Candlewood Suites Continues Its Guaranteed Per Diem Rate in 2000 for Government, Military Travelers.

Business Editors

WICHITA, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 25, 2000

Government travelers face a common dilemma: finding quality, comfortable lodging that is within policy pricing guidelines. Candlewood Hotel Company (Nasdaq: CNDL) turns the dilemma into a promise: exceptional lodging value at or below per diem rates.

New federal per diem rates for 2000, issued last month by the General Services Administration, will be honored at all Candlewood Suites, coast-to-coast, as part of Candlewood's ongoing commitment to serving those who serve the country.

Candlewood Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jack DeBoer is a Korean War veteran who believes government and military service should be appreciated and rewarded. So if there is a studio suite available at any of the 76 Candlewood Suites nationwide - regardless of the going rate - government ID card holders get the room at or below per diem.

&uot;It is Candlewood's intention to provide value and first-class treatment to men and women in the armed forces and in government service,&uot; says DeBoer. &uot;They've earned it.&uot;

Value and service are the foundation of every Candlewood Suites and it shows. Travelers get their first clue at check-in, when they receive a 25-cent piece with their room key. This is a reminder that soft drinks are just a quarter in the Candlewood Cupboard, where other food items and sundries can be bought at or near cost - on the honor system.

Every guestroom at Candlewood Suites is a suite -- with a fully equipped kitchen, large business desk with adjustable office chair, two phone lines, comfortable recliner, 25-inch television, and video and CD players. One-bedroom suites offer a separate sleeping area, sleeper sofa, and two televisions.

Government travelers will find that amenities are provided as guest benefits, rather than revenue-generators, so there are no surprises on the final bill. Local phone calls, incoming faxes and laundry facilities are free. Long distance is offered at low cost. Guests also can expect an in-room hair dryer; iron and ironing board; exercise room; and free video and CD library.

Candlewood Suites are located across the country and near these military installations:

-- Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. (Albuquerque)

-- Camp Mabry, Texas (Austin)

-- Ft. Meade, Md. (Baltimore)

-- Great Lakes Naval Training Center (Chicago area)

-- U.S. Coast Guard Air Station (Clearwater, Fla.)

MacDill Air Force Base (Clearwater, Fla.)

-- U.S. Coast Guard Air Station (Miami)

U.S. Southern Command (Miami)

-- Langley AFB, Va. (Hampton)

-- Redstone Arsenal (Huntsville, Ala.)

-- Tinker AFB, Okla. (Oklahoma City)

-- Offutt AFB, Neb. (Omaha)

-- Willow Grove Naval Air Station, Pa. (Horsham)

-- Hill AFB, Utah (Salt Lake City)

-- McGuire AFB, N.J., and Ft. Dix, N.J. (Mt. Laurel)

-- McConnell AFB, Kan. (Wichita)

-- Ft. Sam Houston, Texas (San Antonio)

-- Nellis AFB, Nev. (Las Vegas) -- opening soon

Candlewood Suites are also located near these NASA centers: Marshall Space Flight Center (Huntsville, Ala.); Johnson Space Center (Houston); NASA/Langley (Hampton, Va.); and Glenn Research Center (Cleveland, Ohio). Candlewood Hotel Co. owns, operates and franchises Candlewood Suites. Chairman and CEO Jack DeBoer, who also founded Residence Inn and co-founded Summerfield Suites in the 1970s and 1980s, founded Candlewood in 1995. He is recognized in the hotel industry as the creator of the extended-stay concept. There are currently 76 Candlewood Suites open coast-to-coast, with more under construction. For more information, contact Candlewood National Government Sales Manager Mike Atkins at [phone]; email: [e-mail]. For reservations, call 1-888-CANDLEWOOD (1-888-226-3539).