The hotel's first guest was Ofelia Vasquez-Philo, a recent recipient of the Spirit of San Marcos Award for being a trailblazer in civil rights, public service and Hispanic heritage and author of "Suenos Y Recuerdos" ("Dreams and Memories of the Past"). Hotel General Manager and 30-year hospitality veteran Tom Pugh shared feedback over the public's initial reaction to the luxury facilities, which include a full-service restaurant, lounge and Internet cafe. "There's been significant interest and support in the development from day one with optimism for what the hotel and conference center's impact means to the area. Now we're open for business and the public appears to be in absolute awe of the beauty of the interior structure and furnishings," Pugh said. "Additionally, our collaboration with worthwhile charities enables us to touch many lives and make a difference in the community."

Representing more than 80,000 gross square feet of flexible meeting space, the state-of-the-art facilities are in high demand as reflected by more than $3 million in pre-opening sales. Ruth Buck, hotel director of sales & marketing, shared the 28,800-square-foot Veramendi grand ballroom appears to be especially popular with meeting planners. A sampling of conferences that have booked through 2009 includes the H.O.G. Rally, Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union, South Texas Press Association, Texas Press Association, and Texas Farm Bureau. The conference center facilities are designed to accommodate a wide range of events, from auto and boat shows to high tech exhibitions, graduations, special events and business meetings.

Strategically located between the state capital Austin and historic San Antonio, the shopping at the Prime and Tanger Outlet Centers San Marcos is the third most popular tourist attraction in Texas. San Marcos is home to Texas State University, comprised of a student population of more than 28,000, LBJ Museum of San Marcos, and the San Marcos River.

"Mr. Hammons' vision to build in San Marcos' ideal market between the major cities of Austin and San Antonio is already paying off for the new hotel and conference center, as reflected by the property's pre-opening sales," said Robert Fugazi, regional vice president for John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts and a 28-year veteran of the company. "We foresee this significant initial interest to be just a taste of what's to come as word spreads about San Marcos now having the high quality accommodations and exceptional service standards of a John Q. Hammons property."

Making a Reservation

For more information, to make a hotel reservation, or to book a group function at the Embassy Suites San Marcos a"EUR Hotel, Spa and Conference Center, contact (512) 392-6450, fax (866) 560-5548, email snmes.ds@hilton.com or go to www.sanmarcos.embassysuites.com. Online reservations can be made starting November 6, 2008. The hotel also can be booked under the following GDS codes: Amadeus AUS512, Apollo/Galileo 72430, and Sabre/Worldspan 44556.

Hotel Information

Built with the signature atrium style of John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, the Embassy Suites San Marcos boasts an architectural style that complements the design of the conference center. The hotel's decor emits a contemporary flair that invites guests to enjoy the exceptional appointments and outstanding customer service that define the John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts and the Embassy Suites Hotels brands. The hotel features a variety of amenities for both business and leisure travelers and is beautifully decorated to make guests feel at home. Each guest suite features a private bedroom and spacious living room that is equipped with two plasma televisions, refrigerator, wet bar, microwave oven, coffee maker, two telephones with data ports, high-speed Internet access, spacious work desk and in-room safe boxes. Guests may enjoy a luxurious open atrium with a water feature. The hotel offers room service, same-day dry cleaning, and daily cooked-to-order breakfast and manager's reception. Guests are able to enjoy a casual meal in the Grille and Lounge, or coffee and espresso in Caffeina's Internet Cafe. Other features include a fitness center, indoor pool, sundeck, and therapeutic spa treatments at the full-service Spa Botanica, John Q. Hammons' signature spa.

About the Lance Armstrong Foundation

The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) unites people through programs and experiences to empower cancer survivors to live life on their own terms and to raise awareness and funds for the fight against cancer. The LAF focuses on cancer prevention, access to screening and care, research and quality of life for cancer survivors. Founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, the LAF has raised more than $260 million for the fight against cancer and distributed more than 60 million LIVESTRONG wristbands to help make cancer a global priority. This year, the LAF became a supporter of the World Cancer Declaration endorsed by the UICC World Cancer Congress 2008. The LAF encourages all individuals to show their support by signing the declaration at www.livestrong.org.

About Embassy Suites Hotels

Founded in 1984, Embassy Suites Hotels defines the upscale, all-suite segment and today has nearly 200 hotels, with an additional 60 in the pipeline. With spacious two-room suites, engaging team members and an inviting atrium environment, guests are allowed to put their feet up and feel right at home. To learn more, visit www.embassysuites.com.

Hilton Hotels Corporation is the leading global hospitality company, with more than 3,000 hotels and 500,000 rooms in 74 countries, with more than 135,000 team members worldwide. The company owns, manages or franchises some of the best known and highly regarded hotel brands including Hilton(R), Conrad(R) Hotels & Resorts, Doubletree(R), Embassy Suites Hotels(R), Hampton Inn(R), Hampton Inn & Suites(R), Hilton Garden Inn(R), Hilton Grand Vacations(TM), Homewood Suites by Hilton(R) and The Waldorf=Astoria Collection(TM).

About John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts

Springfield, Mo.-based John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts is the nation's leading independent builder, developer, owner and manager of upscale, full-service hotels, resorts and suites, including: Embassy Suites Hotels, Renaissance, Marriott, Radisson, Residence Inn, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Holiday Inn and Courtyard by Marriott brands. With 80 hotels strategically located near demand generators, such as state capitals, universities, airports, corporate headquarters or office parks in secondary and tertiary markets, John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts' properties are dominant in their markets. Over the course of his impressive 50-year career in the hotel business, Mr. John Q. Hammons has developed 206 hotels. For more information about John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, please visit the company's Web site at www.jqhhotels.com.

Editor's note: An exterior rendering of the property and opening day photos are available on request.

SOURCE: John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts

John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts 
Scott Tarwater, 417-873-3591 
scott.tarwater@jqh.com 
or 
Publicis PR for John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts 
Sheri Smith, 972-628-7766 / 214-454-3969 
sheri.smith@publicis-pr.com

Buck, a 20-year hospitality veteran, is recently joined by the rest of the executive team including:

-- General Manager Tom Pugh: Bringing more than 30 years' experience in successful full-service hotel operations in major and tertiary markets to the property, Pugh most recently served as general manager of the upscale, 340-room Chattanooga Marriott at the Convention Center in Tennessee.

-- Director of Catering Sonya Villarreal: As a certified wedding consultant with 15 years of upscale hotel experience, Villarreal's hospitality career includes exceptional planning and guest service management with the historic St. Anthony Hotel in downtown San Antonio and with The Adolphus in Dallas.

-- Assistant General Manager -- Rooms Division Monica Hurt: With 21 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Hurt has held diverse positions ranging from director of housekeeping, corporate sales manager and assistant general manager; in 2007, she was nominated for the #1 Crowne Meetings Director of Crowne Plaza Hotels for InterContinental Hotels Group.

-- Assistant General Manager -- Food and Beverage, Roger Andrews: With 25 years' hospitality experience, including full-service properties in Miami and Dallas, Andrews' career includes national sales trainer for grooming catering sales managers for a major hotel company.

-- Director of Human Resources Paulina Palomo: A native of the San Marcos area, Palomo began her professional career in the hospitality industry, where she quickly excelled; prior to joining John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, she held the position of HR manager with Cintas, a hotel industry supplier.

-- Director of Accounting Stella Linder: Linder brings 20 years' experience in hotel accounting to the San Marcos property, including seven years with John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts.

-- Director of Engineering Max Vasquez: A 32-year hotel veteran, Vasquez's career in the hospitality industry spans major hotel brands, such as Marriott, Doubletree, Adam's Mark Hotels, Sheraton, and InterContinental Hotels Group, among others.

"Our new executive team for the Embassy Suites San Marcos a"EUR Hotel, Spa and Conference Center is especially equipped to meet the needs of the growing group business," said Robert Fugazi, regional vice president for John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts and a 28-year veteran of the company. "The team members' diverse experience from within and outside the region, in-depth understanding of the meetings and convention business, and ability to deliver exceptional service down to the smallest of details will ensure immediate success."

Adding Local Flair

As a continued reflection of the city's collaboration on the development project, the City Council and Mayor Susan Narvaiz recently had the opportunity to name the meeting rooms in the $21 million conference center. The names incorporate both the heritage and local spirit of San Marcos. The grand ballroom will be called the Veramendi Ballroom. A native of San Antonio, Juan Veramendi sold a portion of his land grants that is now San Marcos to General Burleson and Dr. Eli Merriman in 1845. Burleson and Merriman later joined with William Lindsey to found the town of San Marcos. Another ballroom will be appropriately named Spring Lake. The conference center facilities are being designed to accommodate a wide range of events, from auto and boat shows to high tech exhibitions, graduations, special events and business meetings.

Strategically located between the state capital Austin and historic San Antonio, Prime Outlets San Marcos is the third most popular tourist destination in Texas. San Marcos is home to Texas State University, comprised of a student population of more than 28,000, and is well known for its superior shopping.

Making a Reservation

To make a hotel reservation or to book a group function prior to the opening of the Embassy Suites San Marcos a"EUR Hotel, Spa and Conference Center, contact (512) 392-6450, fax (866) 560-5548, email snmes.ds@hilton.com or go to www.sanmarcos.embassysuites.com. Online reservations can be made starting November 17, 2008. The hotel also can be booked under the following GDS codes: Amadeus AUS512, Apollo/Galileo 72430, and Sabre/Worldspan 44556.

Hotel Information

To be built with the signature atrium style of John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, the Embassy Suites San Marcos a"EUR Hotel, Spa and Conference Center will boast an architectural style that complements the design of the conference center. The hotel's dA(C)cor will emit a contemporary flair that invites guests to enjoy the exceptional appointments and outstanding customer service that defines the John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts and the Embassy Suites Hotels brands. The hotel will feature a variety of amenities for both business and leisure travelers and will be beautifully decorated to make guests feel at home. Each guest suite will feature a private bedroom and spacious living room that will be equipped with two plasma televisions, refrigerator, wet bar, microwave oven, coffee maker, two telephones with data ports, high-speed Internet access, spacious work desk and in-room safe boxes. Guests may enjoy a luxurious open atrium with a water feature. The hotel will offer 24-hour room service, same-day dry cleaning, and daily cooked-to-order breakfast and manager's reception. Guests will be able to enjoy a casual meal in the Grille and Lounge, or coffee and espresso in Caffeina's Internet Cafe. Other features will include a fitness center, indoor pool, sundeck, and therapeutic spa treatments at the full-service Spa Botanica, John Q. Hammons' signature spa.

About John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts

Springfield, Mo.-based John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts is the nation's leading independent builder, developer, owner and manager of upscale, full-service hotels, resorts and suites, including: Embassy Suites Hotels, Renaissance, Marriott, Radisson, Residence Inn, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Holiday Inn and Courtyard by Marriott brands. With 77 hotels strategically located near demand generators, such as state capitals, universities, airports, corporate headquarters or office parks in secondary and tertiary markets, John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts' properties are dominant in their markets. Over the course of his impressive career in the hotel business, Mr. John Q. Hammons has developed 203 hotels. For more information about John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, please visit the company's Web site at www.jqhhotels.com.

Editor's note: A photograph of the executive team and an exterior rendering of the property are available on request.

SOURCE: John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts

John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts 
Scott Tarwater, 417-873-3591 
scott.tarwater@jqh.com 
or 
Publicis PR for John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts 
Sheri Smith, 972-628-7766 
sheri.smith@publicis-pr.com