Renowned Hotelier Mr. John Q. Hammons Subject of New Book ``They Call Him John Q.: A Hotel Legend''.

Business & Feature Editors

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. & PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 2, 2002

On location at The Lodging Conference at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa in Phoenix, John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc. (AMEX:JQH) today proudly unveiled the book "They Call Him John Q.: A Hotel Legend," the biography of Mr. John Q. Hammons. Mr. Hammons, age 83, is the founder, chairman and chief executive officer of the leading independent builder, developer, owner and manager of upscale full-service hotels, resorts and suites in the United States. Commissioned by Mr. Hammons' officers at John Q. Hammons Hotels in recognition of his dedication, the book brings unique insight into the motivations, lessons learned and accomplishments of a legendary man that inspires so many people to excel, regardless of the odds.

Authored by Susan M. Drake, "They Call Him John Q.: A Hotel Legend" depicts the fascinating life of one of America's premier hoteliers responsible for shaping the hospitality industry over a span of several decades. Through interviews with hospitality industry movers and shakers, civic leaders, celebrities, and Mr. Hammons' close friends and colleagues, Ms. Drake captures the essence of a man that continues to impress those with whom he comes in contact or those just familiar with his legendary approach to business and life.

"They Call Him John Q.: A Hotel Legend" highlights:

-- Mr. Hammons' career, which is likened to a "...ride on a 120-mph roller coaster."

-- His continued role as a patient teacher, as described by a colleague, "He's tough enough to lead, soft enough to teach."

-- His monumental contributions to the hospitality industry, as noted by one industry leader, "In the old days, he (Mr. Hammons) used to approach cities. Now they approach him."

-- His commitment to community, as shared by one interviewee, "A lot of people owe economic prosperity to John Q. Hammons."

Mr. Scott Tarwater, vice president of sales and marketing for John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc., presented Mr. Hammons with the book during a luncheon at The Lodging Conference, an annual event for deal making and networking that draws the hospitality industry's top executives.

"Having Mr. Hammons' biography documented is a way for us as a company to say thank you for allowing us to be a part of the incredible hotel machine that has earned the reputation for being 'the best of the best' in the hospitality world," Mr. Tarwater said. "Mr. Hammons' dedication, passion for the hotel business, unmatched instincts for hotel development, and big heart for the community inspire us all. It is a pleasure to know him and to work with him."

The inside front cover of the book jacket summarizes Mr. Hammons' phenomenal life:

"In 1931, he trapped rabbits to help his family during the Depression. In the '40s, he went broke manufacturing mortarless bricks. In the '50s, he became a millionaire. And now, at the age of 83, he's the largest independent developer of hotels in the country...and going strong.

"He's an unbeatable optimist who takes the word "no" as a challenge. He negotiates like a gentleman, but he almost inevitably gets his way. With a witty, down-home style, and an uptown approach to quality, he has created a personal story that's unforgettable in this industry or any other. That's why, when people refer to him, they simply call him 'John Q.'"

"They Call Him John Q.: A Hotel Legend" is being distributed to hospitality schools of management nationwide. The book, available in paperback, also can be found in John Q. Hammons Hotels' 56 hotel properties throughout the United States. The paperback version of the book retails for $5.95. To purchase a book, please call 417/864-4300.

About John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc.

Publicly traded on the American Stock Exchange (AMEX:JQH), Springfield, Mo.-based John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc. is the nation's leading independent builder, developer, owner and manager of upscale full-service hotels, resorts and suites including: Embassy Suites, Renaissance, Marriott, Radisson, Crowne Plaza, Residence Inn, Homewood Suites, Holiday Inn and Hampton Inn & Suites brands. With 56 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' properties are dominant in their markets. The company's focus is capitalizing on positive operating fundamentals in the upscale, full-service sector, converting existing hotels to franchise brands and selling mature assets, while reinvesting the proceeds and reducing debt.

For more information about John Q. Hammons Hotels, please visit the company's Web site at www.jqhhotels.com.

About the Author

Susan M. Drake is the founder of Spellbinders, Inc., a marketing and communications company in Memphis, Tenn. She has also written six books, including "Freelancing for Dummies" and "Simple Works."

Editor's Note: Photos of Mr. Hammons' book presentation and book cover artwork are available on request.