Wyndham Expands Distribution in New Markets With the Conversion of Four Properties to Its Proprietary Wyndham Brand

DALLAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sept. 5, 2002–

Wyndham Progresses with Strategic Business Plan

Expanding its distribution in three new markets and enhancing its presence in Dallas, Wyndham International, Inc. (NYSE:WYN) has signed two franchise agreements and is converting two additional company-owned and -managed, non-proprietary assets to its upscale Wyndham Hotels & Resorts portfolio.
Properties in Dallas, Burlington, Vt., Columbus, Ga. and Little Rock, Ark. will be rebranded in the next 90 days upon the completion of a renovation program.
According to Fred J. Kleisner, Wyndham's chairman and chief executive officer, the four hotel conversions continue Wyndham's strategic business plan of growing the company's proprietary Wyndham brand through new hotel agreements and the conversion of select non-proprietary assets.

Wyndham Dallas North by the Galleria

Wyndham has entered into a 15-year franchise agreement with Fairmont Investments, Inc. to rebrand the Hilton Dallas Parkway to the Wyndham Dallas North by the Galleria. The hotel, which converts on Oct. 1, 2002, features 310 guest rooms and is conveniently located by the Dallas Galleria. The property just completed a $6.5 million renovation that refurbished most of the property's public space, including all guest rooms, restaurant, lounge, lobby, meeting space, and fitness center. The Wyndham Dallas North becomes the brand's eighth property in the Dallas area.

Wyndham Columbus

The Wyndham International-owned and -managed Hilton Columbus will be rebranded the Wyndham Columbus on Sept. 16, 2002. The 177-room property, located in Columbus' downtown historic district near the Chattahoochee River and Riverwalk, is currently undergoing a $4 million renovation to bring it up to Wyndham brand standards. The Wyndham Columbus was built around the original Empire Mills Grist Mill and is just minutes from the Columbus Convention & Trade Center.

Wyndham Burlington

Wyndham will rebrand the only full-service hotel overlooking beautiful Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains on Dec. 1, 2002. The Wyndham-owned and -managed Radisson Burlington will be renamed the Wyndham Burlington and will be the first Wyndham-branded property in the state of Vermont. The property, Burlington's only waterfront hotel, offers 256 guestrooms and 16,500 sq. ft. of meeting space. The Burlington area offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities, world-class views, superior dining option and shopping.
The addition of the Wyndham Columbus and Wyndham Burlington to our portfolio not only fits our strategy to grow our distribution in new markets currently not familiar with the Wyndham brand, but it also meets a core business goal to raise internal earnings by reducing franchise fees paid to competitors, noted Kleisner.

Wyndham Riverfront – Little Rock

Located on the North bank of the Arkansas River, the Hilton Inn North Little Rock Riverfront will convert to the Wyndham brand Dec. 1, 2002, under a new 10-year franchise agreement with F.F. Hotels, Inc.
The Wyndham Riverfront-Little Rock, the brand's first hotel in Arkansas, was renovated in 2001 and is located within walking distance from the River Market Entertainment District, which offers restaurants, museums, a farmer's market and shopping. The property features 220 guest rooms; fitness center, business center; outdoor pool; 13,300 sq. ft. of meeting space; and two restaurants, the world-renowned Benihana's Japanese Restaurant and the Riverfront Restaurant & Steakhouse.
As we expand our brand presence through strategic franchise and management agreements, finding the right partners who will embrace our philosophy and brand programs is integral to maintaining brand consistency, said Kleisner. Working with our two new franchisees has truly been a pleasure for us. We look forward to our new long-term partnerships and more business opportunities in the future.
Prior to conversion, the four properties will undergo a renovation program that will include the addition of brand-defining programs including Wyndham ByRequest(SM), Wyndham's award-winning guest recognition program that invites guests to ask how they would like their hotel experience personalized.
To create an environment that helps work more efficiently and comfortably, each guest room will be equipped with Wyndham's Room That Performs amenities, which include high-end mattresses dressed in luxurious duvets/coverlets, decorative pillow shams and bed skirts, Herman Miller(R) ergonomic desk chairs and an oversized work desk, two-line cordless telephones and high-speed Internet access.