SAN ANTONIO, May 2 / La Quinta Inns, Inc. LQI announced today that it has completed its Gold Medal(TM) rooms program. The program required the virtual rebuilding of 30,000 rooms as well as the implementation of chain-wide service and in-room entertainment features.

"The objective of this program was to make La Quinta the most consistent, high-quality lodging chain in the mid-priced segment of the industry," stated Gary L. Mead, president and chief executive officer. These improvements were designed to create a strong value perception with guests resulting in a customer preference for La Quinta hotels over our competitors. We believe that consistent quality level has been achieved."

As part of this comprehensive program, rooms received a new decor package, built-in closets, ceiling crown molding, improved lighting and a contemporary soft goods and graphics package. They also received rich new case goods and many received over-sized desks, upholstered swivel desk chairs and speaker phones with computer data ports.

The in-room entertainment package included 30,000 new televisions with sixteen free-to-guest channels including CNN, EPSN(R), HBO(R) and The Disney Channel(R). A computer controlled movies-on-demand system was also installed to allow guests to view first run movies as well as play video games such as Madden NFL football(TM) and Pebble Beach Golf Links(R).

"We will no longer be referring to the Gold Medal program because this consistent level of quality will now become synonymous with the name 'La Quinta,'" Mead continued. "This uniquely aggressive, chain-wide program was a difficult but critically important step in building lasting brand value for the future. Construction activities of this scale reduce occupancy, create inconveniences for guests and require significant management attention. The disruptions of occupancy, pricing and management time

are now over."

Advertising of the completed program has now begun. The campaign features the "world's smallest hotel," a one room hotel on a truck known as "Room 30,001". The truck is touring the country. Live on-the-street interviews are being filmed and turned into unique, informative and entertaining commercials. Print ads are running in national newspapers and major airline magazines. The company has also introduced a new toll-free reservation number 1-800-NU-ROOMS.

"While our marketing, sales and operations teams are working to generate guest trial of these new rooms, our capital dollars and our development teams will be focused 100% on the development of our new La Quinta Inn & Suites hotels," Mead continued. "The combination of the two programs are both driving revenue growth and creating real brand value."

La Quinta Inns owns and operates over 250 inns across the United States. On-line information, room reservations and a virtual reality tour of the new Gold Medal rooms can be accessed via the Internet at or call 1-800-NU-ROOMS.

Note: Statements in this press release which are not strictly historical are "forward looking" and are subject to the many risks and uncertainties which affect the company's businesses. These uncertainties, which include competition within the lodging industry, the balance between supply and demand for hotel rooms, the company's continued ability to execute room renovations and new construction programs, the effect of economic conditions, and the availability of capital to finance planned growth, are described in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

La Quinta Investor Relations, 210-302-6030/ (LQI)
La Quinta