EXHIBIT 99.1



[JOHN Q. HAMMONS LOGO]                                     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                                                           ---------------------



Contact: Scott Tarwater
         John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc.
         (417) 873-3591
         (972) 628-7738
         scott.tarwater@jqh.com

         Kelly Campbell
         Publicis Dialog for John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc.
         kelly.campbell@publicis-usa.com



              JOHN Q. HAMMONS HOTELS, INC. ANNOUNCES EXPIRATION OF
                 EXCLUSIVITY WITH BARCELO CRESTLINE CORPORATION

SPRINGFIELD, MO. -- FEBRUARY 1, 2005 -- John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc. (AMEX: JQH)
announced today the expiration oF its prior agreement to negotiate exclusively
with Barcelo Crestline Corporation through January 31, 2005, with regard to a
possible merger transaction. The Company also announced the expiration of the
prior agreement between its principal stockholder, Mr. John Q. Hammons, to
negotiate exclusively with Barcelo Crestline through January 31, 2005.

The Company's Board of Directors, however, reaffirmed the authority of the
Special Committee, previously formed by the Board of Directors to negotiate the
terms of any transaction with Barcelo Crestline on behalf of the Company's Class
A stockholders, as well as any other viable alternatives. The Board reaffirmed
the Special Committee's role, in part, in reliance upon Mr. Hammons' indication
that he intended to continue to pursue a possible transaction, as well as the
Special Committee's receipt of another unsolicited proposal.

Commenting on the expiration of the exclusivity period, the chairman of the
Special Committee, David Sullivan, said, "The parties were not able to resolve
the open issues during the agreed upon exclusivity period. In light of Mr.
Hammons' desire not to extend his exclusivity with Barcelo Crestline, it seemed
appropriate for the Company not to extend exclusivity as well. In addition, the
Special Committee believes it is in the best interests of the Class A
stockholders to explore the proposal we received earlier today. This proposal
appears to have support from some of our current Class A stockholders. At the
same time, we need to understand better the proposed transaction with Mr.
Hammons in assessing the fairness and likelihood of this transaction. We remain
committed to providing a reasonable opportunity for any bona fide interested
party to communicate to us any transaction that is fair to our stockholders and
there is a reason for believing could be consummated."

ABOUT JOHN Q. HAMMONS HOTELS, INC.
John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc. is a leading independent owner and manager of
affordable upscale, full-service hotels located primarily in key secondary
markets. The Company owns 46 hotels located in 20 states, containing 11,370
guest rooms or suites, and manages 14 additional hotels located in seven states
containing 3,158 guest rooms or suites. The majority of these 60 hotels operate
under the Embassy Suites Hotels, Holiday Inn and Marriott trade names. Most of
the hotels are located near a state capital, university, convention center,
corporate headquarters, office park or other stable demand generator. Additional
information is available at the Company's web site: http://www.jqh.com.



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