. Eight former Wellesley Inns were also converted to La Quinta with seven more in the process bringing the brand's total to more than 500 locations.

"These high-quality hotels compliment our current portfolio and underscore La Quinta's commitment to increasing market share and brand presence in key strategic markets," said Wayne Goldberg, President and CEO for La Quinta.

La Quinta continues its aggressive growth of the brand with future acquisitions in cities such as Bloomington, MN, Long Island, NY and Myrtle Beach, SC. The Company also plans to spend more than 275 million dollars over the next several years, repositioning the La Quinta product. This will include work in the guestroom, public areas and exteriors.

As an integral part of La Quinta's growth strategy, franchising is also significantly expanding with 17 hotel openings and 13 executed contracts or new franchise agreements. There are also 141 franchise properties under development or in the pipeline, 62 are already under construction, 40 of which are projected to open this year.

"Franchising is an integral part of our growth strategy. Our franchise pipeline is strong and we will continue to work with members of the franchise community who are interested in being part of the La Quinta family. I am committed to growing our program and providing quality service to each of our franchisees," said Rajiv Trivedi, Executive Vice President Franchising for La Quinta.

About La Quinta

LQ Management L.L.C. is one of the largest operators of limited-service hotels in the United States. Based in Dallas, Texas, the Company operates and provides franchise services to more than 500 hotels in 40 states and Canada under the La Quinta Inns® and La Quinta Inn & Suites® brands. For reservations or more information about La Quinta, please visit .

Teresa Ferguson
Manager Public Relations
214-492-6937
La Quinta