Waterloo, IA, The Holiday Inn Convention Center, downtown Waterloo, today announced its conversion to the Ramada Inn and Convention Center. The property's conversion follows a decision by the ownership to upgrade the property and as a result, many of the guest rooms and public spaces in the 228-room hotel and convention center will undergo renovation. The hotel will continue to be managed by Hostmark Hospitality Group.

The Ramada franchise was selected due to superior support programs and a renewed aggressiveness recently implemented by the brand as part of the Great Ramada Revival Plan. Ramada Franchise systems, Inc., a subsidiary of Cendant Corporation, is a mid- to upper-mid market chain of over 1,000 hotels throughout the United States.

"It's exciting to join an aggressive brand and become part of this renaissance called the Great Ramada Revival," said Nick Dahl, the property's General Manager. "They have refocused and retooled the brand to deliver excellent support and value to franchisees. We look forward to providing our new and existing customers with the quality product and service that Ramada offers."

The new Ramada Inn and Convention Center, Waterloo, IA is managed by Hostmark Hospitality Group. Hostmark Hospitality Group (www.hostmark.com) is a leading third party hospitality management firm, operating hotels and resorts worldwide. Since its inception in 1965, the privately held company has continually provided hotel owners with a comprehensive range of repositioning, management support and technical services.

Based on a firm belief in the value of its employees, Hostmark has grown to be one of the industry's top management and development firms with a strong business reputation. The company successfully manages properties, ranging from luxury resorts to conference centers to limited service inns, in the United States, Canada and the Middle East.

Hostmark represents numerous independent properties and a wide range of franchises including Marriott, Hilton, Sheraton, Radisson, Omni, Embassy Suites, Crowne Plaza, Hawthorn Suites, Best Inns, Ramada, Holiday Inn, Howard Johnson, Comfort Inn, Days Inn and Clarion. Headquartered in Schaumburg, IL, Hostmark has regional offices in Orlando, FL; Washington, DC; and Cairo, Egypt.

Shawn-Laree de St. Aubin
312 482-8670 ext. 22