Wyndham Expands Pennsylvania Distribution
Wednesday June 2, 2:30 pm ET
Wyndham Reading Joins Upscale Wyndham Brand
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 2, 2004--Wyndham International, Inc. (AMEX:WBR - News) announced today that it has entered into a long-term franchise agreement to brand a hotel located in Reading, Pa. The hotel is slated to convert to the Wyndham brand in the third quarter 2004, expanding the Company's distribution in a key, suburban market.
"The momentum behind our franchise program is reaching new heights," said Fred J. Kleisner, Wyndham's chairman and chief executive officer. "With the saturation of many larger brands in markets across the U.S., we're experiencing a large increase in franchise conversion inquiries, and our pipeline is full with upcoming franchise conversions as many hotel owners are making the decision to convert their assets to the Wyndham brand. These owners know their properties will be more distinguished behind the strength of our customer-focused programs and innovative distribution system. We welcome our new franchise partners to the Wyndham brand, and the addition of the Wyndham Reading to our brand portfolio."
Through a franchise agreement with Genesis Ventures I, the Lincoln Plaza Hotel in Reading, Pa. will be branded with the Wyndham name, expanding Wyndham's Pennsylvania presence. Originally opened in 1928, the 104-room Wyndham Reading is situated in the heart of downtown Reading, with easy access to nearby outlet malls, historic sites and the Pennsylvania Dutch Amish Country. In addition, the Wyndham Reading has been selected as the preferred hotel for the Sovereign Center and Sovereign Performing Arts Center, both within walking distance from the property.
"We are thrilled with the prospects that lie ahead for this historic property. Although the road has been rough, we are confident that the future shows great promise under the Wyndham flag. This property always deserved to be a focal point for the revitalization of downtown Reading, as it has always played an important part in the lives of so many people in Berks County. Both Richard Barnhart and I are happy and excited to play a part in positioning it so it can once again fulfill its role as one of the leading attractions in Reading," stated John Rosenthal, chairman and partner of Genesis Ventures I.
Inns of Distinction, a hotel management and consulting firm led by Frank D. Reagoso, Jr, will manage the Wyndham Reading. Inns of Distinction specialize in hotel development, marketing and hospitality management services.
The hotel features a fitness center, concierge services, complimentary airport shuttle and approximately 9,500 sq. ft. of meeting space that can accommodate groups of up to 500 guests and an elegant onsite restaurant and tavern serving continental cuisine. The Wyndham Reading marks the company's eighth property in the state.
Prior to conversion, the property will undergo a renovation program that will include the addition of Wyndham's brand standards and brand-defining programs such as Wyndham's Room That Performs(SM) guest room experience program, which provides high-speed Internet access (free of charge to Wyndham ByRequest® members); a two-line cordless speaker phone; a high-performance, ergonomic, Herman Miller® desk chair; and upgraded Serta® plush top mattresses with luxury bedding. In addition, the hotel will offer Wyndham ByRequest, the brand's guest recognition program, developed by Wyndham to deliver on its brand philosophy of empowering guests to achieve a more customized hotel experience.
Based in Dallas, Wyndham International, Inc. offers upscale and luxury hotel and resort accommodations through proprietary lodging brands and a management services division. Wyndham owns, leases, manages and franchises hotels and resorts in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe, and guarantees that the best rates for its properties will be found on its proprietary Web site. For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.wyndham.com or call 800-WYNDHAM. Wyndham is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance (www.globalhotelalliance.com), a worldwide union of hospitality companies that provides guests with unique, personalized guest services.
