Hammons Hotels is bringing to the table a stable of 14 managed hotels in seven states, and ownership of 46 hotels across the country, most of which carry the flag of Embassy Suites, Holiday Inn or Marriott. If all goes as planned, Barcelo Crestline's hotel property management arm, Crestline Hotels and Resorts Inc., will be merged with John Q. Hammons' management division.

The combined entities would be known as Barcelo Hammons Hotels and Resorts Inc. Hammons' holdings would constitute a substantial addition to Barcelo Crestline's and Crestline Hotels' management and leasing portfolio of 125 hotels, resorts and convention centers. "Our business plan has been, and continues to be, to look for ways to grow our organization and infrastructure to create value for our owners and partners," says Barcelo Crestline president and CEO Bruce Wardinski. "With a 46-year career in the lodging business, and a great reputation for excellence, Mr. John Q. Hammons is one of the most highly respected hotel industry legends."