US Franchise Systems, Inc. (USFS), parent company of the franchisor of the Hawthorn Suites brand, has announced that a master franchise agreement with Nigeria-based Shelter Suites Limited, LLC will bring the Hawthorn Suites flag to western Africa.

With the agreement, a Hawthorn Suites property has already broken ground in Abuja, Nigeria's capitol city. It will be the first foreign extended-stay hotel flag in Abuja and will serve as a model for additional Hawthorn Suites in the area. That includes a Hawthorn Suites in Lagos, Nigeria, and 10 more planned properties.

"We are excited to begin building in Hawthorn Suites' third international location, and to partner with Shelter Suites Limited," said Mike Leven, president and CEO of USFS. "Bringing the Hawthorn Suites extended-stay product to western Africa will contribute greatly to its growing travel and tourism industry." Hawthorn first went international in 1998 with a property in Tel Aviv, Israel, followed by another in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

The 108-suite hotel in Abuja is located at 1 Uke St. in the business and financial district. It will offer large studio, one- and two-bedroom suites, with fully-equipped or mini-kitchens, work desks with ergonomic chairs, two-line phones with modem ports, voice mail, high speed Internet access, and satellite television with international programming and movie selections. Executive suites will offer private direct phone lines and personalized stationary and business calling cards in the guest's name with suite number.

The hotel will provide a complimentary hot breakfast buffet daily, a full service restaurant, evening social hour, meeting and conference space, a health club, spa, business center, swimming pool, guest laundry and concierge service. The property is expected to open Spring 2005.

"We are pleased to be working with Hawthorn Suites, and look forward to developing a high-quality extended-stay hotel. It is especially suited for regional and international travelers coming to Abuja on government or corporate business," said Ibrahim Aliyu, chairman and managing partner.

For additional information, visit www.hawthorn.com or call Hawthorn toll-free at 1-800-527-1133. As of March 31, 2004, there were 115 Hawthorn hotels open or under construction worldwide. Hawthorn Suites guests can now earn points or miles in the Hyatt Gold Passport® frequency program with each eligible stay.

US Franchise Systems, Inc. is headquartered in Atlanta, Ga. In November 2000, business interests of the Pritzker family of Chicago, Ill., which also own other hospitality businesses and assets, including Hyatt Hotels, as well as numerous manufacturing, health-care, natural resources and other businesses and assets, recognized USFS' potential and acquired the company.

Source:usfsi.com