DALLAS – Accor North America, one of the nation’s largest hotel owner/operators and the parent company of Studio 6 Extended Stay, announced its plans for the first new Studio 6 prototype in eight years. Studio 6 is revamping the budget extended stay experience by introducing a modern, simple and functional design while continuing to provide the same special amenities and affordable weekly rates to accommodate travelers staying five nights or more.

Major features of the Studio 6 prototype include light and open living areas, a warm and contemporary color scheme with matching bed scarf and window drapery, a sleek black granite bathroom counter top with a vessel/raised sink, and a walk-in shower (bathtubs available). The studio design includes a 32-inch flat-screen HD TV and multi-media panel with A/V connections for mp3 players, video game systems and laptop computers – this feature allows guests to listen to their favorite tunes or use the flat-screen HD TV as their computer monitor while enjoying Wi-Fi internet access in their room. The carpet will be replaced with wood-effect laminate flooring made of 80% pre-consumer recycled material, a critical component of the updated Studio 6 design. The room also features pedestal beds with a neutral-colored coverlet and colorful bed scarf. In addition to the new features, Studio 6 guests can still count on standard amenities such as fully-equipped kitchens with a microwave, stove top, coffee maker, cooking utensils and refrigerator.

The new prototype features separate seating areas for eating and working. The kitchen offers a bar with stool seating and an additional small flat-screen TV for guest convenience while eating or cooking, and the settee/banquette is conveniently situated in the corner of the living area, providing a “table for two.” This unique feature encourages and allows for interaction between guests, whether during meals, discussions or games and adds to the residential spirit of the new design. The new, modern bathroom features double doors, black granite and a large vanity area with personal storage space. The pedestal bed allows for storage of luggage under the bed and allows for easy cleaning access and visibility. Priestman Goode of London designed the room to optimize the use of space and to provide a comfortable, residential feel for extended stay guests.

“The fresh look of this new design will allow our extended stay customers to feel more comfortable and at home during their time at Studio 6,” said Olivier Poirot, CEO for Accor North America, Motel 6 and Studio 6. “The prototype offers the best of both worlds - a modern feel at an affordable price.”

The first Studio 6 prototype will be a corporate-owned location in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, and construction will begin in the summer of 2009. Future plans call for Studio 6 corporate properties to be retrofitted with elements of the new prototype, and franchisees can begin construction on this prototype in summer of 2010. For more information on Studio 6, please visit staystudio6.com.


About Studio 6
Studio 6 extended stay hotels offer the affordable comfort of furnished studios, low weekly rates and accommodating hotel amenities. You will find Studio 6 locations in the United States and Canada Conveniently located in major business complexes, offering easy access to shopping and retail centers, entertainment areas, and restaurants.

About Accor North America
Headquartered in Dallas (Carrollton), Texas, Accor North America operates more than 1,000 upscale and economy properties including nationwide economy leaders Motel 6 and Studio 6, Sofitel Luxury Hotels and upscale Novotel locations in the U.S. and Canada. For more information, visit accor-na.com.

About Accor Worldwide
Accor, the European leader in hotels and tourism, and a global leader in corporate services, operates in nearly 100 countries with 170,000 employees. It offers to its individual and corporate clients 40 years of expertise in its two core businesses:

- Hotels, with the Sofitel, Novotel, Mercure, Suitehotel, Ibis, All Seasons, Etap Hotel, Formule 1, Motel 6 and Studio 6 brands: over 4,100 hotels and 486,000 rooms in 90 countries, as well as strategically related activities, such as Lenôtre;
- Services to corporate clients and public institutions: 23 million people in 35 countries benefit from Accor Services products – meal and food vouchers, people care, incentive and loyalty programs.