John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts Celebrates Opening of New Residence Inn by Marriott Hotel in Joplin, Mo.; Hotel is Second John Q. Hammons Property in Joplin.

JOPLIN, Mo., & SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Mr. John Q. Hammons today announced the opening of a four-story, 114-suite Residence Inn(R) by Marriott Hotel in Joplin, Mo. The new extended-stay hotel, which opened for guests on March 22, will celebrate its grand opening on Tuesday, April 25 at 5 p.m. Following a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Joplin Chamber of Commerce, invited guests will participate in a hotel-wide carnival benefiting Marriott International's charity of choice--the Children's Miracle Network. The Residence Inn Joplin offers 880 square feet of meeting space and is managed by Springfield, Mo.-based John Q. Hammons Hotels, LLC, the nation's leading independent builder, developer, owner and manager of upscale, full-service hotels, resorts and suites.

Conveniently located near the intersection of U.S. Interstate 44 and State Highway 77, the Residence Inn Joplin is situated close to The Bridge, a youth sports complex that is expected to draw up to 2,000 youths per weekend to the area. The hotel is the second John Q. Hammons property in Joplin. The company also operates the Holiday Inn(R) Hotel Joplin and Conference Center.

Focusing on the unique needs of the extended-stay guest, the Residence Inn Joplin's rooms are designed like apartments and are larger than an average-size hotel room. The building models townhouses to make guests feel they are at home, and each room has a private, fully equipped kitchen, a feature not offered at other properties in Joplin. The property also hosts nightly social events for guests and a weekly manager's cook-out on the backyard grill.

"The city of Joplin has experienced impressive growth, economically as well as culturally, while still maintaining its small-town charm and history," said Mr. John Q. Hammons, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, LLC. "I am proud to be able to offer high-quality accommodations that will contribute to the continued growth of this community."

Bert Haifley, general manager of the Residence Inn by Marriott Joplin, who has been with the company more than 11 years, said, "The need for a new extended-stay hotel in Joplin is evident. The city's phenomenal growth is creating a demand for more hotel rooms, especially in the extended-stay segment. The property offers outstanding accommodations and an exceptional staff that delivers the superior guest experience John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts upholds."

Property Information

The Residence Inn by Marriott Joplin features a variety of amenities for both business and leisure travelers. Guests have lodging options ranging from a king studio suite to a family-size two bedroom-suite - all of which are equipped with a sleeper sofa, living area with a color television, and a full kitchen that includes a refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, sink, four-person place setting of dishes and cooktop. Additionally, travelers will be treated to a complimentary newspaper every morning and can enjoy a daily complimentary hot breakfast, an evening social and a weekly manager's barbeque. Guests also have access to a laundry facility, outdoor pool and whirlpool, tennis courts, cardio fitness center and a business library outfitted with two desks, high-speed Internet, a printer, books, games and a color television with a DVD and VCR player.

Area Information

The fourth largest metro area in Missouri, Joplin routinely ranks high as one of the best places in the United States in which to live, work and raise a family. The city is home to many large companies, including: Leggett and Platt, Inc.; TAMKO(R) Roofing Products Inc.; EaglePicher Technologies, LLC; General Mills, Inc; and Frito-Lay. Nearby attractions include Precious Moments Inspiration Park, Neosho National Fish Hatchery, George Washington Carver National Monument, the Civil War Museum, the Harry S. Truman State Historic Site, Battle of Carthage State Historic Site, Joplin Museum Complex, the Bluff Dweller's Cave and Browning Museum, John Q. Hammons Sports Park, The Bridge, and Missouri Southern State University. There are also numerous golf courses and access to bike trails, fly-fishing and water sports within the immediate area of the city.

To Make a Reservation

To make a hotel reservation or to book a group function, call [phone], contact your travel agent, or visit the hotel's Web site at www.marriott.com/jlnri.

About John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, LLC

Springfield, Mo.-based John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, LLC 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 65 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. Hammons has developed 173 hotels. For more information about John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, LLC, please visit the company's Web site at www.jqhhotels.com.