Mr. Hammons' Branson Gem Recognized for Second Consecutive Year in Expedia Insiders' Select Ranking of World’s Best Hotels

Tourists and residents of Branson, Mo., have been charmed by Chateau on the Lake Resort, Spa & Convention Center's Library Lounge since the European-style retreat opened in 1997. The popular evening gathering place, just off the resort's 10-story atrium lobby, has undergone a $600,000 makeover. The 301-room/suite resort, spa and convention center, located at Table Rock Lake in Branson, are owned and managed by Springfield, Mo.-based John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, the nation's leading independent builder, developer, owner and manager of upscale, full-service hotels, resorts and suites (www.jqhhotels.com).

To better accommodate the Library Lounge's evening crowd of 200-300 people, John Q. Hammons' in-house interior designer, Juli Russell, focused on maximizing the existing space, capturing the casual elegance of the Chateau, and highlighting the area's remarkable lake and mountain views. A large serving bar with room for three bartenders was created as a focal point. The bar area features two new flat screen televisions along with attractive wine and liquor display storage. The bar design reflects the nostalgia of the Chateau and incorporates beautiful millwork and inlaid embossed leather panels. A storage closet was retooled as a conveniently located restroom. The Library Lounge's new furnishings in warm autumn hues include a mix of lounge and bar-height seating situated in conversational groupings. Window treatments were modified to accentuate the views and natural light, and more lighting was added with the flow of the furniture groupings. Floor and wall coverings were replaced with durable porcelain tile, hardwood and faux paint finishes, producing a polished, elegant look. A stately piano in the room's center facilitates live musical performances, including by Canadian recording artist Eli Barsi, a regular favorite at the Library Lounge.

"John Q. Hammons continues to invest in creating a relaxed, inviting atmosphere at Chateau on the Lake, building on our success over the last decade," said Stephen Marshall, vice president and general manager of Chateau on the Lake for more than 10 years.

Guests Talk
Chateau guests are talking online and in surveys about their exceptional experiences at the resort, leading to formal recognition of the property's high quality services and facility. Complementing its distinction of being the only AAA Four Diamond designated property in Branson, the Chateau on the Lake was included in the just released Expedia Insiders' SelectTM 2008 ranking of the world's best hotels (www.expedia.com/insidersselect), earning a place on the list for a second consecutive year. Representing just 1 percent of all Expedia's selection of nearly 80,000 hotels and resorts, Expedia Insiders' Select is an easy-to-browse list of top hotels delivering excellent service, a great overall experience, and notable value as determined by more than 300,000 qualified reviews written by Expedia travelers worldwide.

"We find it especially rewarding when our guests are so moved by their memorable stays that they share their positive recommendations then exhibited in valued ranking systems such as the Expedia Insiders' Select list," Marshall said.

About Chateau on the Lake Resort, Spa & Convention Center

Luxury, old world charm and refined amenities await guests at the Chateau on the Lake Resort, Spa & Convention Center, which was designed with the discriminating traveler in mind. Visitors to this grand resort ─ known as the "Castle in the Ozarks" ─ experience the finest in world-class hospitality, first-class Branson lodging, and the enchanting allure of the Chateau's personal touches.

Located five miles from Branson's entertainment center, high atop a mountain overlooking Table Rock Lake, Chateau on the Lake features 301 graciously appointed rooms and suites that offer luxurious amenities. Balconies with spectacular views of the lake, resort marina and bounteous gardens enhance guest accommodations. With 43,500 square feet of meeting space, the property represents the largest combined meeting facilities of any hotel in Branson. Guided by the inspiration of Mr. John Q. Hammons, memorable touches of European style abound throughout Chateau on the Lake. Visitors are greeted by 10 hand-painted murals, which grace the 27-foot-high ceiling of the 32,000-square-foot Great Hall ─ a lavish and frequent setting for weddings. A 46-foot tree surrounded by waterfalls in the 10-story atrium is eye-catching, while the property's Sweet Shoppe is popular for its decadent selection of pastries and frozen desserts.

The $6 million, 14,000-square-foot Spa Chateau is a palace of pure indulgence, where signature treatments blend rich elements of the Ozarks with exotic European therapies. The spa lobby features a 30-foot Swarovski crystal waterfall chandelier with 25,000 crystals.

To make a hotel reservation or to book a group function, call 1-888-33-LAKE (5253), contact your travel agent or visit the hotel's Web site at www.chateauonthelakebranson.com. The resort also can be booked under the following GDS codes: Amadeus LM SGF396, Galileo LM 83422, Sabre LM 35627 and Worldspan LM 02396.

About John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts

Springfield, Mo.-based John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts is the nation's leading independent builder, developer, owner and manager of upscale, full-service hotels, resorts and suites, including: Embassy Suites Hotels, Renaissance, Marriott, Radisson, Residence Inn, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Holiday Inn and Courtyard by Marriott brands. With 76 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 & Resorts' properties are dominant in their markets. Over the course of his impressive career in the hotel business, Mr. Hammons has developed 199 hotels. For more information about John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, please visit the company's Web site at www.jqhhotels.com.