SPRINGFIELD, Mo.--Springfield, Mo.-based John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc. JQH today announced that following a $5 million renovation, the Holiday Inn Springfield University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center will be officially re-branded as the University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center on October 27, 2003. Located at 333 John Q. Hammons Parkway, the property is owned and managed by John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc., the nation's leading independent builder, developer, owner and manager of upscale full-service hotels, resorts and suites.

For a first-hand view of the hotel's new upscale look, University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center General Manager Bob Pottberg and the property's new Director of Sales Christine Huffington will commemorate the exciting transition by hosting an open house on Saturday, September 20 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Musicians and artists from Southwest Missouri State University will entertain open house visitors. Additionally, representatives from the university's athletic department from will be on hand to greet guests.

Having served Springfield's tourism and business community for 20 years under the Holiday Inn flag, the renovations transform the University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center into an upscale luxury property to accommodate the changing lodging and convention needs in the city's downtown core. As guests set foot in the nine-story garden atrium, they will experience the soothing sounds of a beautiful, multi-tiered water feature. An appealing color scheme featuring green and gold, with accents of sapphire and red make up the decor throughout the hotel, including upgrading the lighting, new carpeting, marble, onyx stone, wall vinyl, furniture, soft seating and restaurant furniture. Additional enhancements include an updated front desk made of granite and cherry wood, newly constructed boardroom, top-of-the-line kitchen equipment to service the restaurant and convention center, and a refurbished hair salon.

"The dynamic growth in Springfield's core downtown business and entertainment district is driving the demand for new, luxury hotel accommodations," said Mr. Pottberg. "We are excited to open the University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center's doors to the public to showcase our new look, which exhibits our unparalleled service and hospitality. Our $5 million investment into this upscale property and our dedicated and experienced staff also reinforces our commitment to exceeding each guest's expectations."

Property Information - Ideally situated in the hub of the quickly revitalizing downtown Springfield, the University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center is within walking distance of Jordan Valley Park, home to the new Springfield Exposition Center, which provides about 100,000 square feet of contiguous convention and exhibit space. Jordan Valley Park attractions include the Creamery Arts Center art museum, an ice arena, parking garage, multi-purpose arena and office space. Additionally, exciting future Jordan Valley Park area developments are currently under way, including Hammons Field - Mr. Hammons' 8,000-seat minor league baseball stadium.

The University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center and the Springfield Exposition Center's 150,000 square feet of flexible meeting space makes it ideal for a variety of events from lavish weddings and celebrations to corporate meetings, conferences and trade shows. The meeting space contains 28 meeting rooms and can be configured to accommodate almost any group. Banquet facilities are available for parties up to 4,500 people. The nine-story hotel features 271 guest rooms, including 41 suites. Guest rooms are handsomely appointed and amenities include high-speed Internet access, customizable voice mail, cable television with pay-per-view movies, in-room coffee and tea service, hair dryer, iron and ironing board.

Making a Reservation - To make a hotel reservation or to book a group function at the hotel or Springfield Exposition Center, contact the sales and catering department at (417) 864-7333.

Publicly traded on the American Stock Exchange 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 Hotel, Renaissance, Marriott, Radisson, Residence Inn, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Holiday Inn and Hampton Inn & Suites brands. With 58 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. Over the course of his impressive career in the hotel business, Mr. Hammons has developed 148 hotels. For more information about John Q. Hammons Hotels, please visit the company's Web site at .

Scott Tarwater
417/873-3591
John Q. Hammons