EQUITY INNS INC
8-K, 1997-11-24
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS
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<PAGE>
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549


                                    FORM 8-K



                                 Current Report
                     Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
                         Securities Exchange Act of 1934


                               September 22, 1997
                ------------------------------------------------
                Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported)



                                EQUITY INNS, INC.
             ------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

<TABLE>
<S>                                  <C>                      <C>
       Tennessee                           O-23290                62-1550848
- -----------------------------       ---------------------    -------------------
(State or Other Jurisdiction        (Commission File No.)     (I.R.S. Employer
      of Incorporation)                                      Identification No.)
</TABLE>


                                 4735 Spottswood
                                    Suite 102
                            Memphis, Tennessee 38117
               ---------------------------------------------------
               (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)


                                 (901) 761-9651
              ----------------------------------------------------
              (Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)




                                       N/A
          -------------------------------------------------------------
          (Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)


                                        1

<PAGE>



ITEM 5.         OTHER EVENTS.

      A.        AmeriSuites Acquisition


      On September 22, 1997,  the Company  announced that it has entered into an
agreement to acquire ten  AmeriSuites  brand hotels (the  "AmeriSuites  Hotels")
with an  aggregate  of 1,239  rooms in six states from Prime  Hospitality  Corp.
("Prime") for a purchase price of  approximately  $87.0 million,  ten percent of
which will be paid through the issuance of units of limited partnership interest
in Equity Inns Partnership, L.P. (the "Partnership"). The AmeriSuites Hotels are
located  principally in the southeastern  and midwestern  United States in major
urban and suburban markets.

      The purchase of the AmeriSuites Hotels in subject to customary real estate
closing  conditions,  and the Company  expects to close the  acquisition  of the
AmeriSuites  Hotels by mid-December  1997. The AmeriSuites Hotels will be leased
to a subsidiary of Prime upon consummation of the acquisition.  As a part of the
Company's  agreement with Prime, Prime has granted the Company,  for each of the
three years following the closing of the acquisition of the AmeriSuites  Hotels,
(i) a  right  of  first  offer  to  purchase  all  portfolios  of  five  or more
AmeriSuites  hotels that Prime decides to sell  (provided,  however,  that Prime
need not offer more than 20 hotels per each year of such three-year  period) and
(ii) a commitment to offer to sell to the Company not less than five AmeriSuites
hotels during each year of such three-year period.

      The  AmeriSuites  Hotels to be  acquired  by the  Company  are  located in
Flagstaff,  Arizona (118  rooms);  Jacksonville,  Florida  (112  rooms);  Miami,
Florida  (126 rooms);  Tamps,  Florida  (126  rooms);  Indianapolis  (Keystone),
Indiana (126 rooms); Kansas City (Overland Park), Kansas (126 rooms); Cincinnati
(Blue Ash),  Ohio (127  rooms);  Cincinnati  (Forest  Park),  Ohio (126  rooms);
Columbus,  Ohio (126 rooms);  and Richmond,  Virginia  (126 rooms).  The Company
expects to complete the  acquisition of the  AmeriSuites  Hotels by mid-December
1997.

      B.        GHI Acquisition and Sale of Nine GHI Hotels

      As previously  reported in the Company's  Current Report on Form 8-K dated
June 24, 1997,  the  Partnership,  of which Equity Inns Trust (the  "Trust"),  a
wholly-owned  subsidiary of the Company,  serves as the sole general partner and
currently owns an approximate 96.2% general  partnership  interest,  acquired 28
Hampton Inn hotels  (the "GHI  Hotels")  with a  aggregate  of 3,479 rooms in 14
states from a series of  partnerships  controller by Growth Hotel  investors and
Growth Hotel Investors II (collectively,  "GHI") on June 24, 1997. The aggregate
purchase  price for the GHI Hotels was  approximately  $169  million,  including
franchise   transfer   fees  but   excluding   approximately   $5.5  million  of
franchisor-required  renovations  that the Company  expects to  undertake in the
next twelve  months.  The GHI Hotels are leased to  subsidiaries  of  Interstate
Hotels Company (collectively, the "Lessee") pursuant to leases providing for the
payment of rent based,  in part,  on the revenues  from the hotels  ("Percentage
Leases").


                                        2

<PAGE>



      On  October  31,  1997,  the  Company  sold  nine of the GHI  Hotels to HH
Properties II, Inc., a subsidiary of Hudson Hotels Corporation, for an aggregate
sales price of  approximately  $46.3  million,  $3.9 million of which was in the
form of a two-year  note bearing an annual  interest rate of 10% that is secured
by a pledge of 2,000,000  shares of common  stock of Hudson  Hotel  Corporation.
Upon  consummation of such sale, the leases with the Lessee with respect to such
nine hotels were  terminated.  The remaining GHI Hotels are leased to the Lessee
pursuant to Percentage  Leases which have ten-year terms.  Pursuant to the lease
agreement between the Lessee and the Partnership with respect to the GHI Hotels,
the Lessee paid the  Partnership  $2.25  million as an  inducement to enter into
such lease. The lease agreement also provides for the payment by the Partnership
to the Lessee,  upon the sale of such nine GHI Hotels,  a lease  termination fee
equal to 50% of the Partnership's net book gain on the sale of such nine hotels.
Such amount will be payable by the Partnership to the Lessee upon payment of the
two-year note.

      C.        New Unsecured Line of Credit

      The Company  financed the purchase of the GHI Hotels through a combination
of (i) the  net  proceeds  of the  Company's  underwritten  public  offering  of
8,000,000  shares of Common  Stock in May 1997 and (ii) a one-year  term loan to
the  Partnership  in the  aggregate  principal  amount of $75 million (the "Term
Loan") from The First National Bank of Chicago ("First  Chicago"),  the New York
branch of Credit Lyonnais and AmSouth Bank of Alabama.  The Term Loan was closed
concurrently with the closing of the acquisition of the GHI Hotels.

      On  October  10,  1997,  the  Company  repaid  the  Term  Loan and all the
outstanding  borrowings  under the Company's  prior $130 million secured line of
credit with  borrowings  under a new three-year  $250 million  unsecured line of
credit (the  "Unsecured  Line of Credit"),  administered  by First Chicago.  The
Unsecured  Line of Credit  bears  interest  at a  variable  rate of LIBOR plus a
percentage  ranging from 1.4% to 1.75% depending on the Company's  percentage of
total debt to total value of the Company's  investment in hotel  properties,  as
defined in the loan  agreement  (the  "Percentage").  The Percentage is reviewed
quarterly  and the  interest  rate is  adjusted  as  necessary.  Currently,  the
interest rate on the Unsecured  Line of Credit of  approximately  $114.6 million
and  approximately  $135.4 million  available for borrowings under the Unsecured
Line of Credit.




                                        3

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


ITEM 7.         EXHIBITS.
<S>   <C>       <C>

      (c)       Exhibits.  The  following  exhibits  required  by  Item  601  of
                Regulation S-K are listed below.

10.1            Hotel Asset Purchase Agreement by and between Hudson Hotels
                Corporation, Hudson Hotels Properties Corp. and Equity Inns
                Partnership, L.P.

10.2            Amendment No. 1 to Hotel Asset Purchase Agreement by and between
                Hudson Hotels Corporation, Hudson Hotels Properties Corp. and
                Equity Inns Partnership, L.P.

10.3            Unsecured  Revolving  Credit  Agreement  dated as of October 10,
                1997,  by and among  Equity Inns  Partnership,  L.P.  and Equity
                Inns/West Virginia  Partnership,  L.P. as Borrower and The First
                National Bank of Chicago,  Credit Lyonnais New York Branch,  and
                AmSouth Bank as Lenders,  Credit  Lyonnais  New York Branch,  as
                Syndication  Agent and The First  National  Bank of  Chicago  as
                Administrative Agent.
</TABLE>

                                        4

<PAGE>





                                    SIGNATURE

      Pursuant to the  requirements of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant  has duly  caused  this  report  to be  signed  on its  behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.


                                            EQUITY INNS, INC.



Date:  November 17, 1997                    By:/s/ Howard A. Silver
                                               --------------------
                                            Howard A. Silver
                                            Executive Vice President of Finance,
                                            Secretary, Treasurer and
                                            Chief Financial Officer


                                        5

<PAGE>


                                    EXHIBITS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Item Number            Description
<S>                    <C>

10.1                   Hotel Asset Purchase Agreement by and between Hudson
                       Hotels Corporation, Hudson Hotels Properties Corp. and
                       Equity Inns Partnership, L.P.

10.2                   Amendment No. 1 to Hotel Asset Purchase Agreement by and
                       between Hudson Hotels Corporation, Hudson Hotels
                       Properties Corp. and Equity Inns Partnership, L.P.

10.3                   Unsecured  Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of October
                       10, 1997, by and among Equity Inns Partnership,  L.P. and
                       Equity Inns/West Virginia  Partnership,  L.P. as Borrower
                       and The First National Bank of Chicago,  Credit  Lyonnais
                       New York  Branch,  and AmSouth  Bank as  Lenders,  Credit
                       Lyonnais New York Branch,  as  Syndication  Agent and The
                       First National Bank of Chicago as Administrative Agent.

</TABLE>


                                        6


<PAGE>



                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.1
                         HOTEL ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT


THIS  AGREEMENT  is made and  entered  into the  12th day of July  1997,  by and
between Hudson Hotels Corporation,  a New York corporation ("Hudson") and Hudson
Hotels Properties Corp. ("Hudson Properties"), both with its principal office at
One Airport Way, Suite 200, Rochester, New York 14624, individually and as agent
for a New York  corporation  to be formed with offices at One Airport Way, Suite
200, Rochester, New York 14624 ("Buyer"),  and Equity Inns Partnership,  L.P., a
Tennessee  limited  partnership,  with its principal  office at 4735 Spottswood,
Suite 102, Memphis, Tennessee 36117 ("Seller").

                                    RECITAL:

Seller  desires to sell and Buyer  desires to purchase  certain  properties  and
assets of Seller  consisting  of nine (9) hotel  properties  operated as Hampton
Inns under franchises from Promus,  as identified on Schedule A attached hereto,
under the terms and conditions set forth below.  Buyer will be upon formation an
indirect  wholly-owned  subsidiary of Hudson. Hudson and Hudson Properties shall
each be liable  jointly and severally as guarantors  of the  obligations  of the
Buyer under this Agreement.

NOW,  THEREFORE,  in  consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual covenants
and agreements hereinafter contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:

                              TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

1.       Assets Subject to Sale and Purchase.

Buyer  agrees to  purchase  and Seller  agrees to sell the  following  assets of
Seller:

         1.1.     The nine parcels of real property more particularly  described
                  on Schedule A attached hereto,  together with all building and
                  improvements  thereon but excluding the sanitary sewer project
                  condemnation   affecting   the  hotel   property   located  at
                  Greensboro,  North  Carolina,  all the awards or  proceeds  of
                  which of whatever  character  shall be divided equally between
                  Buyer and Seller  (each a "hotel  property"  and  together the
                  "Premises");

         1.2.     All of Seller's  interest in the tangible  personal  property,
                  and items of furnishings,  fixtures,  and equipment,  owned by
                  Seller with  respect to the several  hotel  businesses  on the
                  Premises (collectively the "Personal Property");

         1.3.     All  of  Seller's  rights  in  those  licenses,   permits  and
                  certificates  of occupancy  held by Seller in connection  with
                  the ownership of each hotel  property,  but only to the extent
                  the  same  are  legally  assignable  to  Buyer  (the  "Owner's
                  Permits");

         1.4      All  of  Seller's  interest  in  any  and  all  architectural,
                  engineering  and other plans  prepared in connection  with the
                  construction of the building and  improvements on the Premises
                  and acquired by Seller in its purchase thereof; and

                                        1




<PAGE>



         1.5.     All  of  Seller's   interest  in  assignable   warranties  and
                  guarantees pertaining to the several hotel properties.

Buyer  acknowledges  that  Crossroads  Future  Company,  L.L.C.  (the  "Seller's
Tenant")  owns all supplies and  inventory  used in the operation of the several
hotel businesses on the Premises,  and Seller's Tenant and the managing agent of
the  Seller's  Tenant  operate  and manage the hotel  properties  located on the
Premises,  and that  the  Seller  does not  participate  in such  operation  and
management  and does not own inventory and supplies or the Contracts  related to
the operation and  management of the hotel  properties  located on the Premises.
Seller shall cause  Seller's  Tenant to transfer to Buyer the  following  assets
without any consideration:

         1.6      All of  Seller's  Tenant's  rights  and  obligations  in those
                  contracts,  leases,  and service  agreements to which Seller's
                  Tenant is a party and which  relate to the  operation  of each
                  hotel property, and which are described in Schedule B attached
                  hereto, together with any other contracts,  leases and service
                  agreements  that the Seller or Seller's  Tenant give the Buyer
                  written notice of prior to the  expiration of the  Feasibility
                  Period, as defined herein (the "Contracts");

         1.7.     All of  Seller's  Tenant's  interest  in soft  goods and other
                  inventory,  and supplies  used in the operation of the several
                  hotel  businesses  on the Premises  located on the Premises at
                  Closing (the "Inventory");

         1.8      All of Seller's Tenant's rights in those licenses, permits and
                  certificates   of  occupancy   held  by  Seller's   Tenant  in
                  connection with the operation of each hotel property, but only
                  to the extent the same are  legally  assignable  to Buyer (the
                  "Operator's Permits")

         1.9.     All intangible property,  guest ledgers,  customer and mailing
                  lists,  brochures,  and  telephone  numbers used in connection
                  with the operation of the several hotel properties; and

         1.10     All books and records relating to the operation and management
                  of  the  several  hotel   properties   in  Seller's   Tenant's
                  possession and control.

All the real property and assets listed above shall be collectively  referred to
herein as the "Purchased Assets."

2.  Purchase  Price,   Deposit,   and  Payment.  The  Purchase  Price  shall  be
$47,250,000.


         2.       2.1.  The Purchase  Price shall be allocated  for tax purposes
                  only among the  several  hotel  properties,  and  between  the
                  Premises  and  Personal   Property   relating  to  each  hotel
                  property,  as  Seller  and  Buyer  shall  agree  prior  to the
                  expiration  of  the   "Feasibility   Period"  (as  hereinafter
                  defined).

         2.2.     The Purchase Price shall be payable as follows:

                                        2


<PAGE>



         2.2.1.   Buyer shall make a deposit in the amount of $225,000 (together
                  with any interest earned thereon the "Deposit"), to be
                  delivered in cash, certified check or bank draft to the
                  national business unit of Chicago Title Insurance Company,
                  1129 20th Street, N.W., Suite 300, Washington, D.C. 20036
                  (Telephone Number:  202-466-2266) (Attention:  Douglas J.
                  Mathis, Esquire) ("Escrow Agent") within three (3) business
                  days of the Contract Date by Buyer and to be held by Escrow
                  Agent in accordance with this Agreement.

         2.2.2.   At closing, Buyer shall cause Hudson Properties to deliver its
                  Promissory Note to Seller in the amount of $5,000,000,
                  increased or decreased, as the case may be, by the Prorations
                  set out in Section 3 and the Adjustments set out in Section 4,
                  in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit I.
                  Payment of amounts outstanding under the Note shall be secured
                  by the grant of a security interest in 2,000,000 newly-issued
                  shares of Hudson common stock which shares shall be held in
                  escrow pursuant to a Pledge Agreement (the "Pledge Agreement")
                  in the form and substance to be agreed to by Seller and Buyer
                  prior to the expiration of the Feasibility Period.  Payment of
                  the Note shall be guaranteed by Hudson under a guaranty
                  agreement in form and substance acceptable to Seller executed
                  and delivered at Closing.  The guarantee and payment of
                  amounts outstanding under the Note shall be subordinate to
                  senior debt of Hudson and Hudson Properties not to exceed
                  $30,000,000.

         2.2.3.   Buyer shall pay to Seller the balance of the Puchase  Price by
                  wire transfer of  immediately  available  funds on the Closing
                  Date.

         2.3.     Escrow Agent shall hold the Deposit in an interest-bearing
                  account.  In the event of a termination of this Agreement
                  pursuant to Sections 22.1-22.5, (unless the Buyer, Hudson
                  Properties or Hudson is in default under this Agreement or has
                  made a material misrepresentation or failed to obtain a
                  consent or satisfy a condition or contingency solely within
                  the control of Hudson, Hudson Properties or Buyer) the Escrow
                  Agent shall release the Deposit to Buyer, and Seller shall
                  have no further liability hereunder.  In the event of Buyer's,
                  Hudson Properties' or Hudson's default hereunder, the Escrow
                  Agent shall release the Deposit to Seller, and Buyer's
                  liability hereunder shall be limited to said Deposit, which
                  shall be deemed liquidated damages to Seller and Seller's sole
                  remedy for the loss of its bargain (provided such limitation
                  shall not be applicable to a default by Buyer, Hudson or
                  Hudson Properties of any covenants other than the obligation
                  to purchase the Premises, for which such other defaults the
                  Seller retains all of its rights and remedies at law and in
                  equity).  Any interest earned on the Deposit prior to Closing
                  shall be payable to Buyer, unless Buyer, Hudson or Hudson
                  Properties defaults hereunder, in which case it shall be the
                  property of Seller as additional liquidated damages.

         2.4.     Seller will pay all existing  assessments and  installments of
                  assessments for local  improvements  due and payable as of the
                  Closing  Date.  Seller  has no  knowledge  of  any  additional
                  assessment  not appearing on the current tax roll or of record
                  title.

                                        3


<PAGE>



3.       Prorations.  The  following  accounts  shall be  prorated as of Closing
         between Seller, Seller's Tenant and Buyer:

         3.1.     Real estate taxes and assessments and personal  property taxes
                  for the current fiscal year.

         3.2.     Utility and telephone charges, water and sewer charges and
                  rents.

         3.3.     All current rents and amounts  payable under leases,  service,
                  supply,  operating and maintenance  contracts  assigned to and
                  assumed by Buyer,  as set forth  herein,  to the  extent  same
                  shall cover periods prior to Closing.

         3.4.     Current  rents,  revenues  and  other  payments  due under any
                  office, shop, lounge and store leases, or under any license or
                  concession  agreement assigned to and assumed by Buyer, as set
                  forth herein.

         3.5.     Amounts paid or payable as fees for permits and licenses which
                  are  assigned and  assignable  hereunder by Seller or Seller's
                  Tenant to Buyer.

         3.6.     Prepaid advertising fees and charges, and other prepaid
                  expenses.

4. Adjustments. The following adjustments and purchases or credits shall be made
at Closing:

         4.1.     Buyer shall purchase from Seller's Tenant, accounts receivable
                  of  registered  guests  who  have  not  checked  out  and  are
                  occupying rooms on the evening  preceding  Closing (the "Guest
                  Tray Ledger"). All other accounts receivable originating prior
                  to Closing shall belong to and be the responsibility of Seller
                  or Seller's Tenant.  Buyer shall have no obligation to collect
                  any such accounts receivable,  but in the event Buyer collects
                  same, it shall remit such amount collected to Seller's Tenant.

         4.2.     Seller  shall  cause  Seller's  Tenant  to  transfer   advance
                  deposits on future room bookings to Buyer at Closing.

         4.3.      Room revenue from rooms occupied on the evening preceding the
                   Closing will be divided equally  between  Seller's Tenant and
                   Buyer.

         4.4.     Cash on hand in the front desk bank at the each  property will
                  be credited to Seller's Tenant.

         4.5      To the extent that the  Inventory  fails to meet the standards
                  set forth in Section 17.14, Seller's Tenant shall pay to Buyer
                  the value of the deficiency.  To the extent that the Inventory
                  exceeds those  standards,  Buyer shall pay to Seller's  Tenant
                  the value of such excess.  Buyer shall have a period of thirty
                  (30) days following Closing to verify the Inventory.

5.       Contingencies.

The  consummation  of the  transactions  contemplated by this Agreement shall be
contingent   upon  the   satisfaction   of  the  following   conditions   (which
contingencies  shall be deemed  waived  unless this  Agreement is  terminated by
written notice by the terminating party to the other party prior to the

                                        4


<PAGE>



expiration of the Feasibility Period), in addition to the conditions set forth
elsewhere in this Agreement:

         5.1.     That  Buyer  shall  have  received  a written  commitment  for
                  financing  of  this  purchase  in  the  form  and  upon  terms
                  satisfactory  to Buyer in its  sole and  absolute  discretion.
                  This contingency shall be deemed to be satisfied upon delivery
                  of the evidence called for in Section 6.11.

         5.2.     That Buyer shall not have exercised its right to terminate the
                  contract during the Feasibility  Period, as defined in Section
                  6.

         5.3.     The respective  Boards of Directors of Seller, of Buyer and of
                  Hudson shall have approved this transaction.

6.       Feasibility Period.


         6.1.     Buyer shall have a period ending September   28, 1997 (the
                  "Feasibility Period") to review the Inspection Items and to
                  otherwise complete its due diligence investigation and
                  inspection of the Premises.  Buyer shall have the right to
                  terminate this Agreement at any time prior to the expiration
                  of the Feasibility Period, by written notice to Seller and
                  Escrow Agent (the "Termination Notice"), if Buyer is
                  dissatisfied with any aspect of the Purchased Assets in
                  Buyer's sole discretion.  If Buyer shall terminate this
                  Agreement pursuant to this Section 6.1 on or before the last
                  day of the Feasibility Period, then Buyer shall be entitled to
                  a refund of the Deposit and all accrued interest thereon.  If
                  Buyer shall not have provided notice of termination of this
                  Agreement pursuant to this Section 6.1 during the Feasibility
                  Period, then from and after the Feasibility Period Buyer shall
                  be deemed to have waived its right to terminate this Agreement
                  as permitted under this Section 6.1 and Section 5 and to
                  accept the Premises in their present condition.


         6.2      The term "Inspection Items" shall mean copies of the following
                  documents  (to the extent in the  possession or control of the
                  Seller or Seller's Tenant):

                  (a)      any   title    policies,    environmental    reports,
                           engineering studies, the PIP's referred to in Section
                           6.5 below,  and surveys of or with  respect to any of
                           the Premises;
                  (b)      the Contracts;
                  (c)      financial statements (the "Financial Statements") for
                           each hotel  property  prepared  and  certified by the
                           owner  thereof  (including  balance  sheets,   income
                           statements  and  statements  of changes in  financial
                           condition)  for calendar  years 1995 and 1996 and for
                           the  first  and  second  calendar  quarters  of 1997,
                           together with an itemized breakdown of room sales per
                           month, occupancy and ADR for such periods;
                  (d)      the  existing  audited   financial   statements  (the
                           "Audited  Financials") for the properties in Seller's
                           possession or control, if any;
                  (e)      any guest registration records (which shall be
                           available at the property),

                                        5


<PAGE>



                           operating licenses and permits, certificates of
                           occupancy, municipal approvals and other governmental
                           permits;
                  (f)      any  books  and  records  of  the  operations  of the
                           Premises  necessary  to confirm  the  accuracy of the
                           Financial Statements and the Audited Financials;
                  (g)      The leases  currently  in force with  respect to each
                           hotel   property;    and   (h)   All   architectural,
                           engineering  and other  plans  relating  to any hotel
                           property.

         6.3      Buyer  shall be  responsible  at its  expense  to  obtain  new
                  Franchise  Agreements  in  connection  with  the  sale  of the
                  Purchased  Assets of Buyer.  Seller  agrees,  at no expense to
                  itself,  to assist Buyer in obtaining  Promus  Hotels,  Inc.'s
                  cooperation  in this regard.  The franchise  application  fees
                  which are required to be paid by franchisor in connection with
                  obtaining  new  Franchise  Agreements or the sale of Purchased
                  Assets shall be paid by Buyer to franchisor at or prior to the
                  Closing.

         6.4      The Seller agrees to bring all hotel properties located on the
                  Premises up to Hampton Inn  standards set forth in the Product
                  Improvement  Plan  ("PIP")  issued by Promus  Hotels,  Inc. in
                  connection with the June,  1997  acquisition by Seller of such
                  hotel properties,  provided, however, that Seller shall not be
                  required  to  spend  more  than  an  aggregate  of  $4,475,600
                  therefor (which amount includes  amounts  expended by Seller's
                  seller  and  reimbursed  by Seller on the  properties  for the
                  June, 1997 PIP). Unless Buyer has, on or before the expiration
                  of the Feasibility Period,  terminated this Agreement,  Buyer,
                  at the expense of Hudson and the Buyer,  shall comply with the
                  requirements  of any PIP required by Promus Hotels,  Inc. with
                  respect  to  the  purchase  of the  Buyer  of  the  hotel  and
                  performing  any work with  respect  to the  June,  1997 PIP in
                  excess  of the work done by Seller  for the  aggregate  sum of
                  $4,475,600 as set forth above.

         6.5      The franchise  application  fees which are required to be paid
                  by  franchisor  in  connection  with  obtaining  new Franchise
                  Agreements  or the sale of  Purchased  Assets shall be paid by
                  Buyer to franchisor at or prior to the Closing.

         6.6      Seller  and  Buyer  shall   cooperate  and  take  all  actions
                  necessary, in a diligent and expeditious manner, to effectuate
                  the  inspections  and reviews  contemplated  by this Section 6
                  during the Feasibility Period. Subject to prior written notice
                  to  the  Seller's   Tenant  and  the   reasonable   rules  and
                  regulations   of  the   Seller's   Tenant,   Buyer   and   its
                  representatives  and agents  shall be provided  with access to
                  the Premises at all reasonable  times, in order to inspect the
                  Premises,  including  but not limited to,  taking soil samples
                  and  test  borings  and  conducting   environmental   studies,
                  engineering  studies  and other such  inspections  and reviews
                  reasonably  necessary to determine the condition and financial
                  status of the Purchased Assets.

         6.7      Buyer,  Hudson  Properties and Hudson  covenant and agree that
                  the  Premises  shall not be damaged or  impaired in any way as
                  the  result  of its  activities  on the  Premises  during  the
                  Feasibility  Period,  and hereby  agrees to indemnify and hold
                  Seller and  Seller's  Tenant  harmless  from and  against  any
                  claims,  causes  of  action,   damages,   expenses  (including
                  attorneys'  fees) or liabilities  of whatsoever  nature to the
                  extent  incident to,  resulting from or in any way arising out
                  of the presence in, on or about

                                        6


<PAGE>



                  the Premises of Buyer,  or Buyer's agents or  representatives,
                  or out of any test or inspection conducted by or any other act
                  or omission of Buyer on the  Premises.  Such  indemnity  shall
                  survive the Closing or any  termination  of this Agreement and
                  shall not be limited to the Deposit.

         6.8      Buyer shall make all  inspections  provided for herein in good
                  faith and with due diligence.  All inspection fees,  appraisal
                  fees,   engineering  fees  and  other  expenses  of  any  kind
                  (including,   without   limitation,    expenses   related   to
                  environmental  and  engineering  studies)  incurred  by  Buyer
                  relating  to the  inspection  of the  Premises  will be solely
                  Buyer's and Hudson's expenses and will be paid timely by Buyer
                  and  Hudson,  except  that Buyer and  Hudson  shall not become
                  liable solely by virtue of this sentence for remediation costs
                  relating to Hazardous  Materials (as defined below) discovered
                  by  Buyer or  Hudson  on any  hotel  property.  Seller  hereby
                  reserves the right to have a  representative  of Seller or the
                  Seller's  Tenant  present  at the  time  of  making  any  such
                  inspection.  In making any inspection  hereunder,  Buyer will,
                  and will cause any  representative of Buyer to, use discretion
                  so as to not disrupt the operations of Seller's  Tenant or any
                  guest, tenant or customer of the Premises.  Buyer shall notify
                  Seller's  Tenant not less than one (1) business day in advance
                  of making any such inspection.

         6.9      If Buyer shall validly  terminate  this  Agreement  during the
                  Feasibility  Period  pursuant  to  this  Section  6, or if the
                  Closing shall  otherwise fail to occur,  Buyer shall return to
                  Seller the originals  and all copies of all material  relating
                  to the Premises  furnished to Buyer by Seller pursuant to this
                  Agreement  and shall not make or retain  any  copies  thereof,
                  together with copies of any materials relating to the Premises
                  obtained by Buyer, Hudson or their consultants with respect to
                  the Premises.

         6.10     Buyer shall provide to Seller by August 15, 1997,  evidence of
                  Buyer's  unconditional  ability to finance the  acquisition of
                  the Premises and the payment of the Purchase Price pursuant to
                  Section 2.2 of this Agreement. Seller agrees that for purposes
                  hereof, a comfort letter from Buyer's prospective lender which
                  provides  reasonable  assurances  as to  the  availability  of
                  financing shall constitute such evidence.

         6.11     It is understood  that Buyer's lender will conduct its own due
                  diligence  in   connection   with  the  lending  and  ultimate
                  securitization   of  the  loan.  Seller  agrees  to  cooperate
                  reasonably with Buyer,  Buyer's lender, and its agents, and to
                  cause  Seller's  Tenant  to  so  cooperate,   to  provide  the
                  necessary  access and  information to enable Buyer's lender to
                  complete its due diligence.

         6.12     If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to this Section 6 and
                  the Deposit is disbursed as set forth in this  Section,  then,
                  except as specifically  set forth in this  Agreement,  neither
                  party  shall  have  any  further  obligations  or  liabilities
                  hereunder.

7    Conduct of Business to Closing. Seller covenants,  represents and warrants,
     until the completion of the Closing,  unless otherwise agreed in writing by
     Buyer, that:

         7.1.     Seller  shall cause the  Seller's  Tenant to  continue  normal
                  maintenance and management of each such property and operation
                  and marketing of the hotel business

                                        7


<PAGE>



                  in the ordinary course of business consistent with prior
                  practice.

         7.2.     Seller and Seller's Tenant shall not engage in any sale or
                  enter into any transaction, contract or commitment, or incur
                  any liability or obligation, other than in the ordinary course
                  of business, which would materially, adversely affect the
                  Purchased Assets and Seller shall not enter into any new
                  contract, lease or agreement regarding any hotel property
                  unless such contract, lease or agreement shall not be binding
                  upon Buyer or shall be terminable upon not more than 30 days'
                  notice.  Neither Seller nor Seller's Tenant shall prepay
                  expenses, whether under a contract or otherwise, except in the
                  ordinary course of business consistent with prior practice;

         7.3.     Seller  shall cause  Seller's  Tenant to carry and continue in
                  force  through the  Closing  Date  current  levels of fire and
                  extended coverage insurance,  as well as theft,  liability and
                  other current insurance coverage,  it being agreed that in the
                  event of a casualty  prior to the Closing Date, the rights and
                  liabilities  of the parties  shall be determined in accordance
                  with Paragraph 11 hereof;

         7.4.     Seller  and  Seller's  Tenant  shall  not  amend,   modify  or
                  terminate any Contract  without Buyer's consent (which consent
                  shall  not be  required  if such  amendment,  modification  or
                  termination   would  not  be  binding  upon  the  Buyer  after
                  Closing), except as provided in Section 15 hereof;

         7.5.     Seller  shall use its best  efforts to  preserve in good order
                  all  papers and  records  in  Seller's  or  Seller's  Tenant's
                  possession relating to the Purchased Assets;

         7.6.     Seller shall cause Seller's  Tenant to repair and maintain the
                  Purchased  Assets in good state of repair  through the Closing
                  Date,  ordinary wear and tear excepted,  and shall not dispose
                  of any or any part of same,  or remove any or any part of same
                  from the Premises;

         7.7.     Seller shall cause Seller's  Tenant to conduct its business in
                  all  respects  so as to be in  compliance  with all  terms and
                  conditions of the Franchise  Agreement  relating to each hotel
                  property.

8.       Closing.

The closing of the transactions  contemplated  herein (the "Closing") shall take
place in Memphis,  Tennessee at the offices of Seller,  on September 30, 1997 at
10:00 AM or such other date and place as the parties hereto shall mutually agree
upon (the "Closing Date"). Time shall be considered to be of the essence of this
Agreement.


                                        8


<PAGE>



9.       Conditions of Closing.

Closing of the transactions hereunder shall take place provided:

         9.1.     The  contingencies  set forth in Paragraph 5 hereof shall have
                  been  satisfied,  waived or  deemed  to be  waived  due to the
                  failure of this Agreement to be terminated in a timely manner.
         9.2.     All of the  covenants  to be  performed  by  Seller  and Buyer
                  contained  in this  Agreement  will have been  performed on or
                  before Closing.

         9.3.     The  Purchased  Assets  shall  be in  substantially  the  same
                  condition  as of the  date  hereof,  ordinary  wear  and  tear
                  excluded.

         9.4.     Seller  shall have  received no notice of  material  violation
                  with respect to the Premises from any governmental authority.

         9.5.     The  representations  and  warranties  of Seller  and of Buyer
                  contained  herein shall be materially  true and correct on and
                  as of the Closing Date, as though they had been made on and as
                  of the Closing Date.

         9.6.     Seller and  Seller's  Tenant  have  complied  in all  material
                  respects with all  applicable  laws,  rules,  regulations  and
                  ordinances relating to the Purchased Assets.


10.      Closing Obligations of the Parties.

         10.1     At Closing,  Seller shall execute and deliver,  cause Seller's
                  Tenant to execute and deliver, or deliver, as appropriate,  to
                  Buyer the following items:

                  10.1.1       The several Deeds with respect to the Premises;

                  10.1.2       The  several   Bills  of  Sale  to  transfer  the
                               Personal  Property in the form attached hereto as
                               Exhibit III;

                  10.1.3       The several Bills of Sale for Inventory in the
                               form attached hereto as Exhibit IV;

                                        9


<PAGE>



                  10.1.4       Assignments and Assumptions of Contracts from
                               Seller's Tenant in the form attached hereto as
                               Exhibit V;

                  10.1.5       Assignment of Owner's Permits,  intangible rights
                               and  warranties  and  guarantees  relating to the
                               condition of the several hotel properties;

                  10.1.6       Assignment  of  Operator's  Permits,   intangible
                               property,  guest  ledgers,  customer  and mailing
                               lists, brochures and telephone numbers;

                  10.1.7       Originals, if available, or otherwise copies of
                               Contracts and Permits, which may be delivered at
                               the respective hotel property;

                  10.1.8       Any and all business  records and papers  related
                               to the  ownership  of  each  hotel  property  not
                               previously  provided,  which may be  delivered at
                               the respective hotel property;

                  10.1.9       Any and all architectural,  engineering and other
                               plans prepared for or used in connection with the
                               construction of the building and  improvements on
                               the  Premises in  Seller's  or Seller's  Tenant's
                               possession  or control  which may be delivered at
                               the respective hotel;

                  10.1.10      Certified   copies  of   resolutions   of  Seller
                               authorizing  the execution of this  Agreement and
                               the consummation of the transactions contemplated
                               herein;

                  10.1.11      An opinion of Seller's counsel, dated as of the
                               Closing Date,  stating (a) Seller's corporate
                               existence and good standing are as stated in
                               Section 18.1 hereof; (b) except as may be
                               specified by such counsel, they do not know or
                               have any reasonable grounds to know of any
                               litigation, proceeding, suit, action, controversy
                               or claim existing, pending or threatened against
                               Seller challenging the validity of this
                               Agreement; (c) the instruments executed and
                               delivered to by Seller to Buyer have been duly
                               authorized, executed and delivered (subject only
                               to bankruptcy, creditors rights and general
                               principles of equity);

                  10.1.12      All necessary  releases or payoff letters of lien
                               or  financing  statements,  pursuant to Paragraph
                               13.1 hereof;

                  10.1.13      Tenancy and title affidavit as may be reasonably
                               and customarily required by the title company;

                  10.1.14      Proof of payment of all current taxes due which,
                               if unpaid, would constitute a lien on the
                               Premises;

                  10.1.15      Terminations of all management agreements and the
                               Crossroads lease affecting any hotel property;
                               and

                  10.1.16      Such  other  documents  and  instruments  as  are
                               required by this Agreement to effectuate the sale
                               of property similar to the Purchased Assets.

         10.2 At  Closing,  Buyer  shall  execute  and  deliver  to  Seller  the
following items:

                                       10


<PAGE>



                  10.2.1       Certified  copies of resolutions of Buyer's Board
                               of Directors  authorizing  the  execution of this
                               Agreement   and   the    consummation    of   the
                               transactions contemplated herein;

                  10.2.2       The cash portion of the balance of the Purchase
                               Price and such other payments provided for
                               herein;

                  10.2.3       The Note;

                  10.2.4       Written  evidence   reasonably   satisfactory  to
                               Seller  that  the  scheduled   repayment  of  the
                               mezzanine debt (the  "Mezzanine  Debt") of Hudson
                               and Hudson  Properties  to Nomura  Asset  Capital
                               Corporation  ("Nomura")  does not provide for the
                               payment of principal,  in whole or in part, prior
                               to the repayment of the  principal  amount of the
                               Note.

                  10.2.5       Assignment and Assumption of Contracts;

                  10.2.6       Checks to the order of the  appropriate  officers
                               in payment of all  applicable  real and  personal
                               property  transfer tax and copies of any required
                               tax returns executed therefor by Buyer;

                  10.2.7       An opinion of Buyer's counsel dated as of the
                               Closing Date,  stating (a) Buyer's corporate
                               existence and good standing are as stated in
                               Section 19 hereof; (b) except as may be specified
                               by such counsel, they do not know or have any
                               reasonable grounds to know of any litigation,
                               proceeding, suit, action, controversy or claim
                               existing, pending or threatened against Buyer
                               challenging the validity of this Agreement; (c)
                               the instruments executed and delivered by Buyer
                               to Seller have been duly authorized, executed and
                               delivered and are valid and enforceable in
                               accordance with their terms, (subject only to
                               bankruptcy, creditors rights and general
                               principles of equity); and (d) such other
                               opinions reasonably requested by Seller which are
                               customarily required by institutional lenders in
                               loan transactions such as that which is
                               contemplated by this Agreement and the Note.

                  10.2.8       Such  other  documents  and  instruments  as  are
                               required by this Agreement from the Buyer.

         10.3     At Closing,  Hudson  shall  execute and deliver or cause to be
                  executed and delivered to Seller:

                  10.3.1       Certified copies of resolutions of Hudson's Board
                               of Directors  authorizing  the  execution of this
                               Agreement   and   the    consummation    of   the
                               transactions contemplated herein;

                  10.3.2       Its Guaranty of the Note;

                  10.3.3       The Pledge Agreement;

                  10.3.4       An opinion of Hudson's counsel that the Guaranty,
                               and  the   Pledge   Agreement   have   been  duly
                               authorized, executed and delivered by Hudson

                                       11


<PAGE>



                               and are  the  valid  and  binding  obligation  of
                               Hudson enforceable in accordance with their terms
                               (subject only to bankruptcy, creditors rights and
                               general  equitable  principles)  and  such  other
                               opinions reasonably requested by Seller which are
                               customarily required by institutional  lenders in
                               loan   transactions   such  as  that   which   is
                               contemplated  by  this  Agreement  and  the  Note
                               including,    without    limitation,     opinions
                               substantially   setting   forth   each   of   the
                               representations  contained  in  Section  3 of the
                               Pledge  Agreement  (other then those contained in
                               paragraph  (K)   thereof),   provided  that  such
                               opinion of counsel may be appropriately qualified
                               as to  knowledge  with respect to certain of such
                               representations   and  may  expressly  state  its
                               reliance upon a certificate  of Hudson and Hudson
                               Properties   to   counsel   setting   forth   the
                               underlying factual basis for such opinions.

                  10.3.5       Its  covenant  and  agreement  not  to  make  any
                               voluntary prepayment, in whole or in part, of the
                               Mezzanine Debt or to amend the documentation with
                               respect to the Mezzanine Debt which would require
                               the  scheduled  payment,  in whole or in part, of
                               the  principal  amount of such Debt  prior to the
                               payment in full of the  principal  balance of the
                               Note.

                  10.3.6       Such  other  documents  and  instruments  as  are
                               required by this Agreement to effectuate the sale
                               of property similar to the Purchased Assets.

         10.4     At Closing,  Hudson  Properties  shall  execute and deliver or
                  cause to be executed and delivered to Seller:

                  10.4.1       Certified   copies  of   resolutions   of  Hudson
                               Properties  Board of  Directors  authorizing  the
                               execution of this Agreement and the  consummation
                               of the transactions contemplated herein;

                  10.4.2       Its Guaranty of the Note;

                  10.4.3       The Pledge and Irrevocable Proxy Security
                               Agreement; and

                  10.4.4       An opinion of Hudson Properties' counsel as to
                               the due authorization, issuance and non-
                               assessibility of the pledged Shares and that the
                               Guaranty and the Pledge and Irrevocable Proxy
                               Security Agreement have been duly authorized,
                               executed and delivered by Hudson Properties and
                               are the valid and binding obligations of Hudson
                               Properties enforceable in accordance with their
                               respective terms (subject only to bankruptcy,
                               creditors' rights and general equitable
                               principles) and such other opinions reasonably
                               requested by Seller which are customarily
                               required by institutional lenders in loan
                               transactions such as that which is contemplated
                               by this Agreement and the Note including, without
                               limitation, opinions substantially setting forth
                               each of the representations contained in Section
                               3 of the Pledge Agreement (other then those
                               contained in paragraph (K) thereof), provided
                               that such opinion of counsel may be appropriately
                               qualified as to knowledge with respect to certain

                                       12


<PAGE>



                               of such  representations  and may expressly state
                               its  reliance  upon a  certificate  of Hudson and
                               Hudson  Properties  to counsel  setting forth the
                               underlying factual basis for such opinions.

                  10.4.5       Its  covenant  and  agreement  not  to  make  any
                               voluntary prepayment, in whole or in part, of the
                               Mezzanine Debt or to amend the documentation with
                               respect to the Mezzanine Debt which would require
                               the  scheduled  payment,  in whole or in part, of
                               the  principal  amount of such Debt  prior to the
                               payment in full of the  principal  balance of the
                               Note.

11.     Risk of Loss.

The risk of  material  loss or damage to the  Purchased  Assets by fire or other
casualty or by taking by eminent  domain,  shall be assumed by Seller and,  upon
the happening of such event,  Buyer shall have the election of terminating  this
Agreement  with respect to the damaged  property or properties and proceeding on
the remainder without further liability hereunder or of completing this purchase
and receiving the insurance monies collectible by Seller for such loss or damage
or the award for such taking by eminent domain;  provided,  however,  that Buyer
shall not be entitled to elect to terminate  this Agreement if the amount of the
loss or damage to the Purchased Assets is less than $500,000.00.

12.     Title to Premises.

         12.1.    Conveyance of the Premises shall be made by special warrant
                  deed (or its equivalent), duly executed and acknowledged so as
                  to convey to Seller, Buyer good and marketable fee simple
                  title to the Premises free and clear of all liens and
                  encumbrances except as provided herein.  Such title shall be
                  marketable without exception other than the usual printed form
                  exceptions as would be set forth on a policy of fee title
                  insurance issued by a recognized title insurance company
                  licensed to do business in the state in which the particular
                  hotel property is located, and those exceptions agreed to in
                  Section 12.3.

         12.2.    Buyer shall at its cost prepare current  instrument  survey of
                  each hotel which is dated after the date hereof and  certified
                  to Seller, Buyer and Buyer's lender, prepared and certified in
                  accordance  with the  ALTA/ACSM  standards by a licensed  land
                  surveyor and provide a copy to Seller.

         12.3     Buyer shall accept title subject to the  following  conditions
                  and exceptions (the "Permitted Exceptions"):

                                       13


<PAGE>

                  12.3.1       any facts revealed by the redated and recertified
                               instrument survey, so long as such facts do not
                               render title unmarketable, disclose material
                               encroachments upon or over any boundary either by
                               an abutting landowner or an improvement on the
                               Premises, disclose violations of zoning
                               ordinances or other applicable land use
                               restrictions, or indicate a condition which may
                               interfere with the use of the Premises as a
                               hotel, which determination must be made by Buyer
                               by written notice thereof to the Seller prior to
                               the expiration of the Feasibility Period;

                  12.3.2       encumbrances,   restrictions   and  easements  of
                               record, applicable municipal or other ordinances,
                               laws, rules and regulations,  including,  without
                               limitation,  all  buildings,  zoning and planning
                               rules,  regulations and ordinances,  provided the
                               same do not render  title  unmarketable,  or will
                               not  interfere  with  the  intended  use  of  the
                               Premises as a hotel, which  determination must be
                               made by Buyer by  written  notice  thereof to the
                               Seller prior to the expiration of the Feasibility
                               Period;

                  12.3.3       liens of unpaid real estate taxes not yet due;

                  12.3.4       Such other  matters not  objected to by the Buyer
                               by written  notice thereof to the Seller prior to
                               the expiration of the Feasibility Period.

         12.4     During the  Feasibility  Period,  in the event Buyer learns of
                  the  existence  of a title  defect  which would  render  title
                  unmarketable  (other  than  those  which it  agrees  hereby to
                  accept),   Buyer  shall   promptly   notify  Seller  with  all
                  information  Buyer has about the same.  In such event,  Seller
                  shall,  within two (2) business days  following its receipt of
                  such notice  from  Buyer,  give notice to Buyer as to which of
                  such  defects it deems to be material.  Buyer may,  within two
                  (2) business  days  following  its receipt of Seller's  notice
                  (regardless of whether the  Feasibility  Period has expired or
                  not),  elect to  terminate  this  Contract  by giving  written
                  notice  thereof to Seller.  If Buyer does not  terminate  this
                  Contract within such two (2) day period,  (a) Seller shall use
                  its  reasonable  efforts  to cure or  correct,  at or prior to
                  Closing,  (i) all title defects which it has identified in its
                  notice to Buyer as being  material,  and (ii) any  other  such
                  defects which Seller agrees in writing to undertake to cure or
                  correct, and (b) Seller shall, at or prior to Closing, cure or
                  correct all title defects which were created  between the date
                  of  Seller's  acquisition  of the  premises  and  the  Closing
                  (whether or not the same have been  identified by Buyer in its
                  notice  to  Seller).  With  respect  to  all  remaining  title
                  defects, Seller shall, at no material expense to it, cooperate
                  with Buyer in  undertaking  any efforts to cure or correct the
                  same.  If  Seller  is unable  to cure or  correct  to  Buyer's
                  reasonable satisfaction any title defect it is required by the
                  terms hereof to use  reasonable  efforts to cure or correct or
                  is  required by the terms  hereof to cure or  correct,  Seller
                  shall  undertake  to obtain at its expense for any  additional
                  premium  required to insure over such  specific  defect (Buyer
                  remaining  liable  for the  basic  premium)  a policy of title
                  insurance by a recognized title insurance  company licensed to
                  do business in the state in which the  Premises is located and
                  acceptable  to  Buyer  which  shall  insure  the  title to the
                  Premises   without   exception   other   than  the   Permitted
                  Exceptions. Should Seller fail to obtain such title insurance,

                                       14


<PAGE>



                  Buyer may terminate  this  Agreement by giving Seller  written
                  notice thereof,  such termination to become effective upon the
                  giving of such notice,  and neither party shall be responsible
                  for damages to the other hereunder.

13.     Personal Property and Inventory.

         13.1.    Buyer shall obtain state and local UCC searches to the Closing
                  Date against Seller,  Seller's Seller and Seller's Tenant with
                  respect to  Purchased  Assets.  Buyer  shall  promptly  notify
                  Seller  of any  financing  statements  found to be filed  with
                  respect to the Purchased Assets,  together with a copy of such
                  report,  and Seller  shall  undertake  to obtain  releases  or
                  payoff  letters of them unless subject to capital leases to be
                  assumed by Buyer hereunder.

         13.2.    At a mutually  convenient time or times during the Feasibility
                  Period,  a  representative  of Buyer and  Seller's  Tenant may
                  inspect  and  inventory  all items of  Personal  Property  and
                  Inventory.  A representative of Seller and Seller's Tenant may
                  be present during the inspection and inventory.

         13.3     With respect to any item of Personal Property or Inventory for
                  which  Seller  cannot  obtain  releases as provided in Section
                  13.1  Buyer  may  elect  not to  purchase  the  item,  but the
                  Purchase Price shall not be adjusted accordingly.

         13.4     The  Personal   Property  and  Inventory  shall  be  sold  and
                  purchased   in  "as  is"   condition,   and  Seller  makes  no
                  representations whatsoever, express or implied, in relation to
                  same.

         13.5     With  respect  to all  items of  Personal  Property  which are
                  subject  of  warranties,  guaranties  or  service  agreements,
                  Seller  shall assign all of its rights under the same to Buyer
                  to the extent  possible,  and will cooperate with Buyer in the
                  enforcement of the same.

14       Indemnity Against Creditors' Claims.

The parties agree to waive the  requirements of the bulk transfer  provisions of
the applicable  Uniform Commercial Code or other applicable law, statue or rule.
Seller  will  indemnify  Buyer and hold it  harmless  against all claims made by
creditors of Seller,  including,  but not limited to, reasonable attorneys' fees
and  costs  of  defending  such  claims.  Seller  warrants  that  there  are  no
liabilities of any nature (accrued, absolute,  contingent or otherwise),  liens,
encumbrances  or security  interests on any of the  Purchased  Assets  except as
expressly provided herein.

15       Contracts.

On the Closing Date,  Seller shall cause Seller's  Tenant to assign to Buyer and
Buyer shall assume the  Contracts,  all of which Buyer shall have an opportunity
to review before the Closing Date. Seller shall cause Seller's Tenant to perform
all  Contracts,  insofar as they are  required by their terms to be performed by
Seller before the Closing Date and shall  indemnify  Buyer against any liability
or expense  arising  out of any breach or default  occurring  before the Closing
Date. Buyer shall indemnify Seller

                                       15


<PAGE>



and Seller's  Tenant against any liability or expense  arising out of any breach
of such  Contracts  occurring  after the Closing  Date.  Buyer  shall  assume no
liability  for any contract made by Seller which is not listed in Schedule B. In
addition, and not by way of limitation of the foregoing disclaimer,  Buyer shall
assume no liability for any employee,  employed by Seller or Seller's  Tenant or
at the Premises,  and  regardless of whether the employment of such employee was
pursuant to written agreement or otherwise.  Further,  Seller shall terminate as
of Closing the lease with Seller's Tenant relating to each hotel property.

16       Possession.

Possession  of the  Purchased  Assets as described  herein shall be delivered by
Seller to Buyer at Closing subject to the Permitted Exceptions.

17       Warranties and Representations of Seller.

Seller represents and warrants to Buyer as follows:

         17.1     Seller  is  a  limited  partnership  duly  organized,  validly
                  existing and in good  standing  under the laws of the State of
                  Tennessee  and has  qualified  to do  business  and is in good
                  standing in each state where a hotel property is located,  and
                  has full power and authority to carry on its current  business
                  and to own, use and sell its assets and properties.

         17.2     Seller  has  full  power  and   authority  and  all  necessary
                  approvals  to enter into this  Agreement.  The  execution  and
                  delivery of this Agreement and the  transactions  contemplated
                  hereby  do not and  will  not  violate  any  provision  of any
                  agreement,  document, or instrument to which Seller is a party
                  or by which Seller is bound, except as otherwise noted in this
                  Agreement.  Seller has made no other agreements with any other
                  party  with  respect  to  the  Purchased  Assets  which  would
                  adversely affect the transactions contemplated hereby.

         17.3     There  is as of the date  hereof  no  litigation,  proceeding,
                  suit, action,  controversy, or claim existing, pending, or, to
                  the best of  Seller's  knowledge,  threatened  against  Seller
                  which might  materially,  adversely affect the transfer of the
                  Purchased  Assets  to  Buyer.  At  Closing,  Seller  will have
                  complied with all laws, regulations, and ordinances applicable
                  to the transfer of the Purchased Assets. There are at the date
                  hereof and at Closing  there  will be no  judgments  existing,
                  whether or not filed,  against Seller or Seller's Tenant which
                  might affect the Purchased Assets, except as herein set forth.

         17.4     Seller has received no written  notices of any  violations  of
                  any laws, ordinances,  regulations,  rules or orders issued by
                  any federal,  state, or local governmental authority adversely
                  affecting the Premises, except as noted in this Agreement.

         17.5     To  Seller's  knowledge,  there are no  options  to  purchase,
                  rights  of first  refusal  or other  similar  agreements  with
                  respect  to the  Premises  which  give  anyone  the  right  to
                  purchase the Premises or any part thereof.  Neither Seller nor
                  to the knowledge of Seller,  Seller's Tenant is a party to any
                  contracts,  leases, or agreements,  written or oral, including
                  without limitation sales  representation  contracts,  purchase
                  contracts

                                       16


<PAGE>



                  or restrictive  agreements  which prohibit the consummation of
                  this Agreement,  except as reflected in the preliminary  title
                  report and Schedule C attached hereto.

         17.6     There are as of the date hereof no taxes  outstanding  against
                  the Purchased Assets, other than those for which adjustment in
                  the  Purchase  Price  are to be  made.  For  purposes  of this
                  paragraph,  taxes shall  include any and all  business-related
                  taxes,  including,  but not  limited to,  sales tax,  employee
                  income tax and F.I.C.A.  withholding,  employment  taxes,  and
                  business or license fees.

         17.7     Seller is not a foreign entity,  foreign corporation,  foreign
                  partnership,  foreign trust or foreign  estate (as those terms
                  are  defined  in the  Internal  Revenue  Code and  Income  Tax
                  regulations).

         17.8     To Seller's knowledge,  Seller has filed all federal,  estate,
                  county and local tax  returns  required  to be filed by Seller
                  and has paid all  taxes,  interest  and  penalties  that  have
                  become due and payable by Seller. To Seller's knowledge, there
                  is no tax deficiency or penalty owing with respect to Seller.

         17.9     The  Seller  has no  knowledge  of,  nor has it  received  any
                  written notice of, any special taxes or  assessments  relating
                  to any  hotel  property  or any part  thereof  or any  planned
                  public  improvements  that  may  result  in a  special  tax or
                  assessment  against any hotel  property which is not of public
                  record.

         17.10 Each hotel  property  contains,  as of the Closing Date, not less
than:

                  17.10.1      A sufficient  amount of  furniture,  furnishings,
                               color television  sets,  carpets,  drapes,  rugs,
                               floor coverings,  mattresses, pillows, bedspreads
                               and the like, to furnish each guest room, so that
                               each such guest room is, in fact, fully furnished
                               in accordance with current  Franchisor  standards
                               at the time of Seller's purchase; and

                  17.10.2      A sufficient amount of towels, washcloths and bed
                               linens,  together  with a  sufficient  supply  of
                               paper goods,  soaps,  cleaning supplies and other
                               such supplies and  materials,  as are  reasonably
                               adequate for the current  operations of the Hotel
                               in accordance with current  Franchisor  standards
                               at the time of Seller's purchase.

         17.11 The Seller has not received  written  notice that any Contract is
in default.

18.      Warranties and Representations of Buyer.

Hudson hereby represents and warrants to Seller as follows:

         18.1     Prior to the expiration of the Feasibility Period,  Buyer will
                  be a corporation duly organized,  validly existing and in good
                  standing under the laws of the State of New York and have full
                  power and  authority  to carry on its current  business and to
                  own, use and sell its assets and properties.

         18.2     Prior to the expiration of the Feasibility Period,  Buyer will
                  have full power and authority  and all necessary  approvals to
                  enter into this  Agreement.  Execution  and  delivery  of this
                  Agreement   and   the   consummation   of   the   transactions
                  contemplated hereby will have been duly authorized by Buyer's

                                       17


<PAGE>



                  Board of  Directors  prior to  expiration  of the  Feasibility
                  Period.  The execution and delivery of this  Agreement and the
                  transactions  contemplated  hereby do not and will not violate
                  any  provision of any  agreement,  document,  or instrument to
                  which Buyer is a party or by which  Buyer is bound,  except as
                  otherwise  noted in this  Agreement.  Buyer  has made no other
                  agreements  with any other party with respect to the Purchased
                  Assets   which  would   adversely   affect  the   transactions
                  contemplated hereby.

         18.3     There  is as of the date  hereof  no  litigation,  proceeding,
                  suit, action,  controversy, or claim existing, pending, or, to
                  the best of Buyer's knowledge,  threatened against Buyer which
                  might affect the Purchased  Assets or the transfer  thereof to
                  Buyer,  and  there  is no basis  known  to Buyer  for any such
                  litigation,  proceeding,  suit, action, controversy, or claim.
                  At  Closing,   Buyer  will  have   complied   with  all  laws,
                  regulations,  and  ordinances  applicable  to the  transfer of
                  Purchased Assets.  There are at the date hereof and at Closing
                  there will be no judgments or liens  existing,  whether or not
                  filed,  against Buyer which might affect the Purchased Assets,
                  except as herein set forth.

         18.4     Buyer is not a foreign entity,  foreign  corporation,  foreign
                  partnership,  foreign trust or foreign  estate (as those terms
                  are  defined  in the  Internal  Revenue  Code and  Income  Tax
                  regulations).

         18.5     The  representations  and  warranties  made by  Buyer  in this
                  Agreement  shall be true and correct in all material  respects
                  on and as of the Closing Date,  with the same force and effect
                  as though  they had been made on and as of the  Closing  Date,
                  except to the extent that such  representations and warranties
                  shall  be   incorrect   because  of  events  or  changes  (not
                  materially  and  adversely  affecting  the  Purchased  Assets)
                  occurring or arising after the date hereof.

19.      Warranties and Representations of Hudson

Hudson hereby represents and warrants to Seller as follows:

         19.1     Hudson is a corporation  duly organized,  validly existing and
                  in good  standing  under the laws of the State of New York and
                  has full power and authority to carry on its current  business
                  and to own, use and sell its assets and properties.

         19.2     Hudson  has  full  power  and   authority  and  all  necessary
                  approvals to enter into this Agreement. Execution and delivery
                  of this  Agreement and the  consummation  of the  transactions
                  contemplated  hereby  have been duly  authorized  by  Hudson's
                  Board  of  Directors.  The  execution  and  delivery  of  this
                  Agreement and the transactions  contemplated hereby do not and
                  will not violate any provision of any agreement,  document, or
                  instrument  to which  Hudson is a party or by which  Hudson is
                  bound, except as otherwise noted in this Agreement. Hudson has
                  made no other  agreements with any other party with respect to
                  the  Purchased   Assets  which  would  adversely   affect  the
                  transactions contemplated hereby.

         19.3     There is as of the date hereof no litigation, proceeding,
                  suit, action, controversy, or claim existing, pending, or, to

                                       18


<PAGE>



                  Hudson's  knowledge,  threatened  against  Hudson  which might
                  affect the Purchased Assets or the transfer thereof to Hudson,
                  and there is no basis known to Hudson for any such litigation,
                  proceeding,  suit, action,  controversy, or claim. At Closing,
                  Hudson  will have  complied  with all laws,  regulations,  and
                  ordinances  applicable  to the transfer of  Purchased  Assets.
                  There are at the date  hereof and at Closing  there will be no
                  judgments  or liens  existing,  whether or not filed,  against
                  Hudson  which might  affect the  Purchased  Assets,  except as
                  herein set forth.

         19.4     Hudson is not a foreign entity,  foreign corporation,  foreign
                  partnership,  foreign trust or foreign  estate (as those terms
                  are  defined  in the  Internal  Revenue  Code and  Income  Tax
                  regulations).

         19.5     The  representations  and  warranties  made by  Hudson in this
                  Agreement  shall be true and correct in all material  respects
                  on and as of the Closing Date,  with the same force and effect
                  as though  they had been made on and as of the  Closing  Date,
                  except to the extent that such  representations and warranties
                  shall  be   incorrect   because  of  events  or  changes  (not
                  materially  and  adversely  affecting  the  Purchased  Assets)
                  occurring or arising after the date hereof.

20.      Warranties and Representations of Hudson Properties

Hudson Properties hereby represents and warrants to Seller as follows:

         20.1     Hudson  Properties is a corporation  duly  organized,  validly
                  existing and in good  standing  under the laws of the State of
                  New York  and has full  power  and  authority  to carry on its
                  current  business  and to own,  use and  sell its  assets  and
                  properties.

         20.2     Hudson  Properties  has  full  power  and  authority  and  all
                  necessary  approvals to enter into this  Agreement.  Execution
                  and delivery of this  Agreement  and the  consummation  of the
                  transactions  contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by
                  Hudson  Properties'  Board of  Directors.  The  execution  and
                  delivery of this Agreement and the  transactions  contemplated
                  hereby  do not and  will  not  violate  any  provision  of any
                  agreement,  document, or instrument to which Hudson Properties
                  is a party or by which Hudson  Properties is bound,  except as
                  otherwise noted in this Agreement.  Hudson Properties has made
                  no other  agreements  with any other party with respect to the
                  Purchased Assets which would adversely affect the transactions
                  contemplated hereby.

         20.3     There  is as of the date  hereof  no  litigation,  proceeding,
                  suit, action,  controversy, or claim existing, pending, or, to
                  the best of Hudson Properties'  knowledge,  threatened against
                  Hudson  Properties  which might affect the Purchased Assets or
                  the  transfer  thereof to Hudson  Properties,  and there is no
                  basis  known to  Hudson  Properties  for any such  litigation,
                  proceeding,  suit, action,  controversy, or claim. At Closing,
                  Hudson   Properties   will  have   complied   with  all  laws,
                  regulations,  and  ordinances  applicable  to the  transfer of
                  Purchased Assets.  There are at the date hereof and at Closing
                  there will be no judgments or liens existing, whether or not

                                       19


<PAGE>



                  filed,  against  Hudson  Properties  which  might  affect  the
                  Purchased Assets, except as herein set forth.

         20.4     Hudson   Properties   is  not  a   foreign   entity,   foreign
                  corporation,  foreign  partnership,  foreign  trust or foreign
                  estate (as those  terms are  defined in the  Internal  Revenue
                  Code and Income Tax regulations).

         20.5     The  representations  and warranties made by Hudson Properties
                  in this  Agreement  shall be true and correct in all  material
                  respects  on and as of the Closing  Date,  with the same force
                  and  effect  as  though  they had  been  made on and as of the
                  Closing Date,  except to the extent that such  representations
                  and warranties shall be incorrect because of events or changes
                  (not materially and adversely  affecting the Purchased Assets)
                  occurring or arising after the date hereof.

                                       20


<PAGE>



21.      Brokerage.

The parties  hereto  agree that any  broker's  commission  payable to any agent,
broker or  realtor  as a result of the  Contract  shall be paid by  Seller,  and
Seller  agrees  to hold  Purchaser  harmless  from any  claim or cost for such a
commission.  Purchaser covenants that it has had no dealings in this transaction
with any agent, realtor, or broker other than Hotel Partners.

22.      Termination.

This Agreement may be terminated for the following reasons only:

         22.1     Mutual written consent of Buyer and Seller.

         22.2     At the sole  discretion  of Buyer for any reason  prior to the
                  expiration of the Feasibility Period.

         22.3     Valid objection to marketability of title to the Premises made
                  by written  notice  thereof from the Buyer to the Seller prior
                  to the expiration of the  Feasibility  Period and not cured by
                  satisfactory  title  insurance  or  otherwise,  as provided in
                  Section 12.4 hereof.

         22.4     If any material  representation  or warranty  contained herein
                  shall be untrue, so as to materially and adversely affect this
                  Agreement,  then the  party  to whom  such  representation  or
                  warranty has run may elect either to terminate  this Agreement
                  or waive in writing such breach.

         22.5     Failure to satisfy the conditions or contingencies set forth
                  herein.

         22.6     Default by either  party in the  performance  of any  material
                  term or  condition  of this  Agreement to be performed by that
                  party.

23.      Tax Status.

It is understood that neither of the parties hereto has made any representations
to the others as to the tax status or effect of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement, and each is taking separate counsel as to such matters.

24.      Limitations and Survival of Representations.

The Buyer and Hudson each  acknowledges  that it has or will conduct its own due
diligence  with  respect  to the  Purchased  Assets,  and,  except as  otherwise
expressly  provided herein,  shall accept the Purchased Assets "as is, where is"
and in its present condition,  subject to reasonable use, wear, tear and natural
deterioration between date hereof and the date of closing, without any reduction
in the  purchase  price for any change in such  condition.  Except as  expressly
provided in this Agreement, neither Seller nor Seller's Tenant has made and does
not make any  representations  or warranties,  either  express or implied,  with
respect to the  Seller,  Seller's  Tenant or the  Purchased  Assets,  including,
without  limitation,  the financial  performance  of the Purchased  Assets,  the
operations  of the  Purchased  Assets,  the  physical  condition,  fitness for a
particular purpose or merchantability of any of the Purchased Assets, the status
of title and survey with respect to the Purchased  Assets,  or the compliance of
the Seller or Seller's Tenant or the Purchased Assets with any law, ordinance or

                                       21


<PAGE>



regulation,  including,  without  limitation,  those related to the environment,
zoning,  land use,  subdivision  laws,  handicap  access or building  codes.  In
entering into this  Agreement,  Buyer nor Hudson has not been induced by and has
not relied upon any representations,  warranties or statements,  whether express
or implied, made by any third party, including,  without limitation, the Seller,
the broker or their agents,  employees or other  representatives  of the Seller,
Seller's Tenant or by any broker or any other person  representing or purporting
to represent  the Seller or Seller's  Tenant,  which are not expressly set forth
herein.

The representations,  warranties,  covenants, and agreements herein contained on
the part of each of the parties  shall be deemed and  construed to be continuing
representations,  warranties,  covenants,  and agreements that shall survive the
Closing  for the  period of one (1) year  after  Closing.  Seller and Buyer each
agree  respectively  to indemnify  and hold  harmless the other against and with
respect  to  all  damages,   deficiencies  or  liabilities  resulting  from  any
misrepresentations,  breach of warranty  or  nonfulfillment  of any  covenant or
agreement  on  the  part  of  each  respective  party  hereunder,  or  from  any
misrepresentation  in or  occasioned  by any  certificate  or  other  instrument
furnished or to be furnished by each of them,  respectively,  hereunder, and any
and all assessments,  judgments,  costs and legal and other reasonable  expenses
incidental to any of the foregoing.

25.      Covenant of Further Assurances.

From time to time,  before and for the period of six (6) months  after  Closing,
Seller will execute and deliver  such  further  instruments  of  conveyance  and
transfer reasonably requested and take such other action as Buyer reasonably may
require to more  effectively  convey and transfer to Buyer any of the  Purchased
Assets and otherwise fulfill its agreements hereunder,  and will assist Buyer in
its reduction to possession  of the Purchased  Assets.  From time to time before
and for a period of six (6) months after Closing,  Buyer,  Hudson Properties and
Hudson will  execute and deliver such  further  instruments  and take such other
actions as Seller  reasonably  may require with respect to this  Agreement,  the
Note, the Guaranty and the Security Agreement.

26.      Sales Tax.

Any sales tax payable in connection  with the transfer of the Personal  Property
shall be borne by Buyer.

27.      Expenses.

         27.1     Except as otherwise  specifically  provided herein, each party
                  shall pay its own expenses in connection  with this  Agreement
                  and the consummation of the transactions  contemplated herein.
                  In particular,  Buyer shall pay all transfer taxes, conveyance
                  fees,  documentary  stamps and other similar taxes and charges
                  imposed by any  governmental  authority in connection with the
                  conveyance  of the Premises to Buyer  regardless  of customary
                  practice in each  jurisdiction.  Buyer shall pay any recording
                  fees relating to the deeds and other instruments of conveyance
                  and any mortgage or deed of trust  recording  taxes or fees in
                  connection with the financing obtained by Buyer.

                                       22


<PAGE>



         27.2     Unless Seller is required to obtain title insurance because of
                  the  existence  of a title  defect which would render title to
                  the Premises  unmarketable as provided in Section 12.4 hereof,
                  and except to the extent of such title  insurance  obtained by
                  Seller,  Buyer  shall pay the  premiums  for fee or  mortgagee
                  title insurance with respect to the Premises.

28.      Miscellaneous.

         28.1     This Agreement  shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit
                  of the respective heirs, personal representatives, fiduciaries
                  and successors of Seller and Buyer.

         28.2     This Agreement may not be assigned by either party without the
                  prior written consent of the other party.

         28.3     Any and all notices or  communications  required or desired to
                  be  given  in  connection  with  this  Agreement  shall  be in
                  writing,   sent  by  registered  or  certified  mail,  postage
                  prepaid,  return receipt requested, or by overnight courier to
                  the  parties at the  address  set forth above or to such other
                  address  as either  party may from time to time  designate  in
                  writing  to the  other  party,  and  shall be  effective  upon
                  receipt.

         28.4     This  Agreement  shall be construed and enforced in accordance
                  with the laws of the state where the applicable hotel property
                  is located,  but the Note, the Pledge Agreement and the Escrow
                  Agreement shall be governed by New York law;

         28.5     A waiver by either party of a breach of any  provision of this
                  Agreement  shall not operate as or be construed as a waiver of
                  any other subsequent breach thereof or of any other provision.

         28.6     This  Agreement and the Schedules and Exhibits  hereto annexed
                  represent the entire agreement between the parties hereto with
                  respect  to the  transactions  contemplated  hereby and may be
                  modified only by a subsequent written document executed by the
                  party to be charged therewith.

         28.7     The headings of the  paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted
                  for  convenience  only  and do not  constitute  a part of this
                  Agreement.

         28.8     This  Agreement may be signed in  counterparts,  each of which
                  shall be deemed to be an  original  and all of which  together
                  shall constitute one and the same instrument.

         28.9     Seller  and  Buyer  agree  to   structure   the   transactions
                  contemplated  by this Agreement as a tax-deferred  exchange of
                  real estate by Seller, and Buyer agrees to execute and deliver
                  any  documents  reasonably  requested by Seller to  effectuate
                  such exchange.


                                       23


<PAGE>



IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  the parties have duly executed this Agreement as of the day
and year first written above.

                                BUYER:

                                HUDSON HOTELS CORPORATION
                                as agent for a New York Corporation to be formed

Date:  August 12, 1997          By:      /s/ E. Anthony Wilson
                                         ----------------------
                                Name:    E. Anthony Wilson
                                Title:   President

                                HUDSON HOTELS PROPERTIES CORP.
                                as agent for a New York corporation to be formed

                                By:      /s/ Bruce A. Sahs
                                        -------------------
                                Name:   Bruce A. Sahs
                                Title:  President

                                SELLER:

                                EQUITY INNS PARTNERSHIP, L.P.

Date:  August 12, 1997          By:  EQUITY INNS TRUST,
                                General Partner

                                By:     /s/ Ronald Cooper
                                        -------------------
                                Name:   Ronald Cooper
                                Title:  Assistant Secretary

                                HUDSON:

                                HUDSON HOTELS CORPORATION

Date:  August 12, 1997          By:     /s/ E. Anthony Wilson
                                        ----------------------

                                Name:   E. Anthony Wilson
                                Title:  President and Chief Executive Officer

                                HUDSON HOTELS
                                PROPERTIES CORP.

Date:  August 12, 1997          By:     /s/ Bruce A. Sahs
                                        ------------------
                                Name:   Bruce A. Sahs
                                Title:  President

                                       24



<PAGE>


Crossroads  Future  Company,  L.L.C.,  Seller's  Tenant,  joins in the execution
hereof for the  purpose of  consenting  to the  provisions  hereof  relating  to
Seller's  Tenant and agreeing to reasonably  cooperate  with Seller and Buyer in
consummation of this Agreement and to execute and deliver the documents required
to be delivered by Seller's Tenant hereunder.

                                CROSSROADS FUTURE
                                 COMPANY, L.L.C.


                                By:     /s/ Timothy Q. Hudak
                                        ---------------------
                                Name:   Timothy Q. Hudak
                                Title:  Assistant Secretary


List of Schedules

A - Legal Descriptions
B - Schedule of Contracts


List of Exhibits

I -   Note
II -  Reserved
III - Bill of Sale (Personal Property)
IV -  Bill of Sale (Inventory)
V -   Assignment and Assumption of Contracts

                                       25


<PAGE>



                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.2

                         HOTEL ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                              AMENDMENT NUMBER ONE

         This Amendment is made and entered into the 26th day of September,
1997, by and between Hudson Hotels Corporation ("Hudson"), Hudson Hotels
Properties Corp. ("Hudson Properties"), HH Properties-II, Inc. ("HHP-II" or the
"Buyer") and Equity Inns Partnership, L.P. ("Seller").

         WHEREAS,  Hudson, Hudson Properties and Seller are parties to a certain
hotel Asset  Purchase  Agreement  dated August 12, 1997 pursuant to which Seller
has agreed to sell to Buyer nine (9) hotel properties identified therein; and

         WHEREAS,  Hudson and Hudson  Properties  have caused HH  Properties-II,
Inc., a New York corporation, to be incorporated to act as Buyer thereunder; and

         WHEREAS, the parties have agreed to amend the Hotel Asset Purchase
Agreement as set forth herein;

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements
hereinafter contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:

         The  purchase price as set forth in Section 1 of the Agreement shall be
              $46,250,000,  of  which  $4,000,000  shall  be  represented  by  a
              Promissory  Note in  substantially  the form attached  hereto (and
              subject  to  the  other  requirements  of  Section  2.2.2  of  the
              Agreement), and the balance paid pursuant to Section 2.2.3.

         The  Closing  Date shall be October  31,  1997 at 10:00  A.M.,  or such
              other date as the parties  hereto shall mutually agree upon. It is
              anticipated  that the  parties  will meet on October  30,  1997 to
              commence the closing process.

         With respect  to  the  Product   Improvement  Plan  (PIP)  improvements
              required to be made  pursuant to the PIP issued by the  Franchisor
              in connection with the Seller's  purchase of the Premises in June,
              1997,  it is the intent of the parties that Seller shall  contract
              for and  undertake  the  completion  of all  such PIP work for the
              Premises. Seller shall notify Buyer upon completion of the PIPs at
              each  property,  and Buyer may inspect the  property to review the
              completion thereof. To the extent that such PIPs are not completed
              prior to closing, Seller shall escrow with Chicago Title Insurance
              Company at closing 125% of its  unexpended  obligation to complete
              the PIPs.  Such  escrow  shall be funded  by the cash  payable  at
              closing.  Buyer  hereby  grants to Seller and its agents a license
              (which  license  shall be  deemed  coupled  with an  interest  and
              non-revocable  until the escrow is  released  hereunder,  provided
              that Seller shall proceed with reasonable dispatch to complete the
              PIP work) to complete  the PIP work after  closing.  Seller  shall
              coordinate  with Buyer after closing to ensure that the completion
              of the PIP work does not  unreasonably  disrupt the  operations of
              the hotel in question.  If Seller  successfully  completes all PIP
              work  referred  to  herein,   then   notwithstanding   the  escrow
              requirement herein, Seller's maximum expenditures for the PIP work
              shall  not  exceed  the  amount  set forth in  section  6.4 of the
              Agreement and Buyer shall


<PAGE>



              be liable for all  amounts  expended  in excess of that  amount to
              complete  the PIPs.  Upon  completion  of the PIP by Seller to the
              satisfaction  of the  Franchisor,  Buyer  shall  direct the escrow
              agent to remit to Seller the  unexpended  balance of the  Seller's
              escrowed funds.

         1.   The forms of the Note,  the Guarantee and the Pledge  Agreement to
              be  executed  and  delivered  at Closing  are  attached  hereto as
              Exhibits A, B, and C.

         2.   The  Feasibility  Period  as  defined  in the  Agreement  shall be
              extended to September 29, 1997 at 5:00 pm EDT.

         3.   Except as  specifically  set forth  herein,  the  Agreement  shall
              remain in full force and effect, unamended.






<PAGE>


     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed this Agreement as of the
dates set forth below.



Date: September 26, 1997        BUYER:

                                HH PROPERTIES-II,INC.

                                /s/  E. Anthony Wilson
                                -----------------------



                                SELLER:

Date: September 26, 1997        EQUITY INNS PARTNERSHIP, L.P.

                                By: EQUITY INNS TRUST,
                                General Partner

                                By:     /s/ Phillip H. McNeill
                                        ----------------------
                                Name:   Phillip H. McNeill
                                Title:  Chief Executive Officer


Date: September 26, 1997        HUDSON
                                HUDSON HOTELS CORPORATION

                                By:     /s/ E. Anthony Wilson
                                        ----------------------
                                Name:   E. Anthony Wilson
                                Title:  Chairman

                                HUDSON HOTELS PROPERTIES CORP.
Date: September 26, 1997
                                By:     /s/ E. Anthony Wilson
                                -----------------------------
                                Name:   E. Anthony Wilson
                                Title:  Chairman

ACKNOWLEDGED:                   CROSSROADS FUTURE COMPANY, LLC

                                By:     /s/ Timothy Q. Hudak
                                ----------------------------


<PAGE>



                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.3


                          DATED AS OF OCTOBER 10, 1997

                                      AMONG

                          EQUITY INNS PARTNERSHIP, L.P.

                                       AND

                  EQUITY INNS/WEST VIRGINIA PARTNERSHIP, L.P.,

                                   AS BORROWER

                                       AND

                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO

                                       AND

                         CREDIT LYONNAIS NEW YORK BRANCH

                                       AND

                                  AMSOUTH BANK,

                                   AS LENDERS

                                       AND

                        CREDIT LYONNAIS NEW YORK BRANCH,

                              AS SYNDICATION AGENT

                                       AND

                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO,

                             AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT



<PAGE>



                      UNSECURED REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT


        THIS UNSECURED  REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT is entered into as of October
10, 1997, by and among the following:

        EQUITY INNS PARTNERSHIP,  L.P., a Tennessee limited  partnership  having
its principal place of business at c/o Equity Inns, Inc., 4735 Spottswood, Suite
201, Memphis, Tennessee 38117 ("Operating Partnership"), the sole general
partner of which is Equity Inns Trust;

        EQUITY  INNS/WEST  VIRGINIA  PARTNERSHIP,   L.P.,  a  Tennessee  limited
partnership  having its  principal  place of business at c/o Equity Inns,  Inc.,
4735  Spottswood,  Suite 201,  Memphis,  Tennessee  38117  ("EIP/WV"),  the sole
general partner of which is Equity Inns Services,  Inc., a Tennessee corporation
which is wholly-owned by Equity Inns, Inc. (the Operating Partnership and EIP/WV
being referred to herein collectively as the "Borrower");

        THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO  ("First  Chicago"),  a national bank
organized under the laws of the United States of America having an office at One
First National Plaza, Chicago, Illinois 60670;

        CREDIT LYONNAIS NEW YORK BRANCH ("Credit Lyonnais"), the New York branch
of a  French  banking  corporation,  having  an  office  at 1301  Avenue  of the
Americas, New York, New York 10019;

        AMSOUTH BANK ("AmSouth"), a state banking corporation,  having an office
at 1900 Fifth Avenue North, AmSouth-Sonat Tower, 9th Floor, Birmingham,  Alabama
35203;

        CREDIT LYONNAIS, as Syndication Agent ("Syndication Agent"); and

        First Chicago, as Administrative Agent ("Administrative Agent") for the
Lenders (as defined below).


                                    RECITALS

        A. The  Borrower is  primarily  engaged in the  business  of  acquiring,
developing  and  owning  premium  limited  service,  premium  extended  stay and
all-suite and full service hotel properties.

        B. The Borrower has requested  that the Lenders make loans  available to
each of the entities comprising the Borrower on a joint and several basis in the
maximum aggregate principal amount of $250,000,000 outstanding from time to time
pursuant  to the  terms  of  this  Agreement  (the  "Facility"),  and  that  the
Administrative Agent act as administrative agent for the lenders and that the



<PAGE>



Syndication Agent act as syndication agent for the Lenders.  The  Administrative
Agent, the Syndication Agent and the Lenders have agreed to do so.

        NOW, THEREFORE,  in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements
herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:


                                    ARTICLE I

                        DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS

        1.1 Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the
meanings set forth below:

        "ABR  Applicable  Margin"  means,  as of any date  with  respect  to any
Adjusted  Alternate Base Rate Advance,  the Applicable Margin in effect for such
Adjusted  Alternate  Base Rate Advance as determined in accordance  with Section
2.6 hereof.

        "Adjusted  Alternate Base Rate" means a floating  interest rate equal to
the Alternate Base Rate plus the ABR Applicable  Margin changing when and as the
Alternate Base Rate and ABR Applicable Margin changes.

        "Adjusted Alternate Base Rate Advance" means an Advance that bears
interest at the Adjusted Alternate Base Rate.

        "Adjusted EBITDA" means, for any Person for any period,  EBITDA for such
Person  under GAAP for such period  adjusted  to exclude  (i) all  extraordinary
items,  (ii) all gains or losses  from the sale of assets  and (iii) the  Agreed
FF&E Reserve for such period.

        "Adjusted LIBOR Rate" means, with respect to a LIBOR Advance for any day
during the relevant  LIBOR Interest  Period,  the sum of (i) the quotient of (a)
the Base LIBOR Rate applicable to such LIBOR Interest Period, divided by (b) one
minus the Reserve Requirement  (expressed as a decimal) applicable to such LIBOR
Interest Period, plus the LIBOR Applicable Margin in effect on such day.

        "Administrative  Agent"  means  First  Chicago,  acting as agent for the
Lenders in connection with the transactions  contemplated by this Agreement, and
its successors in such capacity.

        "Advance"  means a Loan to the Borrower  hereunder by one or more of the
Lenders pursuant to Section 2.1(a) hereof (including  Swingline Loans),  whether
such  Advances are from time to time,  Adjusted  Alternate  Base Rate  Advances,
LIBOR Advances or Swingline Loans.


                                       -2-




<PAGE>



        "Affiliate"  means  any  Person  directly  or  indirectly   controlling,
controlled by or under direct or indirect  common control with any other Person.
A Person shall be deemed to control  another  Person if the  controlling  Person
owns  ten  percent  (10%)  or more of any  class  of  voting  securities  of the
controlled Person or possesses,  directly or indirectly,  the power to direct or
cause the  direction of the  management  or policies of the  controlled  Person,
whether through ownership of stock, by contract or otherwise.

        "Aggregate  Commitment"  means,  as of any  date,  the sum of all of the
Lenders'  then-current  Commitments,  which  initially  shall  be  $250,000,000,
subject to  Borrower's  right to reduce the  Aggregate  Commitment  pursuant  to
Section 2.17 and which shall otherwise only be increased with the consent of all
Lenders.

        "Agreed FF&E  Reserve"  means,  with respect to any period,  4% of gross
room revenues of the Consolidated Group during such period.

        "Agreement"  means this  Unsecured  Revolving  Credit  Agreement and all
amendments, modifications and supplements hereto.

        "Agreement  Execution  Date" shall mean  October 10,  1997,  the date on
which all of the parties hereto have executed this Agreement.

        "Allocated  Facility  Amount"  means,  at any time,  the sum of all then
outstanding  Advances  (including  all  Swingline  Loans) and the then  Facility
Letter of Credit Obligations.

        "Alternate  Base Rate" means,  for any day, a rate of interest per annum
equal to the higher of (i) the Corporate Base Rate for such day and (ii) the sum
of Federal Funds Effective Rate for such day plus 1/2% per annum.

        "Applicable  Commitment  Fee  Percentage"  means,  as of any  date,  the
percentage then in effect pursuant to the chart shown in Section 2.6.

        "Applicable  Margin" means the applicable margins set forth in the table
in Section 2.6 used in calculating  the interest rate  applicable to the various
types of  Advances,  which shall vary from time to time in  accordance  with the
long term, senior unsecured debt ratings of the Operating  Partnership or Equity
Inns in the manner set forth in Section 2.6.

       "Arranger" means First Chicago Capital Markets, Inc. and Credit Lyonnais,
collectively.

        "Base  LIBOR  Rate"  means,  with  respect  to a LIBOR  Advance  for the
relevant  LIBOR  Interest  Period,   the  rate  reasonably   determined  by  the
Administrative  Agent to be the rate at which deposits in immediately  available
funds in Dollars are offered by the Administrative Agent to first-class banks in
the London interbank  eurodollar market at approximately  11:00 a.m. London time
two Business Days prior to the first day of such LIBOR Interest Period, in

                                       -3-



<PAGE>



the  approximate  amount of the  relevant  LIBOR  Advance  and having a maturity
approximately equal to such LIBOR Interest Period.

        "Borrower" means,  collectively the Operating Partnership and EIP/WV, on
a joint and several basis, along with their respective  permitted successors and
assigns.

        "Borrowing  Base"  means,  as of any  date,  the  then-current  Value of
Unencumbered  Assets,  provided that (i) no more than 10% of the Borrowing  Base
shall  be  attributable  to a  single  Property,  (ii) no more  than  25% of the
Borrowing Base shall be  attributable  to Properties  located in the same state,
(iii) no more than 30% of the Borrowing Base shall be attributable to Properties
which are  operated  by, or  leased  to,  Prime  Hospitality  Corporation,  or a
subsidiary thereof,  under a Permitted Operating Lease, (iv) at least 80% of the
Borrowing Base shall be attributable to premium limited service hotels,  premium
extended stay hotels,  all-suite  hotels or full service hotels and (v) at least
80% of the Borrowing Base shall be  attributable  to hotels  operated as Hampton
Inns, Homewood Suites, Residence Inns or AmeriSuites.

        "Borrowing Date" means a Business Day on which an Advance is made to the
Borrower.

        "Borrowing Notice" is defined in Section 2.11(a) hereof.

        "Business Day" means a day, other than a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, on
which banks are open for business in Chicago,  Illinois, New York, New York and,
where such term is used in reference to the  selection or  determination  of the
Adjusted LIBOR Rate, in London, England.

        "Capital Stock" means any and all shares,  interests,  participations or
other equivalents  (however  designated) of capital stock of a corporation,  any
and all  equivalent  ownership  interests in a Person which is not a corporation
and any and all warrants or options to purchase any of the foregoing.

        "Cash  Equivalents"  shall mean (i) short-term  obligations of, or fully
guaranteed by, the United States of America,  (ii) commercial paper rated A-1 or
better by Standard and Poor's  Corporation or P-1 or better by Moody's Investors
Service, Inc., or (iii) certificates of deposit issued by and time deposits with
commercial  banks  (whether  domestic or foreign)  having capital and surplus in
excess of $100,000,000.

        "Code" means the  Internal  Revenue Code of 1986 as amended from time to
time, or any replacement or successor statute,  and the regulations  promulgated
thereunder from time to time.

        "Commitment"  means the obligation of each Lender,  subject to the terms
and  conditions of this Agreement and in reliance upon the  representations  and
warranties herein,

                                       -4-




<PAGE>



to make Advances not  exceeding in the  aggregate the amount set forth  opposite
its signature below, or the amount stated in any subsequent amendment hereto.

        "Commitment Fee" is defined in Section 2.7.

        "Consolidated  Group" means the Borrower,  the  Guarantors and any other
subsidiary partnerships or entities of any of them which are required under GAAP
to be consolidated with the Borrower and the Guarantors for financial  reporting
purposes.

        "Consolidated   Group  Pro  Rata  Share"  means,  with  respect  to  any
Investment  Affiliate,  the percentage of the total equity  ownership  interests
held by the Consolidated Group in the aggregate,  in such Investment  Affiliate,
determined by  calculating  the greater of (i) the  percentage of the issued and
outstanding  stock,  partnership  interests  or  membership  interests  in  such
Investment  Affiliate held by the  Consolidated  Group in the aggregate and (ii)
the percentage of the total book value of such  Investment  Affiliate that would
be received by the Consolidated Group in the aggregate, upon liquidation of such
Investment  Affiliate  after  repayment  in  full  of all  Indebtedness  of such
Investment Affiliate.

        "Consolidated Secured Debt" as of any date of determination,  the sum of
(a) the aggregate principal amount of all Indebtedness of the Consolidated Group
outstanding  at such date  which is  secured  by a Lien on any asset or  Capital
Stock of any member of the  Consolidated  Group,  including  without  limitation
loans  secured  by  mortgages,  stock,  or  partnership  interests,  and (b) the
aggregate  principal  amount of all unsecured  Indebtedness of any member of the
Consolidated  Group other than the Borrower and the  Guarantors  outstanding  at
such date, without duplication of any Indebtedness included under clause (a).

        "Consolidated   Senior  Unsecured  Debt"  as  of  any  date,  means  all
Indebtedness of the  Consolidated  Group other than (i)  Indebtedness  expressly
subordinated  to the  Obligations  and (ii)  that  portion  of the  Consolidated
Secured Debt described in clause (a) of the definition thereof.

        "Consolidated Total Indebtedness" means as of any date of determination,
all Indebtedness of the Consolidated Group in existence on such date, determined
on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, without duplication.

        "Controlled   Group"  means  all  members  of  a  controlled   group  of
corporations and all trades or businesses  (whether or not  incorporated)  under
common  control  which,  together  with  all  or  any  of  the  entities  in the
Consolidated  Group,  are treated as a single  employer under Sections 414(b) or
414(c) of the Code.

        "Corporate Base Rate" means a rate per annum equal to the corporate base
rate of interest announced by First Chicago from time to time, changing when and
as such corporate base rate changes.


                                       -5-




<PAGE>



        "Credit  Requirement"  means,  as of  any  date,  the  sum  of  (i)  the
then-current  Allocated Facility Amount plus (ii) the then-current  Consolidated
Senior Unsecured Debt plus (iii) the then-current FF&E Deficiency, if any.

        "Debt  Service"  means for any  period,  (a)  Interest  Expense for such
period plus (b) the aggregate amount of regularly  scheduled  principal payments
of Indebtedness  (excluding optional  prepayments and balloon principal payments
due on maturity in respect of any Indebtedness)  required to be made during such
period by the Consolidated  Group plus (c) the Consolidated Group Pro Rata Share
of all such regularly  scheduled  principal  payments required to be made during
such period by any  Investment  Affiliate on  Indebtedness  (excluding  optional
prepayments  and balloon  principal  payments  due on maturity in respect of any
Indebtedness)  taken  into  account in  calculating  Interest  Expense,  without
duplication.

        "Default"  means an event  which,  with notice or lapse of time or both,
would become an Event of Default.

        "Default  Rate" means with respect to any  Advance,  a rate equal to the
interest rate applicable to such Advance plus four percent (4%) per annum.

        "Defaulting  Lender"  means any Lender which fails or refuses to perform
its  obligations  under this  Agreement  within the time  period  specified  for
performance  of such  obligation,  or, if no time  frame is  specified,  if such
failure or refusal  continues  for a period of five  Business Days after written
notice from the  Administrative  Agent;  provided that if such Lender cures such
failure or refusal, such Lender shall cease to be a Defaulting Lender.

        "Dollars" and "$" mean United States Dollars.

        "Duff & Phelps" means Duff & Phelps Credit Rating Company.

        "EBITDA" means income before  extraordinary  items (reduced to eliminate
any income from Investment Affiliates), as reported by the Consolidated Group in
accordance  with GAAP, plus Interest  Expense,  depreciation,  amortization  and
income tax (if any) expense plus the  Consolidated  Group Pro Rata Share of such
income (adjusted as described above) of any Investment  Affiliate (provided that
no  item  of  income  or  expense  shall  be  included  more  than  once in such
calculation even if it falls within more than one of the foregoing categories).

        "Effective Date" means each Borrowing Date and, if no Borrowing Date has
occurred  in the  preceding  calendar  month,  the  first  Business  Day of each
calendar month.

        "Environmental  Laws"  means  any  and  all  Federal,  state,  local  or
municipal  laws,  rules,  orders,  regulations,   statutes,  ordinances,  codes,
decrees, requirements of any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over any
member  of  the  Consolidated  Group  or  any  Investment  Affiliate,  or  their
respective assets, and regulating or imposing liability or standards of

                                       -6-




<PAGE>



conduct concerning protection of human health or the environment,  as now or may
at any time hereafter be in effect, in each case to the extent the foregoing are
applicable  to the  operations  of such  member  of the  Consolidated  Group  or
Investment Affiliate, or any of their respective assets or Properties.

        "Equity Inns" means Equity Inns, Inc., a Tennessee corporation.

        "ERISA" means the Employee  Retirement  Income  Security Act of 1974, as
amended, and regulations promulgated thereunder from time to time.

        "Event of Default" means any event set forth in Article X hereof.

        "Extension Notice" is defined in Section 2.2 hereof.

        "Facility" means the  unsecured  revolving credit facility described in
Section 2.1.

        "Facility  Letter of Credit" means a Letter of Credit issued pursuant to
Article III of this Agreement.

        "Facility Letter of Credit Fee" is defined in Section 3.8.

        "Facility  Letter  of  Credit  Obligations"  means,  as at the  time  of
determination  thereof,  all liabilities,  whether actual or contingent,  of the
Borrower  with respect to Facility  Letters of Credit,  including the sum of (a)
the  Reimbursement  Obligations and (b) the aggregate undrawn face amount of the
then outstanding Facility Letters of Credit.

        "Facility Letter of Credit Sublimit" means $20,000,000.

        "Federal Funds Effective Rate" means,  for any day, an interest rate per
annum equal to the  weighted  average of the rates on  overnight  Federal  funds
transactions  with  members of the Federal  Reserve  System  arranged by Federal
funds  brokers on such day, as published  for such day (or, if such day is not a
Business Day, for the immediately preceding Business Day) by the Federal Reserve
Bank of New York,  or, if such rate is not so  published  for any day which is a
Business Day, the average of the quotations at  approximately  10 a.m.  (Chicago
time) on such day on such transactions received by the Administrative Agent from
three   Federal  funds   brokers  of   recognized   standing   selected  by  the
Administrative Agent in its sole discretion.

        "FF&E  Deficiency"  means the  amount,  if any, by which 4% of the gross
room  revenues  of the  Consolidated  Group  during the  preceding  four  fiscal
quarters,   on  a  rolling  basis,   exceeds  the  actual  expenditures  by  the
Consolidated  Group for FF&E  replacements or capital items at the  Consolidated
Group's Properties during the same period.


                                       -7-




<PAGE>



        "Financeable  Ground Lease" means a Major Ground Lease  satisfactory  to
the Required Lenders and the Administrative  Agent's counsel in their reasonable
discretion,  which must provide  protections for a potential leasehold mortgagee
("Mortgagee") which include,  among other things (i) a remaining term of no less
than 25  years  from  the  Effective  Date,  (ii)  that  the  lease  will not be
terminated  until the Mortgagee  has received  notice of a default and has had a
reasonable  opportunity  to cure or  complete  foreclosure,  and fails to do so,
(iii)  provision for a new lease on the same terms to the Mortgagee as tenant if
the ground lease is terminated  for any reason,  (iv)  non-merger of the fee and
leasehold estates, (v) transferability of the tenant's interest under the ground
lease,  without the ground lessor's prior consent except for restrictions  based
on the satisfaction of certain objective  criteria  acceptable to Administrative
Agent, and (vi) that insurance  proceeds and  condemnation  awards (from the fee
interest  as well as the  leasehold  interest)  will be applied  pursuant to the
terms of a leasehold  mortgage.  The existing  Major Ground Leases  described on
Exhibit C attached  hereto have been  reviewed  and  approved  for  inclusion as
"Financeable  Ground  Leases"  by  the  Required  Lenders  as of  the  Agreement
Execution Date,  notwithstanding  deviations from the standards set forth in the
preceding sentence.

        "First Chicago" means The First National Bank of Chicago.

        "Fitch" means Fitch Investors Service, L.P.

        "Fixed Charges" means,  for any period,  the sum of (i) Debt Service for
such period plus (ii) Preferred  Stock Expense of the Guarantors for such period
plus (iii) Ground Lease Expense for such period.

        "Free Cash Flow" means,  for any period,  Funds From Operations less (i)
the  Agreed  FF&E  Reserve  for such  period and less (ii)  scheduled  principal
amortization (excluding balloon payments due on maturity) on all Indebtedness of
the Consolidated Group for such period.

        "Funds  From  Operations"  for any  period,  means GAAP net  income,  as
adjusted  by  (i)  excluding  gains  and  losses  from  property   sales,   debt
restructurings and property write-downs and adjusting for the non-cash effect of
straight-lining  of  rents,  (ii)  straight-lining  various  ordinary  operating
expenses which are payable less  frequently than monthly (e.g. real estate taxes
and Ground Lease Expense) and (iii) adding back  depreciation,  amortization and
all non-cash  items.  Annualized  Funds from  Operations for such Person will be
calculated for the four most recent fiscal quarters for which financial  results
are available.

        "GAAP" means  generally  accepted  accounting  principles  in the United
States of America  consistent  with those  utilized  in  preparing  the  audited
financial statements of the Consolidated Group required hereunder.

        "Ground Lease Expense" means, for any period,  all payments due from any
member of the Consolidated Group under a lease of land underlying a Property for
such period.

                                       -8-




<PAGE>




        "Guarantee  Obligation"  means,  as to  any  Person  (the  "guaranteeing
person"),   any  obligation   (determined   without   duplication)  of  (a)  the
guaranteeing person or (b) another Person (including,  without  limitation,  any
bank  under  any  letter  of  credit)  to  induce  the  creation  of  which  the
guaranteeing  person has issued a  reimbursement,  counter  indemnity or similar
obligation,   in  either  case  guaranteeing  or  in  effect   guaranteeing  any
Indebtedness, leases, dividends or other obligations (the "primary obligations")
of any other  third  Person  (the  "primary  obligor")  in any  manner,  whether
directly or indirectly,  including,  without  limitation,  any obligation of the
guaranteeing person, whether or not contingent, (i) to purchase any such primary
obligation or any property  constituting  direct or indirect security  therefor,
(ii) to  advance  or supply  funds (1) for the  purchase  or payment of any such
primary  obligation or (2) to maintain  working capital or equity capital of the
primary  obligor or  otherwise  to  maintain  the net worth or  solvency  of the
primary obligor,  (iii) to purchase  property,  securities or services primarily
for the  purpose of assuring  the owner of any such  primary  obligation  of the
ability of the primary  obligor to make  payment of such primary  obligation  or
(iv)  otherwise  to  assure  or hold  harmless  the  owner of any  such  primary
obligation  against loss in respect thereof;  provided,  however,  that the term
Guarantee  Obligation shall not include  endorsements of instruments for deposit
or  collection in the ordinary  course of business.  The amount of any Guarantee
Obligation of any  guaranteeing  person shall be deemed to be the maximum stated
amount of the primary obligation  relating to such Guarantee  Obligation (or, if
less,  the maximum stated  liability set forth in the instrument  embodying such
Guarantee Obligation),  provided,  that in the absence of any such stated amount
or stated  liability,  the  amount of such  Guarantee  Obligation  shall be such
guaranteeing  person's  maximum  reasonably  anticipated  liability  in  respect
thereof as determined by such Person in good faith.

        "Guarantors"  means Equity Inns Trust, a Maryland real estate investment
trust, Equity Inns Services,  Inc. and Equity Inns, Inc., which is the holder of
100% of the beneficial interests in Equity Inns Trust, jointly and severally.

        "Guaranty"  means the Guaranty  executed by the  Guarantors  in the form
attached hereto as Exhibit D.

        "Indebtedness" of any Person at any date means without duplication,  (a)
all  indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money, (b) all obligations of such
Person for the  deferred  purchase  price of property  or  services  (other than
current trade  liabilities  and other  accounts  payable,  and accrued  expenses
incurred in the  ordinary  course of business  and  payable in  accordance  with
customary practices), to the extent such obligations constitute indebtedness for
the  purposes  of GAAP,  (c) any  other  indebtedness  of such  Person  which is
evidenced by a note, bond, debenture or similar instrument,  (d) all obligations
of such Person under financing leases and capital leases, (e) all obligations of
such Person in respect of acceptances  issued or created for the account of such
Person,  (f)  all  Guarantee  Obligations  of  such  Person  (excluding  in  any
calculation of consolidated  indebtedness of such Person,  Guarantee Obligations
of such Person in respect of primary  obligations  of any of its  Subsidiaries),
(g) all reimbursement obligations of such Person for letters of credit and other

                                       -9-




<PAGE>



contingent  liabilities,  (h) all  liabilities  secured by any Lien  (other than
Liens for taxes not yet due and  payable) on any  property  owned by such Person
even  though  such Person has not  assumed or  otherwise  become  liable for the
payment  thereof,  (i) any repurchase  obligation or liability of such Person or
any of its  Subsidiaries  with respect to accounts or notes  receivable  sold by
such Person or any of its Subsidiaries,  and (j) such Person's pro rata share of
debt in  Investment  Affiliates  and any loans  where such Person is liable as a
general partner.

        "Insolvency" means insolvency as defined in the United States Bankruptcy
Code, as amended. "Insolvent" when used with respect to a Person, shall refer to
a Person who satisfies the definition of Insolvency.

        "Interest  Expense"  all  interest  expense  of the  Consolidated  Group
determined in accordance with GAAP plus (i) capitalized  interest not covered by
an interest reserve from a loan facility, plus (ii) the allocable portion (based
on  liability) of any accrued or paid interest  incurred on any  obligation  for
which any member of the  Consolidated  Group is wholly or partially liable under
repayment,   interest  carry,  or  performance  guarantees,  or  other  relevant
liabilities,  plus (iii) the Consolidated Group Pro Rata Share of any accrued or
paid interest incurred on any Indebtedness of any Investment Affiliate,  whether
recourse or  non-recourse,  provided that no expense shall be included more than
once in such  calculation even if it falls within more than one of the foregoing
categories.

        "Interest Period" means a LIBOR Interest Period.

        "Investment  Affiliate"  means any  Person  in which  any  member of the
Consolidated Group,  directly or indirectly,  has an ownership  interest,  whose
financial results are not consolidated  under GAAP with the financial results of
the  Consolidated  Group  on  the  consolidated   financial  statements  of  the
Consolidated Group.

        "Issuance Date" is defined in Section 3.4(a)(2).

        "Issuance Notice" is defined in Section 3.4(c).

        "Issuing  Bank" means,  with respect to each Facility  Letter of Credit,
the Lender which issues such Facility  Letter of Credit.  First Chicago shall be
the sole Issuing Bank.

        "Lenders" means,  collectively,  First Chicago,  Credit Lyonnais and the
other Persons  executing this  Agreement in such  capacity,  or any Person which
subsequently  executes and delivers any  amendment  hereto in such  capacity and
each of their respective  permitted  successors and assigns.  Where reference is
made to "the  Lenders" in any Loan Document it shall be read to mean "all of the
Lenders".

        "Lending Installation" means any U.S. office of any Lender authorized to
make loans similar to the Advances described herein.


                                      -10-




<PAGE>



        "Letter  of  Credit"  of a Person  means a letter of  credit or  similar
instrument  which is issued  upon the  application  of such Person or upon which
such Person is an account party or for which such Person is in any way liable.

        "Letter of Credit Collateral Account" is defined in Section 3.9.

        "Letter of Credit Request" is defined in Section 3.4(a).

        "LIBOR  Advance"  means an Advance  that bears  interest at the Adjusted
LIBOR Rate.

        "LIBOR  Applicable  Margin"  means,  as of any date with  respect to any
LIBOR  Advance,  the  Applicable  Margin in effect  for such  LIBOR  Advance  as
determined in accordance with Section 2.6 hereof.

        "LIBOR Interest Period" means, with respect to a LIBOR Advance, a period
of one, two, three or six months, as selected in advance by the Borrower.

        "Lien" means any mortgage, pledge, security interest,  encumbrance, lien
or charge of any kind (including,  without  limitation,  any conditional sale or
other title retention  agreement or lease in the nature  thereof,  any filing or
agreement to file a financing  statement as debtor under the Uniform  Commercial
Code on any  property  leased to any  Person  under a lease  which is not in the
nature of a conditional sale or title retention agreement,  or any subordination
agreement in favor of another Person).

        "Loan" means, with respect to a Lender, such Lender's portion of any
Advance.

        "Loan Documents"  means this Agreement,  the Notes, the Guaranty and any
and all other  agreements or  instruments  required  and/or  provided to Lenders
hereunder or  thereunder,  as any of the  foregoing  may be amended from time to
time.

        "Major  Ground  Lease"  means  a  ground  lease  demising  to one of the
Borrowers or a Wholly-Owned  Subsidiary all of the land included in any Property
or any portion of such land which the  Administrative  Agent,  in its reasonable
judgment,  deems  necessary  for the  continued  operation  of a  hotel  on such
Property.

        "Majority  Lenders"  means Lenders in the aggregate  having in excess of
50% of the  Aggregate  Commitment  or,  if the  Aggregate  Commitment  has  been
terminated,  Lenders in the aggregate  holding in excess of 50% of the aggregate
unpaid principal amount of the outstanding Advances.

        "Margin  Stock" has the meaning  ascribed to it in  Regulation  U of the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.


                                      -11-




<PAGE>



        "Material Adverse Effect" means,  with respect to any matter,  that such
matter in the  Required  Lenders'  good faith  judgment may (x)  materially  and
adversely affect the business, properties, condition or results of operations of
the  Consolidated  Group taken as a whole,  or (y)  constitute  a  non-frivolous
challenge to the  validity or  enforceability  of any material  provision of any
Loan Document against any obligor party thereto.

        "Material  Adverse Financial Change" shall be deemed to have occurred if
the Required  Lenders,  in their good faith judgment,  determine that a material
adverse  financial  change has occurred which could prevent timely  repayment of
any Advance  hereunder or materially  impair  Borrower's  ability to perform its
obligations under any of the Loan Documents.

        "Materials  of  Environmental  Concern"  means any gasoline or petroleum
(including  crude oil or any  fraction  thereof)  or  petroleum  products or any
hazardous or toxic substances, materials or wastes, defined or regulated as such
in or under any Environmental  Law,  including,  without  limitation,  asbestos,
radon, polychlorinated biphenyls and urea-formaldehyde insulation.

        "Maturity Date" means the Business Day  immediately  preceding the third
(3rd)  anniversary of the Effective Date,  subject to extension  pursuant to the
terms and  conditions  of Section 2.2 hereof or such  earlier  date on which the
principal  balance of the Facility and all other sums due in connection with the
Facility shall be due as a result of the acceleration of the Facility.

        "Monetary Default" means any Default involving Borrower's failure to pay
any of the Obligations when due.

        "Moody's" means Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and its successors.

        "Note" means the promissory  note payable to the order of each Lender in
the amount of such Lender's  maximum  Commitment in the form attached  hereto as
Exhibit B (collectively, the "Notes").

        "Obligations"  means  the  Advances,   the  Facility  Letter  of  Credit
Obligations  and all  accrued  and  unpaid  fees and all  other  obligations  of
Borrower to the Administrative  Agent or any or all of the Lenders arising under
this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents.

        "Participants" is defined in Section 13.2.1 hereof.

        "PBGC"  means the Pension  Benefit  Guaranty  Corporation  or any entity
succeeding to any or all of its functions under ERISA.

        "Percentage"   means,  with  respect  to  each  Lender,  the  applicable
percentage of the then-current Aggregate Commitment represented by such Lender's
then-current Commitment.


                                      -12-




<PAGE>



        "Permitted  Operating  Lease"  means  (i) a  lease  between  one  of the
Borrowers or a Wholly-Owned  Subsidiary and Crossroads/Memphis  Partnership LLC,
Crossroads   Future  Company  LLC  or  another  entity  directly  or  indirectly
wholly-owned by Interstate  Hotels Company on substantially  the same lease form
as has been previously approved by the Administrative  Agent and the Syndication
Agent (which includes without limitation a guaranty of the tenant's  obligations
by  Interstate   Hotels  Company  and  Interstate   Hotels   Corporation  and  a
cross-default  provision  with all other leases  between  either of the entities
comprising  the Borrower or a  Wholly-Owned  Subsidiary and any of such tenants)
and  with  specific   rental  terms  for  each  lease  to  be  approved  by  the
Administrative Agent, or (ii) a lease between one of the entities comprising the
Borrower or a Wholly-Owned  Subsidiary and Prime Hospitality  Corporation,  or a
subsidiary  thereof on  substantially  the same lease form as shall hereafter be
initially  approved by the  Administrative  Agent and the Syndication  Agent and
with specific  rental terms for each lease to be approved by the  Administrative
Agent,  or (iii) similar  leases with other  entities  similarly  approved as to
lease form and specific  rental  terms,  provided that the identity of each such
other  entity  is  approved  by  either  (A) the  Administrative  Agent  and the
Syndication  Agent so long as such other entity,  when aggregated with all other
entities  not named in clauses (i) or (ii) above or  previously  approved by the
Required  Lenders  under  clause  (B) of  this  clause  (iii),  does  not  lease
Properties  representing  more than 5% of the total rooms in all Properties then
owned by the  Consolidated  Group or (B) the Required  Lenders if such entity is
not eligible for approval under clause (A) of this clause (iii).

        "Permitted Liens" are defined in Section 9.6 hereof.

        "Person"  means an  individual,  a  corporation,  a limited  or  general
partnership,   an   association,   a  joint  venture  or  any  other  entity  or
organization,  including a governmental or political  subdivision or an agent or
instrumentality thereof.

        "Plan"  means an  employee  benefit  plan as defined in Section  3(3) of
ERISA, whether or not terminated,  as to which the Borrower or any member of the
Controlled Group may have any liability.

        "Preferred Stock":  for any Person, any preferred stock issued by such
Person.

        "Preferred Stock Expense":  for any period for any Person, the aggregate
dividend payments due to the holders of Preferred Stock of such Person,  whether
payable in cash or in kind, and whether or not actually paid during such period.

        "Property":  means any real estate asset owned by a member of the
Consolidated Group or an Investment Affiliate and leased to and operated under a
Permitted Operating Lease as a premium limited service, premium extended stay or
premium all-suite or full-service hotel property.


                                      -13-




<PAGE>



        "Property  Operating Income":  means, with respect to any Property,  for
any period,  earnings from rental operations  attributable to such Property less
all expenses  directly  related to such Property,  such as real estate taxes and
ground lease payments plus depreciation,  amortization and interest expense with
respect to such  Property  for such  period,  and, if such period is less than a
year,  adjusted by  straight  lining  various  expenses  which are payable  less
frequently than monthly during every such period (e.g. real estate taxes, ground
lease payments and insurance).

        "Purchasers" is defined in Section 13.3.1 hereof.

        "Qualified  Officer"  means,  with  respect  to any  entity,  the  chief
financial  officer,  chief accounting officer or controller of such entity if it
is a corporation or of such entity's general partner if it is a partnership.

        "Rate  Option"  means the Adjusted  Alternate  Base Rate or the Adjusted
LIBOR Rate.  The Rate Option in effect on any date shall  always be the Adjusted
Alternate Base Rate unless the Borrower has properly selected the Adjusted LIBOR
Rate pursuant to Section 2.11 hereof.

        "Rating Pricing Period" means any period during the term of the Facility
during  which the  Operating  Partnership's  or Equity Inns'  long-term,  senior
unsecured debt has been rated by at least two of S&P, Moody's,  Fitch and Duff &
Phelps and the lower of the  highest  two ratings (at least one of which is from
S&P or Moody's) is at least BBB- (S&P) or Baa3 (Moody's) or an equivalent rating
from Fitch or Duff & Phelps.

        "Regulation  D" means  Regulation  D of the  Board of  Governors  of the
Federal Reserve System as from time to time in effect and any successor or other
regulation  or official  interpretation  of said Board of Governors  relating to
reserve requirements applicable to member banks of the Federal Reserve System.

        "Reimbursement  Obligations"  means at any time,  the  aggregate  of the
Obligations  of  the  Borrower  to  the  Lenders,   the  Issuing  Bank  and  the
Administrative  Agent in respect of all  unreimbursed  payments or disbursements
made by the Lenders,  the Issuing Bank and the Administrative  Agent under or in
respect of the Facility Letters of Credit.

        "REMIC Loan" means that certain  $88,000,000  issuance of mortgage bonds
by the  REMIC  Partnership  pursuant  to the terms of an  Indenture  dated as of
February 6, 1997.

        "REMIC  Partnership"  means  EQI  Financing  Partnership  I,  L.P.,  the
borrower under the REMIC Loan which has as its sole limited partner, holding 99%
of the partnership  interests therein, the Operating Partnership and as its sole
general partner,  holding 1% of the partnership interests therein, EQI Financing
Corporation which is wholly-owned by Equity Inns Trust.


                                      -14-




<PAGE>



        "Reportable  Event" means a reportable  event as defined in Section 4043
of ERISA and the regulations issued under such section,  with respect to a Plan,
excluding,  however,  such events as to which the PBGC by regulation  waived the
requirement  of Section  4043(a) of ERISA that it be notified  within 30 days of
the  occurrence  of such  event,  provided  that a failure  to meet the  minimum
funding standard of Section 412 of the Code and of Section 302 of ERISA shall be
a Reportable  Event regardless of the issuance of any such waivers in accordance
with either Section 4043(a) of ERISA or Section 412(d) of the Code.

        "Required Lenders" means, as of any date, those Lenders holding,  in the
aggregate,  more than two-thirds (2/3) of the then-current  Aggregate Commitment
or, if the Aggregate  Commitment has been terminated,  Lenders  holding,  in the
aggregate,  more than two-thirds  (2/3) of the aggregate unpaid principal amount
of the outstanding Advances.

        "Reserve  Requirement"  means,  with respect to a LIBOR Interest Period,
the maximum aggregate reserve  requirement  (including all basic,  supplemental,
marginal and other reserves) which is imposed under Regulation D on Eurocurrency
liabilities.

        "S&P" means Standard & Poor's Ratings Group and its successors.

        "Subsidiary" means as to any Person, a corporation, partnership or other
entity of which shares of stock or other  ownership  interests  having  ordinary
voting power  (other than stock or such other  ownership  interests  having such
power only by reason of the happening of a  contingency)  to elect a majority of
the board of directors or other  managers of such  corporation,  partnership  or
other  entity are at the time owned,  or the  management  of which is  otherwise
controlled, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries,  or both,
by such Person,  and provided such  corporation,  partnership or other entity is
consolidated with such Person for financial reporting purposes under GAAP.

        "Swingline Advances" means, as of any date, collectively,  all Swingline
Loans then outstanding under this Facility.

        "Swingline  Commitment"  means the obligation of the Swingline Lender to
make Swingline Loans not exceeding $7,500,000,  which is included in, and is not
in addition to, the Swingline Lender's total Commitment hereunder.

       "Swingline Lender" shall mean First Chicago, in its capacity as a Lender.

        "Swingline  Loan" means a Loan made by the  Swingline  Lender  under the
special availability provisions described in Sections 2.16 hereof.

        "Total Cost": means, as of any date, the sum of (i) the book value under
GAAP of all  Properties  then  owned by the  Consolidated  Group  plus  (ii) all
depreciation on such Properties previously reflected on the Consolidated Group's
financial statements,  in accordance with GAAP plus (iii) the Consolidated Group
Pro Rata Share of the book value under GAAP of

                                      -15-




<PAGE>



all Properties then owned by Investment  Affiliates  plus (iv) the  Consolidated
Group Pro Rata Share of all depreciation on such Properties previously reflected
on such Investment Affiliates financial statements, in accordance with GAAP.

        "Total Indebtedness":  means, as of any date, the sum of (i) all
Indebtedness of the Consolidated Group in existence on such date plus (ii) the
Consolidated Group Pro Rata Share of all Indebtedness of any Investment
Affiliate (to the extent not included in the Indebtedness described in clause
(i)), without duplication.

        "Total Value":  means,  as of any date, the sum of (i) all cash and Cash
Equivalents then held by the  Consolidated  Group plus (ii) for Properties owned
for at least  four full  fiscal  quarters  by the  Consolidated  Group,  (A) the
aggregate  Property  Operating Income for such Properties during the most recent
four fiscal  quarters for which  financial  results have then been reported less
the Agreed  FF&E  Reserve  applicable  thereto  for such four  fiscal  quarters,
divided by (B) 11.5%,  plus (iii) for  Properties  owned for less than four full
fiscal quarters by the Consolidated  Group, the book value,  under GAAP, of such
Properties plus (iv) for Properties owned for at least four full fiscal quarters
by an  Investment  Affiliate  (A) the  Consolidated  Group Pro Rata Share of the
aggregate  Property  Operating  Income for such Properties  during the four most
recent fiscal quarters for which results have then been reported less the Agreed
FF&E Reserve  that would be  applicable  thereto for such four fiscal  quarters,
divided  by (B)  11.5%  and  plus  (v) for  Properties  owned  by an  Investment
Affiliate  for less than four full fiscal  quarters the  Consolidated  Group Pro
Rata Share of the book value, under GAAP, of such Properties.

        "Transferee" is defined in Section 13.4 hereof.

        "Unencumbered  Asset"  means,  with respect to any  Properties  owned or
ground leased by one of the entities  comprising  the Borrower or a Wholly-Owned
Subsidiary at any date of determination,  the circumstance that such Property on
such date (a) is not subject to any Liens  (including any Liens on the operating
leases of such  Properties)  other than those in favor of the  Lenders and those
Permitted  Liens  described  in clauses (i) through (v) of Section  9.6,  (b) if
subject to a Major Ground  Lease,  (i) such Major Ground Lease is a  Financeable
Ground Lease and (ii) all such ground leased Properties  subject to Major Ground
Leases do not exceed 15% of the Value of Unencumbered Assets, (c) is not subject
to any agreement  (including any agreement  governing  Indebtedness  incurred in
order to finance or refinance  the  acquisition  of such asset) which  creates a
"negative pledge" which prohibits or limits the ability of the owner thereof, to
create,  incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien upon any assets of such owner
(or the capital stock in such owner if the owner is a Wholly-Owned  Subsidiary),
(d)  is  not  subject  to  any  agreement  (including  any  agreement  governing
Indebtedness  incurred in order to finance or refinance the  acquisition of such
asset) which entitles any Person to the benefit of any Lien (but excluding liens
in favor of Lenders and those  Permitted  Liens described in clauses (i) through
(v) of Section 9.6) on any assets or capital stock of either of the Borrowers or
any of their Subsidiaries or would entitle any Person to the benefit of any Lien
(but excluding liens in favor of Lenders and those

                                      -16-




<PAGE>



Permitted  Liens  described  in clauses (i) through (v) of Section  9.6) on such
assets or  capital  stock upon the  occurrence  of any  contingency  (including,
without limitation, pursuant to an "equal and ratable" clause), (e) is free from
any material  structural  defects as evidenced by a certification  of Borrowers,
(f) is free from any  material  environmental  contamination  or  condition,  as
evidenced  by  a  certification   of  the  Borrowers  and  a  current   detailed
environmental  assessment delivered to the Administrative  Agent, (g) is subject
to a Permitted  Operating Lease, and (h) is fully operational with less than 20%
of the rooms on such Property being  unavailable  for occupancy due to casualty,
construction,  renovation  or  other  reason.  No  Property  of  a  Wholly-Owned
Subsidiary shall be deemed to be unencumbered  unless both such Property and all
capital stock of such  Wholly-Owned  Subsidiary is unencumbered and neither such
Wholly-Owned  Subsidiary  nor  any  other  intervening  Subsidiary  between  the
Borrower and such  Wholly-Owned  Subsidiary  has any  Indebtedness  for borrowed
money (other than Indebtedness due to the Borrower).

        "Value  of  Unencumbered  Assets"  means,  as of any  date,  the  amount
determined  (i) for all  Unencumbered  Assets owned for four or more full fiscal
quarters  by one of the  entities  comprising  the  Borrower  or a  Wholly-Owned
Subsidiary,  (A) the sum of (x) Property Operating Income  attributable  thereto
for such period less (y) the Agreed FF&E Reserve  attributable  thereto for such
period divided by (B) 11.5 % and (ii) for all  Unencumbered  Assets not so owned
for four or more fiscal  quarters,  the book value,  in accordance with GAAP, of
such Properties.  If an Unencumbered  Asset is no longer owned as of the date of
calculation,  then no value shall be  included  based on  capitalizing  Property
Operating Income from such Unencumbered Asset.

        "Wholly-Owned  Subsidiary" means a Subsidiary which is 100% owned by one
or both of the entities comprising the Borrower.

        The  foregoing  definitions  shall  be  equally  applicable  to both the
singular and the plural forms of the defined terms.

        1.2 Financial Standards. All financial computations required of a Person
under this Agreement shall be made, and all financial information required under
this Agreement shall be prepared,  in accordance  with GAAP,  except that if any
Person's  financial   statements  are  not  audited,   such  Person's  financial
statements  shall be  prepared  in  accordance  with the same  sound  accounting
principles  utilized in connection with the financial  information  submitted to
Lenders  with  respect  to  such  Persn  or the  Properties  of such  Person  in
connection  with  this  Agreement  and  shall  be  certified  by  an  authorized
representative of such Person.



                                      -17-




<PAGE>



                                   ARTICLE II

                                  THE FACILITY

        2.1     The Facility; Limitations on Borrowing.

                (a) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and in
reliance  upon  the  representations  and  warranties  of the  Borrower  and the
Guarantors  contained  herein,  Lenders  agree  to  make  Advances  through  the
Administrative  Agent to Borrower  from time to time prior to the Maturity  Date
and to support the issuance of Facility  Letters of Credit under  Article III of
this Agreement,  provided that the making of any such Advance or the issuance of
such Facility Letter of Credit will not:

                                (i) cause the then-current Allocated Facility
                Amount to exceed the then-current Aggregate Commitment; or

                               (ii) cause the then-current Credit Requirement to
                exceed  forty-five  percent (45%) of the then-current  Borrowing
                Base; or

                              (iii) cause the then-current outstanding Swingline
                Advances to exceed the Swingline Commitment; or

                               (iv) cause the then outstanding  Facility Letters
                of Credit  Obligations  to exceed the Facility  Letter of Credit
                Sublimit.

The Advances may be ratable Adjusted Alternate Base Rate Advances, ratable LIBOR
Advances or non-pro rata  Swingline  Loans.  Except as provided in Sections 2.16
and 12.16 hereof, each Lender shall fund its Percentage of each such Advance and
no Lender will be required to fund any amounts which when  aggregated  with such
Lender's  Percentage  of (i) all  other  Advances  then  outstanding,  (ii)  all
Swingline  Advances and (iii) all Facility  Letter of Credit  Obligations  would
exceed such Lender's  then-current  Commitment.  This facility ("Facility") is a
revolving credit facility and, subject to the provisions of this Agreement,  the
Borrower  may request  Advances  hereunder,  repay such  Advances  and  reborrow
Advances  at  any  time  prior  to the  Maturity  Date.  Unless  and  until  the
Administrative  Agent is otherwise advised in writing to the contrary by both of
the entities comprising the Borrower,  all Loans shall be deemed to be requested
by the  Operating  Partnership  and shall be funded  directly  to the  Operating
Partnership and EIP/WV irrevocably  authorizes the Administrative Agent to honor
requests for Advances made by the Operating  Partnership  and to fund such Loans
directly to the Operating Partnership.

                (b) The Facility  created by this Agreement,  and the Commitment
of each Lender to lend hereunder,  shall terminate on the Maturity Date,  unless
sooner terminated in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.


                                      -18-




<PAGE>



                (c) In no  event  shall  the  Aggregate  Commitment  exceed  Two
Hundred Fifty Million Dollars  ($250,000,000) without the approval of all of the
Lenders.

        2.2 Principal  Payments and Extension Option. If on any Business Day the
then-current Credit Requirement should exceed 45% of the then-current  Borrowing
Base, the Borrower shall make a mandatory principal repayment on the immediately
following  Business  Day in the amount of such  excess.  Solely for  purposes of
applying  the test set  forth in the  preceding  sentence  and in  Section  9.10
hereof, the Property Operating Income  attributable to Unencumbered Assets shall
be revised,  and such  revision  shall become  effective,  on the earlier of (i)
receipt by the Administrative  Agent of the quarterly  certificate  described in
Section 8.2 or (ii) the forty-fifth  (45th) day after the end of the most recent
fiscal  quarter.  Any outstanding  Advances not previously  repaid and all other
unpaid  Obligations  shall be paid in full by the Borrower on the Maturity Date.
The Maturity  Date can be extended for  extension  periods of one year each upon
notice to the Administrative Agent not later than December 31, 1999 with respect
to the  first  such  extension  of the  Maturity  Date and not  later  than each
December 31 thereafter for each subsequent  extension of the Maturity Date (each
an "Extension Notice"),  if (i) no Default has occurred and is continuing at the
time of such notice and at the time of the then  applicable  Maturity Date, (ii)
all of the Lenders agree to such extension, (iii) all prior extensions have been
elected by the Borrower and accepted by the Lenders,  and (iv) the Borrower pays
an extension fee for each one year extension to the Administrative Agent for the
account of each Lender at the then-current market rate for similar extensions as
deemed  acceptable by all of the Lenders,  payable on the first  Business Day of
such extension.  If the Borrower gives an Extension Notice to the Administrative
Agent,  the  Administrative  Agent shall  notify the  Lenders  within 10 days of
receipt of such  request.  The  Lenders  shall have 60 days after  receipt of an
Extension  Notice to notify  Administrative  Agent as to whether  they accept or
reject such extension request and Administrative Agent shall notify Borrower and
the Lenders promptly thereafter of the acceptance or rejection of the Lenders of
Borrower's request to extend the Maturity Date. If the foregoing  conditions are
satisfied  other than the condition  requiring the consent of all Lenders,  then
Borrower  shall have the right to replace  any Lender that does not agree to the
extension  provided  that  Borrower  notifies such Lender that it has elected to
replace such Lender and notifies such Lender and the Administrative Agent of the
identity  of the  proposed  replacement  Lender  no later  than the date six (6)
months  after the date of the  applicable  Extension  Notice.  The Lender  being
replaced shall assign its Percentage of the Aggregate  Commitment and its rights
and obligations under this Facility to the replacement Lender in accordance with
the requirements of Section 13.3 hereof and the replacement  Lender shall assume
such Percentage of the Aggregate  Commitment and the related  obligations  under
this  Facility  prior to the Maturity  Date to be  extended,  all pursuant to an
assignment  and  assumption  agreement  substantially  in the form of  Exhibit J
hereto. The purchase by the replacement Lender shall be at par (plus all accrued
and  unpaid  interest  and any other  sums owed to such  Lender  being  replaced
hereunder)  which shall be paid to the Lender being  replaced upon the execution
and delivery of the assignment.


                                      -19-




<PAGE>



        2.3 Requests for Advances; Responsibility for Advances. Ratable Advances
shall be made available to Borrower by  Administrative  Agent in accordance with
Section 2.1(a) and Section 2.11(a) hereof. The obligation of each Lender to fund
its Percentage of each ratable Advance shall be several and not joint.

        2.4  Evidence  of  Credit  Extensions.   The  Advances  of  each  Lender
outstanding  at any time shall be evidenced by the Notes.  Each Note executed by
the  Borrower  shall be in a maximum  principal  amount  equal to each  Lender's
Percentage  of the  current  Aggregate  Commitment.  Each  Lender  shall  record
Advances and principal payments thereof on the schedule attached to its Note or,
at its  option,  in its  records,  and each  Lender's  record  thereof  shall be
conclusive absent Borrower  furnishing to such Lender conclusive and irrefutable
evidence of an error made by such Lender with respect to that Lender's  records.
Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  the failure to make, or an error in making,  a
notation  with respect to any Advance  shall not limit or  otherwise  affect the
obligations of Borrower  hereunder or under the Notes to pay the amount actually
owed by Borrower to Lenders.

        2.5 Ratable and Non-Pro Rata Loans. Each Advance hereunder shall consist
of  Loans  made  from  the  several  Lenders  ratably  in  proportion  to  their
Percentages,  except for  Swingline  Loans which shall be made by the  Swingline
Lender in  accordance  with Section 2.16.  The ratable  Advances may be Adjusted
Alternate Base Rate Advances, LIBOR Advances or a combination thereof,  selected
by the Borrower in accordance with Sections 2.10 and 2.11.

        2.6 Applicable  Margins and Fees. The ABR Applicable  Margin,  the LIBOR
Applicable  Margin and the  Applicable  Commitment  Fee Percentage to be used in
calculating  the interest rate applicable to different types of Advances and the
Commitment  Fee shall vary from time to time in accordance  with the ratings for
the Operating Partnership's or Equity Inns' long-term,  senior unsecured debt as
follows:

No Rating Pricing Period in Effect:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                           LIBOR         ABR        Applicable
Consolidated Total Indebtedness as a     Applicable   Applicable    Commitment
   Percentage of Total Value               Margin       Margin    Fee Percentage
- -------------------------------------    ----------   ----------  --------------
<S>                                      <C>          <C>          <C>

        less than 25%                      1.40%        0.10%          0.20%

   25% or over, but less than 35%          1.50%        0.25%          0.20%

   35% or over, but less than 40%          1.625%       0.30%          0.25%

         40% or over                       1.75%        0.35%          0.30%
</TABLE>


Rating Pricing Period in Effect:


                                      -20-



<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                LIBOR              ABR              Applicable
Rating Level of Lower of      Applicable        Applicable        Commitment Fee
  Two Highest Ratings*          Margin            Margin            Percentage
- -------------------------     ----------        -----------       --------------
<S>                           <C>               <C>               <C>

         A-/A3                  1.00%               0                  0.125%

       BBB+/Baa1                1.125%              0                  0.15%

       BBB/Baa2                 1.250%              0                  0.15%

       BBB-/Baa3                1.375%              0                  0.20%
</TABLE>


*       Rating  levels  established  by  reference  to S&P and Moody's  ratings,
        respectively.  At least one of S&P or  Moody's  ratings  must  always be
        included in the two ratings used.

        The  Applicable  Margins when no Rating Pricing Period is in effect will
change only quarterly and upon delivery of a compliance  certificate in the form
of Exhibit H attached hereto, when the Total Value is determined.  When a Rating
Pricing  Period  is  in  effect,  all  Applicable  Margins  and  the  Applicable
Commitment Fee Percentage  shall change as and when the applicable  rating level
changes.  In the event an agency  issues  different  ratings  for the  Operating
Partnership  and Equity Inns,  then the higher rating for the two entities shall
be deemed to be the rating from such agency.

        2.7  Commitment  Fee. The Borrower  agrees to pay to the  Administrative
Agent for the account of each Lender a  commitment  fee (the  "Commitment  Fee")
from the Agreement Execution Date to and including the Maturity Date, calculated
at the then-current per annum Applicable  Commitment Fee Percentage  (calculated
for actual days elapsed on the basis of a 360 day year) on the daily  unborrowed
portion of such Lender's  Commitment  (which is equal to the difference  between
(a) such Lender's Commitment on such day and (b) the then outstanding Loans owed
to such Lender  plus the  Lender's  Percentage  of any  outstanding  and undrawn
Facility Letters of Credit) payable quarterly in arrears on the last day of each
calendar quarter hereafter beginning December 31, 1997 and on the Maturity Date.
Notwithstanding  the foregoing,  all accrued Commitment Fees shall be payable on
the effective date of any  termination of the obligations of the Lenders to make
Loans hereunder.  The Swingline  Commitment shall be treated in the same fashion
as the other  Commitments  for purposes of calculating  the Commitment  Fees and
only the actual Swingline Loans  outstanding on any day shall be included in the
aggregate amount of outstanding Loans owed to the Swingline Lender on such day.

        2.8     Other Fees.

                (a)  The  Borrower  agrees  to  pay  all  fees  payable  to  the
Administrative  Agent and the Syndication Agent pursuant to the Borrower's prior
letter agreement with them.


                                      -21-




<PAGE>



                (b) The  Borrower  also  agrees  to pay the  fees  described  in
Section 3.8 below with respect to any Facility Letters of Credit.

        2.9 Minimum  Amount of Each Advance.  Each LIBOR Advance shall be in the
minimum  amount  of  $2,000,000  (and in  multiples  of  $100,000  if in  excess
thereof),  each  Adjusted  Alternate  Base Rate Advance  shall be in the minimum
amount of  $1,000,000  (and in multiples  of $100,000 if in excess  thereof) and
each  Swingline  Advance  shall be in the  minimum  amount of  $100,000  (and in
multiples of $50,000 if in excess thereof), provided, however, that any Adjusted
Alternate  Base  Rate  Advance  may be in the  amount  of the  unused  Aggregate
Commitment.

        2.10    Interest.

                (a) The outstanding principal balance under the Notes shall bear
interest from time to time at a rate per annum equal to:

                         (i)  the Adjusted Alternate Base Rate; or

                         (ii) at the election of Borrower with respect to all or
                portions of the Obligations, the Adjusted LIBOR Rate.

                (b) All interest  shall be calculated for actual days elapsed on
the basis of a 360-day year.  Interest  accrued on each Advance shall be payable
in  arrears on (i) the first day of each  calendar  month,  commencing  with the
first  such date to occur  after the date  hereof,  (ii) with  respect  to LIBOR
Advances,  the last day of the applicable LIBOR Interest Period,  (iii) the date
on which such Advance is prepaid, whether by acceleration or otherwise, and (iv)
the Maturity  Date.  Interest shall not be payable for the day of any payment on
the amount  paid if payment is received  by  Administrative  Agent prior to noon
(Chicago  time).  If any payment of principal or interest  under the Notes shall
become due on a day that is not a Business  Day,  such payment  shall be made on
the next  succeeding  Business  Day and, in the case of a payment of  principal,
such extension of time shall be included in computing interest due in connection
with such  payment;  provided  that for  purposes of Section  10.1  hereof,  any
payments of principal described in this sentence shall be considered to be "due"
on such next succeeding Business Day.

        2.11    Selection of Rate Options and LIBOR Interest Periods.

                (a) Borrower, from time to time, may select the Rate Option and,
in the case of each LIBOR  Advance,  the  commencement  date  (which  shall be a
Business  Day) and the length of the LIBOR  Interest  Period  applicable to each
LIBOR Advance.  Borrower shall give  Administrative  Agent irrevocable notice (a
"Borrowing  Notice"  not later than 11:00 a.m.  (Chicago  time) (i) at least one
Business Day prior to an Adjusted  Alternate  Base Rate  Advance,  (ii) at least
three (3) Business Days prior to a ratable LIBOR Advance, and (iii) not

                                      -22-




<PAGE>



later than 11:00 a.m. (Chicago time) on the Borrowing Date for each Swingline
Loan, specifying:

                          (i)     the Borrowing Date, which shall be a Business
                                  Day, of such Advance,

                          (ii)    the aggregate amount of such Advance,

                          (iii)   the type of Advance selected, and

                          (iv)    in the case of each LIBOR  Advance,  the LIBOR
                                  Interest Period applicable thereto.

         The Borrower shall also deliver together with each Borrowing Notice the
compliance  certificate  required in Section 5.2 and  otherwise  comply with the
conditions  set forth in Section 5.2 for  Advances.  Administrative  Agent shall
provide  each  Lender by  facsimile  with a copy of each  Borrowing  Notice  and
compliance certificate on the same Business Day it is received.

         Not later than noon (Chicago time) on each Borrowing  Date, each Lender
shall  make  available  its Loan or Loans,  in funds  immediately  available  in
Chicago to the Administrative Agent. Administrative Agent will promptly make the
funds so received from the Lenders available to the Borrower.

                  (b)  Administrative  Agent shall, as soon as practicable after
receipt of a Borrowing  Notice,  determine the Adjusted LIBOR Rate applicable to
the requested ratable LIBOR Advance and inform Borrower and Lenders of the same.
Each  determination of the Adjusted LIBOR Rate by Administrative  Agent shall be
conclusive and binding upon Borrower in the absence of manifest error.

                  (c) If Borrower shall prepay a LIBOR Advance other than on the
last day of the LIBOR  Interest  Period  applicable  thereto,  Borrower shall be
responsible to pay all amounts due to Lenders as required by Section 4.4 hereof.

                  (d) As of the end of each LIBOR Interest Period selected for a
ratable  LIBOR  Advance,  the interest rate on the LIBOR Advance will become the
Adjusted  Alternate Base Rate,  unless  Borrower has once again selected a LIBOR
Interest  Period in  accordance  with the  timing  and  procedures  set forth in
Section 2.11(g).

                  (e) The right of  Borrower to select the  Adjusted  LIBOR Rate
for an Advance  pursuant to this  Agreement  is subject to the  availability  to
Lenders  of a  similar  option.  If  Administrative  Agent  determines  that (i)
deposits of Dollars in an amount  approximately  equal to the LIBOR  Advance for
which the Borrower  wishes to select the Adjusted  LIBOR Rate are not  generally
available at such time in the London interbank

                                      -23-




<PAGE>



eurodollar  market,  or (ii)  the  rate  at  which  the  deposits  described  in
subsection  (i) herein are being offered will not  adequately and fairly reflect
the costs to Lenders of  maintaining  an Adjusted LIBOR Rate on an Advance or of
funding  the  same in such  market  for such  LIBOR  Interest  Period,  or (iii)
reasonable  means do not exist for  determining  an Adjusted LIBOR Rate, or (iv)
the Adjusted  LIBOR Rate would be in excess of the maximum  interest  rate which
Borrower may by law pay, then in any of such events,  Administrative Agent shall
so notify  Borrower  and Lenders  and such  Advance  shall bear  interest at the
Adjusted Alternate Base Rate.  Notwithstanding the foregoing,  the Lenders shall
not be obligated to match fund their LIBOR Advances.

                  (f) In no event may  Borrower  elect a LIBOR  Interest  Period
which would extend beyond the Maturity Date. Unless Lenders agree thereto, in no
event may Borrower have more than ten (10) different LIBOR Interest  Periods for
LIBOR Advances outstanding at any one time.

                  (g)      Conversion and Continuation.

                                  (i)  Borrower  may  elect  from  time to time,
                  subject  to the other  provisions  of this  Section  2.11,  to
                  convert  all or any part of a ratable  Advance  into any other
                  type of Advance;  provided  that any  conversion  of a ratable
                  LIBOR  Advance  shall be made on, and only on, the last day of
                  the LIBOR Interest Period applicable thereto.

                                 (ii)  Adjusted  Alternate  Base  Rate  Advances
                  shall continue as Adjusted  Alternate Rate Advances unless and
                  until such Adjusted Alternate Base Rate Advances are converted
                  into    ratable     LIBOR     Advances     pursuant    to    a
                  Conversion/Continuation  Notice from  Borrower  in  accordance
                  with  Section   2.11(g)(iv).   Ratable  LIBOR  Advances  shall
                  continue until the end of the then  applicable  LIBOR Interest
                  Period  therefor,  at which  time each such  Advance  shall be
                  automatically  converted into an Adjusted  Alternate Base Rate
                  Advance   unless   the   Borrower   shall   have   given   the
                  Administrative  Agent  a  Conversion/Continuation   Notice  in
                  accordance with Section  2.11(g)(iv)  requesting  that, at the
                  end  of  such  LIBOR  Interest  Period,  such  Advance  either
                  continue  as an  Advance  of such type for the same or another
                  LIBOR Interest Period.

                                (iii)  Notwithstanding  anything to the contrary
                  contained in Sections 2.11(g)(i) or (g)(ii), no Advance may be
                  converted into a LIBOR Advance or continued as a LIBOR Advance
                  (except  with the consent of the  Required  Lenders)  when any
                  Monetary  Default  or Event of  Default  has  occurred  and is
                  continuing.

                                 (iv) The Borrower shall give the Administrative
                  Agent irrevocable notice (a "Conversion/Continuation  Notice")
                  of each conversion of

                                      -24-




<PAGE>



                  an Advance or  continuation  of a LIBOR Advance not later than
                  11:00 a.m.  (Chicago  time) on the  Business  Day  immediately
                  preceding the date of the requested conversion, in the case of
                  a conversion into an Adjusted Alternate Base Rate Advance,  or
                  11:00 a.m.  (Chicago  time) at least three (3)  Business  Days
                  prior to the date of the requested conversion or continuation,
                  in the case of a conversion  into or continuation of a ratable
                  LIBOR Advance, specifying: (1) the requested date (which shall
                  be a Business Day) of such conversion or continuation; (2) the
                  amount and type of the Advance to be converted  or  continued;
                  and (3) the amounts and type(s) of Advance(s)  into which such
                  Advance is to be converted or continued  and, in the case of a
                  conversion  into or  continuation  of a ratable LIBOR Advance,
                  the duration of the LIBOR Interest Period applicable thereto.

         2.12 Method of Payment. All payments of the Obligations hereunder shall
be made, without set-off,  deduction, or counterclaim,  in immediately available
funds  to  Administrative  Agent at  Administrative  Agent's  address  specified
herein, or at any other Lending  Installation of Administrative  Agent specified
in writing by Administrative Agent to Borrower, by noon (local time) on the date
when due and shall be applied  ratably by  Administrative  Agent among  Lenders.
Each  payment  delivered to  Administrative  Agent for the account of any Lender
shall be delivered  promptly by Administrative  Agent to such Lender in the same
type of funds that Administrative Agent received at its address specified herein
or at any Lending Installation  specified in a notice received by Administrative
Agent from such Lender.  Administrative Agent is hereby authorized to charge the
account of Borrower maintained with First Chicago for each payment of principal,
interest  and fees as it becomes due  hereunder.  Amounts paid to or held by the
Administrative  Agent for the  payment  of Loans  shall not be deemed  paid to a
Lender until the Business Day that such amounts are received by such Lender.  If
amounts are received by the Administrative  Agent from the Borrower prior to the
applicable  times  stated  herein and the  Administrative  Agent fails to make a
Lender's portion of such amount available to such Lender by close of business on
such  Business  Day, the Borrower  shall have no  obligation  to pay any further
interest on such payment and the  Administrative  Agent shall pay to such Lender
interest on such  payment to the date paid to such Lender by the  Administrative
Agent at a rate per annum  equal to the  then-current  Federal  Funds  Effective
Rate.

         2.13 Default.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, during the continuance of
a Monetary Default or an Event of Default,  Borrower shall not have the right to
request a LIBOR  Advance,  select a new LIBOR  Interest  Period for an  existing
ratable LIBOR Advance or convert any Adjusted  Alternate  Base Rate Advance to a
ratable LIBOR Advance.  During the continuance of a Monetary Default or an Event
of Default,  at the  election of the  Required  Lenders,  by notice to Borrower,
outstanding  Advances shall bear interest at the applicable  Default Rates until
such Monetary Default or Event of Default ceases to exist or the Obligations are
paid in full.


                                      -25-




<PAGE>



         2.14  Lending  Installations.  Each Lender may book its Advances at any
Lending  Installation  selected  by such  Lender  and  may  change  its  Lending
Installation  from time to time. All terms of this Agreement  shall apply to any
such Lending  Installation and the Notes shall be deemed held by each Lender for
the benefit of such Lending  Installation.  Each Lender may, by written or telex
notice  to  the   Administrative   Agent  and  Borrower,   designate  a  Lending
Installation  through  which  Advances  will be made by it and for whose account
payments are to be made.

         2.15 Non-Receipt of Funds by Administrative Agent. Unless Borrower or a
Lender, as the case may be, notifies  Administrative  Agent prior to the date on
which it is scheduled to make payment to Administrative Agent of (i) in the case
of a  Lender,  an  Advance,  or  (ii) in the  case of  Borrower,  a  payment  of
principal,  interest or fees to the Administrative  Agent for the account of the
Lenders, that it does not intend to make such payment,  Administrative Agent may
assume that such payment has been made.  Administrative Agent may, but shall not
be  obligated  to, make the amount of such  payment  available  to the  intended
recipient in reliance upon such assumption.  If such Lender or Borrower,  as the
case may be, has not in fact made such  payment  to  Administrative  Agent,  the
recipient of such payment shall,  on demand by  Administrative  Agent,  repay to
Administrative Agent the amount so made available together with interest thereon
in respect of each day during the period  commencing on the date such amount was
so made available by Administrative  Agent until the date  Administrative  Agent
recovers  such amount at a rate per annum equal to (i) in the case of payment by
a Lender,  the Federal Funds  Effective  Rate (as  determined by  Administrative
Agent)  for such day or (ii) in the case of payment by  Borrower,  the  interest
rate applicable to the relevant Advance.

         2.16  Swingline  Loans.  In addition to the other options  available to
Borrower  hereunder,  up to  $7,500,000  of the  Swingline  Commitment  shall be
available for Swingline  Loans  subject to the following  terms and  conditions.
Swingline  Loans shall be made available for same day  borrowings  provided that
notice is given in  accordance  with Section 2.11 hereof.  All  Swingline  Loans
shall bear interest at the Adjusted  Alternate  Base Rate and shall be deemed to
be Adjusted Alternate Base Rate Advances. In no event shall the Swingline Lender
be required to fund a Swingline  Loan if it would  increase the total  aggregate
outstanding  Loans by Swingline Lender hereunder plus its Percentage of Facility
Letter of Credit Obligations to an amount in excess of its Commitment.  Borrower
may repay Swingline Loans from  subsequent pro rata Advances  hereunder.  If any
Swingline  Loan is not so repaid,  upon request of the Swingline  Lender made to
all the  Lenders,  which  request  must be given not later than the fifth  (5th)
Business Day after such a Swingline Loan was made if all Swingline Advances then
outstanding  exceed  $1,000,000,  each Lender irrevocably agrees to purchase its
Percentage of any  Swingline  Loan made by the  Swingline  Lender  regardless of
whether  the  conditions  for  disbursement  are  satisfied  at the time of such
purchase,  including the existence of an Event of Default hereunder  provided no
Lender shall be required to have total  outstanding Loans plus its Percentage of
Facility Letters of Credit exceed its Commitment. Such purchase shall take place
on the date of the request by  Swingline  Lender so long as such request is made
by noon (Chicago time), otherwise on the

                                      -26-




<PAGE>



Business Day  following  such  request.  All  requests for purchase  shall be in
writing.  From and after the date it is so purchased,  each such  Swingline Loan
shall, to the extent purchased,  (i) be treated as a Loan made by the purchasing
Lenders and not by the selling  Lender for all purposes under this Agreement and
the payment of the  purchase  price by a Lender shall be deemed to be the making
of a Loan by such Lender and shall constitute  outstanding  principal under such
Lender's  Note,  and (ii) shall no longer be considered a Swingline  Loan except
that all interest  accruing on or  attributable  to such  Swingline Loan for the
period prior to the date of such purchase shall be paid when due by the Borrower
to the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Swingline Lender and all such
amounts  accruing on or attributable to such Loans for the period from and after
the  date  of such  purchase  shall  be paid  when  due by the  Borrower  to the
Administrative  Agent for the  benefit of the  purchasing  Lenders.  If prior to
purchasing  its  Percentage of a Swingline  Loan one of the events  described in
Section 10.10 shall have occurred and such event  prevents the  consummation  of
the purchase contemplated by preceding provisions,  each Lender will purchase an
undivided  participating interest in the outstanding Swingline Loan in an amount
equal to its Percentage of such Swingline  Loan. From and after the date of each
Lender's  purchase of its  participating  interest in a Swingline  Loan,  if the
Swingline Lender receives any payment on account  thereof,  the Swingline Lender
will  distribute  to such  Lender  its  participating  interest  in such  amount
(appropriately adjusted, in the case of interest payments, to reflect the period
of time during which such Lender's  participating  interest was  outstanding and
funded); provided,  however, that in the event that such payment was received by
the Swingline Lender and is required to be returned to the Borrower, each Lender
will return to the Swingline Lender any portion thereof  previously  distributed
by the Swingline Lender to it. If any Lender fails to so purchase its Percentage
of any  Swingline  Loan,  such Lender shall be deemed to be a Defaulting  Lender
hereunder.

         2.17 Voluntary Reduction of Aggregate  Commitment Amount. Upon at least
five (5) days prior  irrevocable  written notice (or telephonic  notice promptly
confirmed  in  writing) to the  Administrative  Agent,  Borrower  shall have the
right,  without  premium or penalty,  to terminate the  Aggregate  Commitment in
whole or in part  provided  that  (a)  Borrower  may not  reduce  the  Aggregate
Commitment  below the Allocated  Facility  Amount at the time of such  requested
reduction,  and  (b)  any  such  partial  termination  shall  be in the  minimum
aggregate  amount of Two Million  Dollars (U.S.  $2,000,000.00)  or any integral
multiple of Two Million  Dollars (U.S.  $2,000,000.00)  in excess  thereof.  Any
partial  termination  of the Aggregate  Commitment  shall be applied pro rata to
reduce each Lender's Commitment,  including,  unless otherwise agreed in writing
by the  Swingline  Lender,  to reduce the  Swingline  Commitment by a percentage
equal to the percentage reduction in the Aggregate Commitment.

         2.18 Application of Moneys  Received.  All moneys collected or received
by the  Administrative  Agent on account of the Facility directly or indirectly,
shall be applied in the following order of priority:


                                      -27-




<PAGE>



                                  (i) to the  payment  of all  reasonable  costs
                  incurred  in the  collection  of  such  moneys  of  which  the
                  Administrative Agent shall have given notice to the Borrower;

                                 (ii)  to the reimbursement of any yield
                  protection due to any of the Lenders in accordance with
                  Section 4.1;

                                (iii) to the payment of any fee due  pursuant to
                  Section  3.8(b) in connection  with the issuance of a Facility
                  Letter of Credit to the  Issuing  Bank,  to the payment of the
                  Commitment  Fee  and  Facility  Letter  of  Credit  Fee to the
                  Lenders,  if then due,  and to the  payment of all fees to the
                  Administrative Agent;

                                 (iv)  to payment of the full amount of interest
                  and principal on the Swingline Loans;

                                  (v) first to  interest  until paid in full and
                  then to  principal  for all  Lenders  (other  than  Defaulting
                  Lenders) in accordance with the respective  Percentages of the
                  Lenders;

                                 (vi)  any other sums due to the Administrative
                  Agent or any Lender under any of the Loan Documents; and

                                (vii)  to the  payment  of any  sums due to each
                  Defaulting  Lender  as  their  respective  Percentages  appear
                  (provided  that  Administrative  Agent shall have the right to
                  set-off against such sums any amounts due from such Defaulting
                  Lender).


                                   ARTICLE III

                        THE LETTER OF CREDIT SUBFACILITY

         3.1  Obligation to Issue.  Subject to the terms and  conditions of this
Agreement  and in  reliance  upon  the  representations  and  warranties  of the
Borrower  herein set forth,  the  Issuing  Bank  hereby  agrees to issue for the
account of either of the entities comprising the Borrower,  one or more Facility
Letters of Credit in accordance  with this Article III, from time to time during
the period  commencing on the Agreement  Execution Date and ending on a date one
Business Day prior to the Maturity Date.


                                      -28-




<PAGE>



         3.2 Types and Amounts.  The Issuing Bank shall not have any  obligation
to:

                                  (i) issue any Facility Letter of Credit if the
                  aggregate  maximum  amount then  available  for drawing  under
                  Letters of Credit  issued by such Issuing  Bank,  after giving
                  effect to the Facility Letter of Credit  requested  hereunder,
                  shall exceed any limit imposed by law or regulation  upon such
                  Issuing Bank;

                                 (ii)  issue any  Facility  Letter of Credit if,
                  after giving effect  thereto,  either (1) the then  applicable
                  Allocated  Facility  Amount  would  exceed  the  then  current
                  Aggregate   Commitment,   (2)  the  then   applicable   Credit
                  Requirement  would  exceed  forty-five  percent  (45%)  of the
                  then-current  Borrowing  Base,  or (3) the Facility  Letter of
                  Credit  Obligations would exceed the Facility Letter of Credit
                  Sublimit; or

                                (iii) issue any Facility Letter of Credit having
                  an  expiration   date,  or  containing   automatic   extension
                  provision  to extend  such date,  to a date which is after the
                  Business Day immediately preceding the Maturity Date.

         3.3 Conditions. In addition to being subject to the satisfaction of the
conditions  contained in Article V hereof, the obligation of the Issuing Bank to
issue any Facility  Letter of Credit is subject to the  satisfaction  in full of
the following conditions:

                    (i) the Borrower shall have delivered to the Issuing Bank at
         such  times  and in such  manner  as the  Issuing  Bank may  reasonably
         prescribe  such  documents and materials as may be reasonably  required
         pursuant  to the terms of the  proposed  Facility  Letter of Credit (it
         being  understood  that  if  any  inconsistency   exists  between  such
         documents and the Loan Documents, the terms of the Loan Documents shall
         control) and the proposed Facility Letter of Credit shall be reasonably
         satisfactory to the Issuing Bank as to form and content;

                   (ii) as of the date of issuance, no order, judgment or decree
         of any court, arbitrator or governmental authority shall purport by its
         terms to enjoin or restrain the Issuing Bank from issuing the requested
         Facility Letter of Credit and no law, rule or regulation  applicable to
         the Issuing Bank and no request or directive (whether or not having the
         force of law) from any governmental  authority with  jurisdiction  over
         the  Issuing  Bank shall  prohibit  or request  that the  Issuing  Bank
         refrain  from the  issuance  of  Letters  of  Credit  generally  or the
         issuance of the requested Facility Letter or Credit in particular; and

                  (iii) there shall not exist any Default or Event of Default.


                                      -29-




<PAGE>



         3.4      Procedure for Issuance of Facility Letters of Credit.

                  (a)   Borrower   shall   give   the   Issuing   Bank  and  the
Administrative  Agent at least three (3) Business  Days' prior written notice of
any requested  issuance of a Facility  Letter of Credit under this  Agreement (a
"Letter of Credit  Request"),  a copy of which shall be sent  immediately to all
Lenders (except that, in lieu of such written notice,  the Borrower may give the
Issuing Bank and the  Administrative  Agent telephonic notice of such request if
confirmed  in writing by  delivery to the  Issuing  Bank and the  Administrative
Agent (i) immediately (A) of a telecopy of the written notice required hereunder
which has been signed by an authorized officer, or (B) of a telex containing all
information  required to be contained in such written  notice and (ii)  promptly
(but in no event  later than the  requested  date of  issuance)  of the  written
notice  required  hereunder  containing the original  signature of an authorized
officer); such notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify:

         (1)      the stated amount of the Facility  Letter of Credit  requested
                  (which stated amount shall not be less than $50,000);

         (2)      the  effective  date  (which day shall be a  Business  Day) of
                  issuance  of such  requested  Facility  Letter of Credit  (the
                  "Issuance Date");

         (3)      the date on which such requested Facility Letter of Credit is
                  to expire;

         (4)      the purpose for which such Facility Letter of Credit is to be
                  issued;

         (5)      the Person for whose benefit the requested Facility Letter of
                  Credit is to be issued; and

         (6)      any special language required to be included in the Facility
                  Letter of Credit.

At the  time  such  request  is  made,  the  Borrower  shall  also  provide  the
Administrative  Agent  and  the  Issuing  Bank  with a copy  of the  form of the
Facility  Letter of Credit  that the  Borrower  is  requesting  be issued.  Such
notice,  to be  effective,  must  be  received  by  such  Issuing  Bank  and the
Administrative  Agent  not  later  than  2:00  p.m.  (Chicago  time) on the last
Business Day on which notice can be given under this Section 3.4(a).

                  (b) Subject to the terms and  conditions  of this  Article III
and provided that the  applicable  conditions set forth in Article V hereof have
been satisfied,  the Issuing Bank shall, on the Issuance Date,  issue a Facility
Letter of Credit on behalf of the  Borrower  in  accordance  with the  Letter of
Credit  Request and the Issuing  Bank's usual and customary  business  practices
unless the  Issuing  Bank has  actually  received  (i)  written  notice from the
Borrower specifically revoking the Letter of Credit Request with respect to such
Facility  Letter of Credit,  (ii) written  notice from a Lender,  which complies
with the  provisions of Section  3.6(a),  or (iii) written or telephonic  notice
from the Administrative  Agent stating that the issuance of such Facility Letter
of Credit would violate Section 3.2.

                                      -30-




<PAGE>




                  (c) The Issuing Bank shall give the Administrative  Agent (who
shall  promptly  notify  Lenders) and the Borrower  written or telex notice,  or
telephonic notice confirmed promptly thereafter in writing, of the issuance of a
Facility Letter of Credit (the "Issuance Notice").

                  (d) The  Issuing  Bank shall not extend or amend any  Facility
Letter of Credit unless the requirements of this Section 3.4 are met as though a
new Facility Letter of Credit was being requested and issued.

         3.5      Reimbursement Obligations; Duties of Issuing Bank.

                  (a) The Issuing  Bank shall  promptly  notify the Borrower and
the Administrative Agent (who shall promptly notify Lenders) of any draw under a
Facility  Letter of  Credit.  Any such draw  shall not be deemed to be a default
hereunder  but shall  constitute an Advance of the Facility in the amount of the
Reimbursement  Obligation  with  respect to such  Facility  Letter of Credit and
shall bear interest from the date of the relevant drawing(s) under the pertinent
Facility  Letter of Credit at a rate  selected by Borrower  in  accordance  with
Section 2.11 hereof;  provided that if a Monetary Default or an Event of Default
exists at the time of any such drawing(s), then the Borrower shall reimburse the
Issuing  Bank for  drawings  under a  Facility  Letter of  Credit  issued by the
Issuing Bank no later than the next succeeding Business Day after the payment by
the Issuing  Bank and until  repaid  such  Reimbursement  Obligation  shall bear
interest at the Default Rate.

                  (b) Any action  taken or  omitted  to be taken by the  Issuing
Bank under or in  connection  with any  Facility  Letter of Credit,  if taken or
omitted in the absence of willful misconduct or gross negligence,  shall not put
the Issuing Bank under any resulting  liability to any Lender or,  provided that
such Issuing Bank has complied with the procedures  specified in Section 3.4 and
such Lender has not given a notice contemplated by Section 3.6(a) that continues
in full force and effect,  relieve that Lender of its  obligations  hereunder to
the Issuing Bank.  In  determining  whether to pay under any Facility  Letter of
Credit, the Issuing Bank shall have no obligation  relative to the Lenders other
than to confirm that any documents required to be delivered under such Letter of
Credit  appear to have been  delivered  in  compliance,  and that they appear to
comply on their face, with the requirements of such Letter of Credit.

         3.6      Participation.

                  (a)  Immediately  upon  issuance  by the  Issuing  Bank of any
Facility Letter of Credit in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section
3.4,  each  Lender  shall be  deemed  to have  irrevocably  and  unconditionally
purchased and received from the Issuing Bank,  without recourse,  representation
or warranty,  an undivided  interest and  participation  equal to such  Lender's
Percentage in such Facility Letter of Credit (including, without limitation, all
obligations  of the  Borrower  with  respect  thereto)  and all  related  rights
hereunder  and under the  Guaranty  and other Loan  Documents;  provided  that a
Letter of

                                      -31-




<PAGE>



Credit issued by the Issuing Bank shall not be deemed to be a Facility Letter of
Credit for purposes of this Section 3.6 if the Issuing Bank shall have  received
written  notice from any Lender on or before the  Business Day prior to the date
of its  issuance  of such  Letter of Credit  that one or more of the  conditions
contained  in Section  5.2 is not then  satisfied,  and in the event the Issuing
Bank  receives  such a notice it shall have no further  obligation  to issue any
Facility  Letter of Credit  until such notice is withdrawn by that Lender or the
Issuing Bank receives a notice from the Administrative Agent that such condition
has been effectively waived in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
Each  Lender's  obligation  to make  further  Loans to Borrower  (other than any
payments  such Lender is required  to make under  subparagraph  (b) below) or to
purchase an interest from the Issuing Bank in any  subsequent  letters of credit
issued by the  Issuing  Bank on  behalf of  Borrower  shall be  reduced  by such
Lender's  Percentage of the undrawn  portion of each  Facility  Letter of Credit
outstanding.

                  (b) In the event that the Issuing Bank makes any payment under
any Facility Letter of Credit and the Borrower shall not have repaid such amount
to the Issuing  Bank  pursuant to Section  3.7  hereof,  the Issuing  Bank shall
promptly  notify the  Administrative  Agent,  which shall  promptly  notify each
Lender of such failure,  and each Lender shall promptly and  unconditionally pay
to the  Administrative  Agent for the account of the Issuing  Bank the amount of
such Lender's  Percentage of the  unreimbursed  amount of such payment,  and the
Administrative  Agent  shall  promptly  pay such  amount  to the  Issuing  Bank.
Lender's  payments  of  its  Percentage  of  such  Reimbursement  Obligation  as
aforesaid  shall be deemed  to be a Loan by such  Lender  and  shall  constitute
outstanding  principal  under such Lender's  Note.  The failure of any Lender to
make available to the  Administrative  Agent for the account of the Issuing Bank
its Percentage of the unreimbursed  amount of any such payment shall not relieve
any  other  Lender  of  its  obligation  hereunder  to  make  available  to  the
Administrative  Agent for the account of such Issuing Bank its Percentage of the
unreimbursed  amount of any payment on the date such payment is to be made,  but
no Lender  shall be  responsible  for the  failure  of any other  Lender to make
available to the Administrative  Agent its Percentage of the unreimbursed amount
of any payment on the date such payment is to be made. Any Lender which fails to
make any payment required  pursuant to this Section 3.6(b) shall be deemed to be
a Defaulting Lender hereunder.

                  (c) Whenever the Issuing Bank receives a payment on account of
a Reimbursement  Obligation,  including any interest  thereon,  the Issuing Bank
shall  promptly pay to the  Administrative  Agent and the  Administrative  Agent
shall  promptly pay to each Lender which has funded its  participating  interest
therein,  in  immediately  available  funds,  an amount  equal to such  Lender's
Percentage thereof.

                  (d)  Upon  the  request  of the  Administrative  Agent  or any
Lender,  the Issuing Bank shall furnish to such  Administrative  Agent or Lender
copies of any  Facility  Letter of Credit to which the Issuing Bank is party and
such other  documentation  as may reasonably be requested by the  Administrative
Agent or Lender.


                                      -32-




<PAGE>



                  (e)  The  obligations  of a  Lender  to make  payments  to the
Administrative  Agent for the  account  of the  Issuing  Bank with  respect to a
Facility Letter of Credit shall be absolute,  unconditional and irrevocable, not
subject to any  counterclaim,  set-off,  qualification  or exception  whatsoever
other than a failure of any such  Issuing  Bank to comply with the terms of this
Agreement  relating to the issuance of such Facility Letter of Credit,  and such
payments  shall be made in  accordance  with the  terms and  conditions  of this
Agreement under all circumstances.

         3.7      Payment of Reimbursement Obligations.

                  (a) The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent for
the account of the Issuing  Bank the amount of all  Advances  for  Reimbursement
Obligations,  interest and other amounts payable to the Issuing Bank under or in
connection  with any  Facility  Letter of Credit when due,  irrespective  of any
claim,  set-off,  defense or other right which the Borrower may have at any time
against any Issuing Bank or any other Person, under all circumstances, including
without limitation any of the following circumstances:

                  (i) any lack of validity or enforceability of
               this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents;

                                 (ii)  the  existence  of  any  claim,   setoff,
                  defense or other right which the Borrower may have at any time
                  against a beneficiary  named in a Facility Letter of Credit or
                  any transferee of any Facility Letter of Credit (or any Person
                  for  whom   any   such   transferee   may  be   acting),   the
                  Administrative  Agent,  the Issuing Bank,  any Lender,  or any
                  other Person,  whether in connection with this Agreement,  any
                  Facility  Letter  of  Credit,  the  transactions  contemplated
                  herein or any unrelated transactions (including any underlying
                  transactions between the Borrower and the beneficiary named in
                  any Facility Letter of Credit);

                                (iii)  any  draft,   certificate  or  any  other
                  document presented under the Facility Letter of Credit proving
                  to be  forged,  fraudulent,  invalid  or  insufficient  in any
                  respect of any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in
                  any respect;

                                 (iv)  the surrender or impairment of any
                  security for the performance or observance of any of the terms
                  of any of the Loan Documents; or

                  (v) the occurrence of any Default or Event of
                                    Default.

                  (b) In the event any payment by the  Borrower  received by the
Issuing Bank or the  Administrative  Agent with respect to a Facility  Letter of
Credit and distributed by the Administrative  Agent to the Lenders on account of
their participations is thereafter set aside,

                                      -33-




<PAGE>



avoided or recovered from the Administrative Agent or Issuing Bank in connection
with any receivership,  liquidation,  reorganization  or bankruptcy  proceeding,
each  Lender  which  received  such  distribution  shall,  upon  demand  by  the
Administrative  Agent,  contribute  such  Lender's  Percentage of the amount set
aside,  avoided or recovered  together  with interest at the rate required to be
paid by the Issuing Bank or the Administrative Agent upon the amount required to
be repaid by the Issuing Bank or the Administrative Agent.

         3.8      Compensation for Facility Letters of Credit.

                  (a) The Borrower shall pay to the  Administrative  Agent,  for
the ratable account of the Lenders  (including the Issuing Bank), based upon the
Lenders' respective Percentages, a per annum fee (the "Facility Letter of Credit
Fee") as a percentage of the face amount of each Facility Letter of Credit equal
to the LIBOR  Applicable  Margin in effect from time to time while such Facility
Letter of Credit is outstanding  minus one-eighth of one percent  (0.125%).  The
Facility Letter of Credit Fee relating to any Facility Letter of Credit shall be
due and payable in arrears in equal  installments  on the first  Business Day of
each month  following the issuance of such Facility Letter of Credit and, to the
extent any such fees are then due and unpaid,  on the Maturity Date or any other
earlier  date  that  the   Obligations   are  due  and  payable  in  full.   The
Administrative  Agent shall promptly remit such Facility  Letter of Credit Fees,
when paid, to the other Lenders in accordance  with their  Percentages  thereof.
The Borrower  shall not have any  liability to any Lender for the failure of the
Administrative  Agent to promptly  deliver funds to any such Lender and shall be
deemed to have made all such payments on the date the respective payment is made
by the Borrower to the Administrative  Agent,  provided such payment is received
by the time specified in Section 2.12 hereof.

                  (b) The  Issuing  Bank also  shall  have the right to  receive
solely for its own account an issuance fee of one-eighth of one percent (0.125%)
of the face amount of each Facility Letter of Credit, payable by the Borrower on
the  Issuance  Date for each such  Facility  Letter of Credit.  The Issuing Bank
shall also be  entitled to receive its  reasonable  out-of-pocket  costs and the
Issuing  Bank's  standard  charges of issuing,  amending and servicing  Facility
Letters of Credit and processing draws thereunder.

         3.9 Letter of Credit  Collateral  Account.  The Borrower  hereby agrees
that it will,  until the Maturity Date,  maintain a special  collateral  account
(the "Letter of Credit Collateral Account") at the Administrative Agent's office
at the address specified pursuant to Article XV, in the name of the Borrower but
under the sole dominion and control of the Administrative Agent, for the benefit
of the Lenders,  and in which the Borrower  shall have no interest other than as
set forth in Section 11.1.  The Letter of Credit  Collateral  Account shall hold
the  deposits  the  Borrower  is  required  to make after an Event of Default on
account of any  outstanding  Facility  Letters of Credit as described in Section
11.1.  In  addition  to  the  foregoing,  the  Borrower  hereby  grants  to  the
Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, a security interest in and
to the Letter of Credit  Collateral  Account and any funds that may hereafter be
on deposit in such account, including income earned thereon. The

                                      -34-




<PAGE>



Lenders  acknowledge  and agree that the Borrower has no  obligation to fund the
Letter of Credit  Collateral  Account unless and until so required under Section
11.1 hereof.


                                   ARTICLE IV

                             CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES

         4.1 Yield  Protection.  If the  adoption of or change in any law or any
governmental  or  quasi-governmental  rule,  regulation,  policy,  guideline  or
directive  (whether  or not  having  the  force of law),  or any  interpretation
thereof, or the compliance of any Lender therewith,

                                  (i)  subjects  any  Lender  or any  applicable
                  Lending  Installation to any tax, duty,  charge or withholding
                  on or from payments due from Borrower  (excluding  federal and
                  state  taxation  of the  overall  net  income of any Lender or
                  applicable Lending Installation), or changes the basis of such
                  taxation of payments to any Lender in respect of its Advances,
                  its  interest  in the  Facility  Letters  of  Credit  or other
                  amounts due it hereunder, or

                                 (ii) imposes or  increases or deems  applicable
                  any reserve, assessment,  insurance charge, special deposit or
                  similar  requirement  against assets of,  deposits with or for
                  the  account  of, or credit  extended  by,  any  Lender or any
                  applicable  Lending  Installation  (other  than  reserves  and
                  assessments  taken into  account in  determining  the interest
                  rate applicable to LIBOR Advances), or

                                (iii)  imposes  any  other  condition,  and  the
                  result is to increase the cost of any Lender or any applicable
                  Lending  Installation  of making,  funding or maintaining  the
                  Loans or reduces  any amount  receivable  by any Lender or any
                  applicable Lending  Installation in connection with the Loans,
                  or requires any Lender or any applicable Lending  Installation
                  to make any payment  calculated  by reference to the amount of
                  the Loans held, Letters of Credit issued or participated in or
                  interest  received by it, by an amount deemed material by such
                  Lender,

then, within fifteen (15) days of demand by such Lender, Borrower shall pay such
Lender that portion of such increased expense incurred or reduction in an amount
received which such Lender  determines is  attributable  to making,  funding and
maintaining its Advances and its Commitment.

         4.2 Changes in Capital Adequacy Regulations. If a Lender determines the
amount of capital  required or expected to be  maintained  by such  Lender,  any
Lending  Installation of such Lender or any corporate  entity  controlling  such
Lender with  respect to this  Facility is  increased as a result of a Change (as
defined below), then, within fifteen (15) days of

                                      -35-




<PAGE>



demand by such Lender,  Borrower  shall pay such Lender the amount  necessary to
compensate  for any  shortfall  in the rate of  return  on the  portion  of such
increased   capital  which  such  Lender  determines  is  attributable  to  this
Agreement,  its Advances, its interest in the Facility Letters of Credit, or its
obligation  to make  Advances  hereunder  or  participate  in or issue  Facility
Letters of Credit hereunder (after taking into account such Lender's policies as
to  capital  adequacy).  "Change"  means (i) any  change  after the date of this
Agreement in the  Risk-Based  Capital  Guidelines (as defined below) or (ii) any
adoption of or change in any other law, governmental or quasi-governmental rule,
regulation,  policy,  guideline,  interpretation,  or directive  (whether or not
having  the force of law) after the date of this  Agreement  which  affects  the
amount of capital  required or expected  to be  maintained  by any Lender or any
Lending  Installation  or any corporation  controlling  any Lender.  "Risk-Based
Capital Guidelines" means (i) the risk-based capital guidelines in effect in the
United States on the date of this Agreement,  including  transition  rules,  and
(ii) the corresponding capital regulations promulgated by regulatory authorities
outside  the  United  States  implementing  the July  1988  report  of the Basle
Committee   on   Banking   Regulation   and   Supervisory   Practices   Entitled
"International  Convergence  of Capital  Measurements  and  Capital  Standards",
including transition rules, and any amendments to such regulations adopted prior
to the date of this Agreement.

         4.3  Availability  of LIBOR  Advances.  If any Lender  determines  that
maintenance of any of its LIBOR Loans at a suitable Lending  Installation  would
violate any applicable  law, rule,  regulation or directive of any  Governmental
Authority having jurisdiction, the Administrative Agent shall suspend by written
notice to  Borrower  the  availability  of LIBOR  Advances  from such Lender and
require any LIBOR  Advances to be  converted  to  Adjusted  Alternate  Base Rate
Advances,  or if the Required  Lenders  determine that (i) deposits of a type or
maturity  appropriate  to match  fund  LIBOR  Advances  are not  available,  the
Administrative   Agent  shall   suspend  by  written   notice  to  Borrower  the
availability of LIBOR Advances with respect to any LIBOR Advances made after the
date of any such  determination,  or (ii) an interest rate applicable to a LIBOR
Advance does not accurately reflect the cost of making a LIBOR Advance,  and, if
for any reason  whatsoever the provisions of Section 4.1 are  inapplicable,  the
Administrative   Agent  shall   suspend  by  written   notice  to  Borrower  the
availability of LIBOR Advances with respect to any LIBOR Advances made after the
date of any such determination.

         4.4 Funding Indemnification.  If any payment of a ratable LIBOR Advance
occurs on a date which is not the last day of the  applicable  Interest  Period,
whether  because of  acceleration,  prepayment or otherwise,  or a ratable LIBOR
Advance is not made on the date  specified by Borrower for any reason other than
default by one or more of the Lenders,  Borrower will  indemnify each Lender for
any loss or cost incurred by such Lender resulting therefrom, including, without
limitation,  any loss or cost in liquidating or employing  deposits  acquired to
fund or maintain the ratable LIBOR Advance.

         4.5 Lender Statements; Survival of Indemnity. To the extent reasonably
possible, each Lender shall designate an alternate Lending Installation with
respect to its LIBOR

                                      -36-




<PAGE>



Advances to reduce any  liability of Borrower to such Lender under  Sections 4.1
and 4.2 or to  avoid  the  unavailability  of a LIBOR  Advance,  so long as such
designation is not  disadvantageous to such Lender.  Each Lender shall deliver a
written  statement of such Lender as to the amount due, if any,  under  Sections
4.1, 4.2 or 4.4 hereof.  Such written  statement  shall set forth in  reasonable
detail the calculations  upon which such Lender determined such amount and shall
be final,  conclusive and binding on Borrower in the absence of manifest  error.
Determination  of amounts payable under such Sections in connection with a LIBOR
Advance  shall be  calculated  as though  each Lender  funded its LIBOR  Advance
through the purchase of a deposit of the type and maturity  corresponding to the
deposit used as a reference in determining the Adjusted LIBOR Rate applicable to
such Advance, whether in fact that is the case or not. Unless otherwise provided
herein,  the amount  specified in the written  statement shall be payable within
ten  (10)  days  after  receipt  by  Borrower  of  the  written  statement.  The
obligations  of Borrower  under  Sections  4.1, 4.2 and 4.4 hereof shall survive
payment of the Obligations and termination of this Agreement. Without in any way
affecting the Borrower's  obligation to pay  compensation  actually claimed by a
Lender under this Article IV or the  restrictions  on the  availability of LIBOR
Advances  under  Section 4.3,  the Borrower  shall have the right to replace any
Lender which has demanded  such  compensation  or restricted  such  availability
provided that Borrower  notifies such Lender that it has elected to replace such
Lender and notifies such Lender and the Administrative  Agent of the identity of
the proposed  replacement  Lender not more than six (6) months after the date of
such Lender's most recent demand for compensation  under this Article IV or most
recent  determination  under Section 4.3. The Lender being replaced shall assign
its Percentage of the Aggregate  Commitment and its rights and obligations under
this Facility to the replacement  Lender in accordance with the  requirements of
Section 13.3 hereof and the  replacement  Lender shall assume such Percentage of
the Aggregate  Commitment and the related  obligations under this Facility prior
to the Maturity  Date to be extended,  all pursuant to an  assignment  agreement
substantially  in the form of Exhibit J hereto.  The purchase by the replacement
Lender shall be at par (plus all accrued and unpaid  interest and any other sums
owed to such Lender being replaced  hereunder) which shall be paid to the Lender
being replaced upon the execution and delivery of the assignment.


                                    ARTICLE V

                              CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

         5.1 Conditions  Precedent to Closing. The Lenders shall not be required
to make the initial Advance hereunder, nor shall the Issuing Bank be required to
issue the initial Facility Letter of Credit  hereunder,  unless (i) the Borrower
shall have paid all fees then due and payable to the  Lenders,  the  Syndication
Agent and the  Administrative  Agent  hereunder,  (ii) all of the conditions set
forth in Section 5.2 are satisfied,  and (iii) the Borrower shall have furnished
to  the  Administrative  Agent,  in  form  and  substance  satisfactory  to  the
Administrative  Agent and  their  counsel  and with  sufficient  copies  for the
Lenders, the following:

                                      -37-




<PAGE>




                  (a) Certificates of Limited Partnership/Incorporation.  A copy
of the  Certificate  of  Limited  Partnership  for each  entity  comprising  the
Borrower  and a copy of the  articles  of  incorporation  of Equity Inns and the
trust  documents  of  Equity  Inns  Trust,  each  certified  by the  appropriate
Secretary of State or equivalent state official.

                  (b)  Agreements of Limited  Partnership/Bylaws.  A copy of the
Agreement of Limited  Partnership for each entity  comprising the Borrower and a
copy of the bylaws of each of the Guarantors,  including all amendments thereto,
each  certified by the  Secretary  or an  Assistant  Secretary of such entity as
being in full force and effect on the Agreement Execution Date.

                  (c)  Good  Standing  Certificates.   A  certified  copy  of  a
certificate  from the  Secretary of State or  equivalent  state  official of the
states  where  each  entity  comprising  the  Borrower  and the  Guarantors  are
organized,  dated as of the  most  recent  practicable  date,  showing  the good
standing or partnership  qualification (if issued) of (i) each entity comprising
Borrower, and (ii) the Guarantors.

                  (d) Foreign Qualification Certificates.  A certified copy of a
certificate  from the  Secretary of State or  equivalent  state  official of the
state where each  entity  comprising  the  Borrower  and each of the  Guarantors
maintain  their  principal  place  of  business,  dated  as of the  most  recent
practicable  date,  showing the qualification to transact business in such state
as a foreign limited partnership or foreign corporation, as the case may be, for
(i) each entity comprising Borrower, and (ii) each of the Guarantors.

                  (e)  Resolutions.  A copy of a resolution or  resolutions  and
adopted  by the  Board  of  Directors  of the  general  partner  of each  entity
comprising  the Borrower,  certified by the Secretary or an Assistant  Secretary
thereof  as being in full  force and  effect on the  Agreement  Execution  Date,
authorizing  the Advances  provided for herein and the  execution,  delivery and
performance  of the Loan  Documents by such  general  partner to be executed and
delivered  by it  hereunder on behalf of itself and  Borrower,  together  with a
similar resolution for each of the Guarantors.

                  (f)  Incumbency  Certificate.  A  certificate,  signed  by the
Secretary  or an  Assistant  Secretary  of the  general  partner of each  entity
comprising  the  Borrower  and dated the  Agreement  Execution  Date,  as to the
incumbency,  and containing the specimen signature or signatures, of the Persons
authorized  to  execute  and  deliver  the Loan  Documents  to be  executed  and
delivered by it and Borrower  hereunder,  together with a similar resolution for
each of the Guarantors.

                  (g) Loan  Documents.  Originals of the Loan Documents (in such
quantities as the Lenders may reasonably  request),  duly executed by authorized
officers of the appropriate entity.


                                      -38-




<PAGE>



                  (h) Opinion of Tennessee Counsel. A written opinion, dated the
Agreement  Execution Date,  from Tennessee  outside counsel for the Borrower and
the Guarantors which counsel is reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent,
substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit E.

                  (i) Opinion of Illinois Counsel. A written opinion,  dated the
Agreement Execution Date, from Illinois outside counsel for the Borrower and the
Guarantors  which counsel is reasonably  satisfactory to  Administrative  Agent,
substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit F.

                  (j)  Insurance.  Original  or  certified  copies of  insurance
policies or binders therefor, with accompanying receipts showing current payment
of all premiums,  evidencing that Borrower carries insurance on the Unencumbered
Assets  which  satisfies  the  Administrative  Agent's  insurance  requirements,
including, without limitation:

                                  (i) Property and casualty insurance (including
                  coverage for flood and other water damage for any Unencumbered
                  Assets located within a 100-year flood plain) in the amount of
                  the replacement  cost of the  improvements at the Unencumbered
                  Assets;

                                 (ii) Loss of  rental  income  insurance  in the
                  amount  not  less  than one  year's  gross  revenues  from the
                  Unencumbered Assets; and

                                (iii) Comprehensive  general liability insurance
                  in the amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence.

                  All  insurance  must  be  carried  by  companies  with  a Best
Insurance Reports (1992)  Policyholder's and Financial Size Rating of "A-VII" or
better.

                  (k) Existing  Facilities.  Evidence that all amounts due under
the two existing  secured  credit  facilities  of the Borrower  agented by First
Chicago have been repaid in full and terminated.

                  (l)      Financial and Related Information.  The following
                  information:

                                  (i) A certificate, signed by an officer of the
                  general  partners  of each  entity  comprising  the  Borrower,
                  stating  that on the  Agreement  Execution  Date no Default or
                  Event of Default has occurred and is  continuing  and that all
                  representations  and  warranties  of  the  Borrower  contained
                  herein are true and correct as of the Agreement Execution Date
                  as and to the extent set forth herein;

                                 (ii) The most recent  financial  statements  of
                  the  Consolidated  Group and a  certificate  from a  Qualified
                  Officer of Equity Inns that no change

                                      -39-




<PAGE>



                  in the  Consolidated  Group's  financial  condition that would
                  have a Material  Adverse  Effect has  occurred  since June 30,
                  1997;

                                (iii) Evidence of sufficient Unencumbered Assets
                  (which  evidence may include  pay-off  letters  (together with
                  evidence  of  payment  or a  direction  of  Borrower  to use a
                  portion  of  the  proceeds  of  the  Advances  to  repay  such
                  Indebtedness),  mortgage  releases  and/or title  policies) to
                  assist the Administrative  Agent in determining the Borrower's
                  compliance with the covenants set forth in Article IX herein;

                                 (iv) A pro forma  compliance  certificate as of
                  June 30, 1997 calculating the applicable  status of Borrower's
                  financial covenants if they were effective as of such date;

                                  (v) Written money  transfer  instructions,  in
                  substantially  the form of Exhibit G hereto,  addressed to the
                  Administrative  Agent  and  signed  by  a  Qualified  Officer,
                  together with such other related money transfer authorizations
                  as the Administrative Agent may have reasonably requested; and

                                 (vi) Operating  statements for the Unencumbered
                  Assets and other evidence of income and expenses to assist the
                  Administrative Agent in determining Borrower's compliance with
                  the covenants set forth in Article VIII herein.

                  (m) Other  Evidence  as any  Lender  May  Require.  Such other
evidence as any Lender may reasonably  request to establish the  consummation of
the transactions contemplated hereby, the taking of all necessary actions in any
proceedings in connection  herewith and compliance with the conditions set forth
in this Agreement.

         5.2 Conditions Precedent to Subsequent Advances and Issuance.  Advances
after the initial  Advance and issuances of Facility  Letters of Credit shall be
made from time to time as  requested  by Borrower,  and the  obligation  of each
Lender to make any Advance  (including  Swingline Loans) and of the Issuing Bank
to issue  Facility  Letters  of Credit is  subject  to the  following  terms and
conditions:

                  (a) prior to each such Advance or issuance no Default or Event
of Default shall have occurred and be continuing  under this Agreement or any of
the Loan  Documents  and, if required by  Administrative  Agent,  Borrower shall
deliver a certificate of Borrower to such effect; and

                  (b) The representations and warranties contained in Article VI
and VII are true and correct as of such borrowing  date,  Issuance Date, or date
of conversion and/or continuation as and to the extent set forth therein, except
to the extent any such

                                      -40-




<PAGE>



representation  or warranty is stated to relate  solely to an earlier  date,  in
which case such  representation  or warranty shall be true and correct on and as
of such earlier date.

         Subject  to the  last  grammatical  paragraphs  of  Article  VI and VII
hereof,    each   Borrowing    Notice,    Letter   of   Credit   Request,    and
Conversion/Continuation Notice shall constitute a representation and warranty by
the Borrower that the conditions  contained in Sections 5.2(a) and (b) have been
satisfied.


                                   ARTICLE VI

                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

         Each of the entities  comprising  the Borrower  hereby  represents  and
warrants that:

         6.1  Existence.  Operating  Partnership is a limited  partnership  duly
organized  and  existing  under  the laws of the  State of  Tennessee,  with its
principal  place of business in the State of  Tennessee  and EIP/WV is a limited
partnership  duly  organized  and  existing  under  the  laws  of the  State  of
Tennessee,  with its  principal  place of business in the State of Tennessee and
each of the  Operating  Partnership  and EIP/WV is duly  qualified  as a foreign
limited partnership,  properly licensed (if required),  in good standing and has
all requisite authority to conduct its business in each jurisdiction in which it
owns  Properties  and,  except where the failure to be so qualified or to obtain
such  authority  would  not  have a  Material  Adverse  Effect,  in  each  other
jurisdiction in which its business is conducted. Each of the Subsidiaries of the
entities comprising the Borrower is duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing  under  the  laws  of its  jurisdiction  of  organization  and  has all
requisite  authority  to conduct its business in each  jurisdiction  in which it
owns Property, and except where the failure to be so qualified or to obtain such
authority would not have a Material Adverse Effect,  in each other  jurisdiction
in which it conducts business.

         6.2   Corporate/Partnership   Powers.   The  execution,   delivery  and
performance of the Loan Documents required to be delivered by Borrower hereunder
are within the partnership authority of such entities and the corporate or trust
powers of the general  partners of such entities,  have been duly  authorized by
all  requisite  action,   and  are  not  in  conflict  with  the  terms  of  any
organizational  instruments  of such entity,  or any  instrument or agreement to
which  either of the  entities  comprising  the  Borrower is a party or by which
either of the entities comprising the Borrower or any of their respective assets
may be bound or affected.

         6.3 Power of Officers.  The officers of the general  partner of each of
the entities comprising the Borrower executing the Loan Documents required to be
delivered by such  entities  hereunder  have been duly elected or appointed  and
were  fully  authorized  to  execute  the same at the time each such  agreement,
certificate or instrument was executed.


                                      -41-




<PAGE>



         6.4 Government and Other Approvals. No approval,  consent, exemption or
other  action by, or notice to or filing  with,  any  governmental  authority is
necessary in connection with the execution,  delivery or performance of the Loan
Documents required hereunder.

         6.5      Solvency.

                                  (i) Immediately after the Agreement  Execution
                  Date and  immediately  following  the  making of each Loan and
                  after giving effect to the application of the proceeds of such
                  Loans,  (a) the  fair  value  of the  assets  of  each  entity
                  comprising the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated
                  basis,  at  a  fair  valuation,  will  exceed  the  debts  and
                  liabilities,  subordinated,  contingent or  otherwise,  of the
                  such entity and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated  basis; (b)
                  the present  fair  saleable  value of the  Properties  of each
                  entity  comprising  the  Borrower  and its  Subsidiaries  on a
                  consolidated  basis will be greater  than the amount that will
                  be required to pay the  probable  liability of such entity and
                  its  Subsidiaries  on a consolidated  basis on their debts and
                  other liabilities,  subordinated,  contingent or otherwise, as
                  such debts and other liabilities  become absolute and matured;
                  (c) each entity  comprising the Borrower and its  Subsidiaries
                  on a  consolidated  basis will be able to pay their  debts and
                  liabilities,  subordinated,  contingent or otherwise,  as such
                  debts and  liabilities  become  absolute and matured;  and (d)
                  each entity  comprising the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a
                  consolidated  basis will not have  unreasonably  small capital
                  with which to conduct the businesses in which they are engaged
                  as such  businesses  are now  conducted and are proposed to be
                  conducted after the date hereof.

                                 (ii)  Neither of the  entities  comprising  the
                  Borrower  intends to, or to permit any of its Subsidiaries to,
                  incur  debts  beyond  its  ability  to pay such  debts as they
                  mature,  taking into account the timing of and amounts of cash
                  to be received by it or any such  Subsidiary and the timing of
                  the  amounts  of cash to be  payable  on or in  respect of its
                  Indebtedness or the Indebtedness of any such Subsidiary.

         6.6 Compliance With Laws. There is no judgment,  decree or order or any
law, rule or regulation of any court or  governmental  authority  binding on the
entities  comprising  the Borrower or any of their  Subsidiaries  which would be
contravened  by the  execution,  delivery or  performance  of the Loan Documents
required hereunder.

         6.7 Enforceability of Agreement. This Agreement is the legal, valid and
binding agreement of each of the entities comprising the Borrower, and the Notes
when executed and delivered will be the legal, valid and binding  obligations of
such  entities,  enforceable  against  such  entities in  accordance  with their
respective terms, and the Loan Documents required  hereunder,  when executed and
delivered, will be similarly legal, valid, binding and enforceable except to the
extent that such enforcement may be limited by applicable

                                      -42-




<PAGE>



bankruptcy,  insolvency,  reorganization  or other  similar laws  affecting  the
rights of creditors generally.

         6.8 Title to Property.  To the best of Borrower's  knowledge  after due
inquiry,  the  Consolidated  Group and the Investment  Affiliates  have good and
marketable  title to their  Properties  and assets  reflected  in the  financial
statements  as owned by them free and clear of Liens  except  for the  Permitted
Liens. The execution,  delivery or performance of the Loan Documents required to
be delivered by the  Borrower  hereunder  will not result in the creation of any
Lien on the Properties. No consent to the transactions contemplated hereunder is
required  from any ground  lessor or  mortgagee or  beneficiary  under a deed of
trust or any other party except as has been delivered to the Lenders.

         6.9 Litigation.  There are no suits, arbitrations,  claims, disputes or
other  proceedings   (including,   without  limitation,   any  civil,  criminal,
administrative  or  environmental  proceedings),  pending  or,  to the  best  of
Borrower's  knowledge,  threatened  against or affecting  the Borrower or any of
their  Properties,  the adverse  determination  of which  individually or in the
aggregate  would have a Material  Adverse  Effect on the Borrower  and/or any of
their  Properties  and/or  would cause a Material  Adverse  Financial  Change of
Borrower or materially impair the Borrower's  ability to perform its obligations
hereunder or under any  instrument or agreement  required  hereunder,  except as
disclosed  on  Schedule  6.9  hereto,  or  otherwise  disclosed  to  Lenders  in
accordance with the terms hereof.

         6.10 Events of Default. No Default or Event of Default has occurred and
is continuing or would result from the incurring of  obligations by the Borrower
under any of the Loan  Documents  or any other  document to which  Borrower is a
party.

         6.11 Investment  Company Act of 1940.  Borrower is not and will by such
acts as may be necessary  continue not to be, an investment  company  within the
meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940.

         6.12 Public Utility Holding Company Act. The Borrower is not a "holding
company" or a "subsidiary  company" of a "holding company," or an "affiliate" of
a "holding company," or of a "subsidiary company" of a "holding company," within
the definitions of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended.

         6.13  Regulation  U. The  proceeds  of the  Advances  will not be used,
directly  or  indirectly,  to  purchase  or carry any Margin  Stock or to extend
credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any Margin Stock.


                                      -43-




<PAGE>



         6.14 No Material  Adverse  Financial  Change.  To the best knowledge of
Borrower,  there has been no Material Adverse  Financial Change in the condition
of Borrower since the date of the financial  and/or  operating  statements  most
recently submitted to the Lenders.

         6.15 Financial  Information.  All financial statements furnished to the
Lenders  by or at  the  direction  of  the  Borrower  and  all  other  financial
information  and data  furnished by the Borrower to the Lenders are complete and
correct in all  material  respects as of the date  thereof,  and such  financial
statements  have been  prepared in accordance  with GAAP and fairly  present the
consolidated financial condition and results of operations of the Borrower as of
such date. The Borrower has no contingent obligations,  liabilities for taxes or
other  outstanding  financial  obligations  which are material in the aggregate,
except as disclosed in such statements, information and data.

         6.16     [Intentionally Omitted].

         6.17 ERISA.  (i) Borrower is not an entity deemed to hold "plan assets"
within the  meaning of ERISA or any  regulations  promulgated  thereunder  of an
employee  benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA) which is subject to
Title I of ERISA or any plan within the meaning of Section 4975 of the Code, and
(ii) the execution of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereunder
do not give rise to a prohibited  transaction  within the meaning of Section 406
of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code.

         6.18 Taxes.  All required tax returns have been filed by Borrower  with
the appropriate authorities except to the extent that extensions of time to file
have been  requested,  granted and have not expired or except to the extent such
taxes are being  contested  in good faith and for which  adequate  reserves,  in
accordance with GAAP, are being maintained.

         6.19 Environmental Matters.  Except as disclosed in Schedule 6.19, each
of the  following  representations  and  warranties  is true and  correct in all
material respects except to the extent that the facts and  circumstances  giving
rise to any such failure to be so true and correct, in the aggregate,  could not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect:

                                  (i) To the  knowledge  of  the  Borrower,  the
                  Properties  of  Borrower,  its  Subsidiaries,  and  Investment
                  Affiliates  do not  contain  any  Materials  of  Environmental
                  Concern  in  amounts  or  concentrations  which  constitute  a
                  violation of, or could reasonably give rise to liability
                  under, Environmental Laws.

                                 (ii)  Borrower  has not  received  any  written
                  notice  alleging that any or all of the Properties of Borrower
                  and  its  Subsidiaries  and  Investment   Affiliates  and  all
                  operations at the  Properties  are not in compliance  with all
                  applicable  Environmental  Laws.  Further,  Borrower  has  not
                  received

                                      -44-




<PAGE>



                  any written notice alleging the existence of any contamination
                  at or under such Properties in amounts or concentrations which
                  constitute  a  violation  of  any  Environmental  Law,  or any
                  violation  of any  Environmental  Law  with  respect  to  such
                  Properties for which Borrower,  its Subsidiaries or Investment
                  Affiliates is or could be liable.

                                (iii)   Neither   Borrower   nor   any   of  its
                  Subsidiaries or Investment Affiliates has received any written
                  notice of  non-compliance,  liability or  potential  liability
                  regarding  Environmental  Laws  with  regard  to  any  of  the
                  Properties,  nor does it have  knowledge  that any such notice
                  will be received or is being threatened.

                                 (iv) To the  knowledge  of Borrower  during the
                  ownership of the  Properties  by any or all of  Borrower,  its
                  Subsidiaries   and   Investment   Affiliates,   Materials   of
                  Environmental Concern have not been transported or disposed of
                  from the  Properties  of  Borrower  and its  Subsidiaries  and
                  Investment  Affiliates in violation of, or in a manner or to a
                  location  which could  reasonably  give rise to  liability  of
                  Borrower,  any Subsidiary,  or any Investment Affiliate under,
                  Environmental Laws, nor during the ownership of the Properties
                  by any or all of Borrower,  its  Subsidiaries  and  Investment
                  Affiliates  have any Materials of  Environmental  Concern been
                  generated,  treated, stored or disposed of at, on or under any
                  of such  Properties in violation of, or in a manner that could
                  give rise to  liability  of Borrower,  any  Subsidiary  or any
                  Investment Affiliate under, any applicable Environmental Laws.

                                  (v) No judicial proceedings or governmental or
                  administrative  action is  pending,  or, to the  knowledge  of
                  Borrower,  threatened,  under any  Environmental  Law to which
                  Borrower,   any  of  its   Subsidiaries,   or  any  Investment
                  Affiliate,  is named as a party with respect to the Properties
                  of such  entity,  nor are there any  consent  decrees or other
                  decrees, consent orders, administrative order or other orders,
                  or other administrative or judicial  requirements  outstanding
                  under any  Environmental  Law with respect to such  Properties
                  for  which  Borrower,  its  Subsidiaries,  or  any  Investment
                  Affiliate is or could be liable.

                                 (vi) To the  knowledge  of Borrower  during the
                  ownership of the  Properties  by any or all of  Borrower,  its
                  Subsidiaries  and  Investment  Affiliates,  there  has been no
                  release  or threat of release of  Materials  of  Environmental
                  Concern  at  or  from  the  Properties  of  Borrower  and  its
                  Subsidiaries  and  Investment  Affiliates,  or arising from or
                  related to the  operations of such entity in  connection  with
                  the  Properties  in  violation of or in amounts or in a manner
                  that could give rise to liability under Environmental Laws.

                                      -45-




<PAGE>




         6.20  Insurance.  Borrower has obtained the insurance which Borrower is
required to furnish to Lenders under Section 5.1(j) hereof.

         6.21 No Brokers.  Borrower has dealt with no brokers in connection with
this Facility,  and no brokerage  fees or  commissions  are payable by or to any
Person in connection  with this Agreement or the Advances.  Lenders shall not be
responsible  for the  payment  of any  fees or  commissions  to any  broker  and
Borrower shall indemnify,  defend and hold Lenders harmless from and against any
claims,  liabilities,   obligations,  damages,  costs  and  expenses  (including
reasonable  attorneys'  fees and  disbursements)  made  against or  incurred  by
Lenders as a result of claims made or actions instituted by any broker or Person
claiming by, through or under Borrower in connection with the Facility.

         6.22 No Violation of Usury Laws.  No aspect of any of the  transactions
contemplated herein violate or will violate any usury laws or laws regarding the
validity of agreements to pay interest in effect on the date hereof.

         6.23 Not a Foreign  Person.  Borrower is not a "foreign  person" within
the meaning of Section 1445 or 7701 of the Internal Revenue Code.

         6.24 No Trade Name.  Except as  otherwise  set forth on  Schedule  6.24
attached  hereto,  Borrower does not use any trade name and has not and does not
do business  under any name other than their actual names set forth herein.  The
principal place of business of Borrower is as stated in the recitals hereto.

         6.25  Subsidiaries.  Schedule 6.25 hereto  contains an accurate list of
all of the  presently  existing  Subsidiaries  of Borrower,  setting forth their
respective  jurisdictions  of  formation,  the  percentage  of their  respective
Capital Stock owned by it or its  Subsidiaries and the Properties owned by them.
All of the issued and outstanding  shares of Capital Stock of such  Subsidiaries
have been duly authorized and issued and are fully paid and non-assessable.

         6.26 Unencumbered Assets.  Schedule 6.26 hereto contains a complete and
accurate  description of Unencumbered  Assets as of the Agreement Execution Date
and as  supplemented  from  time to time  including  the  entity  that owns each
Unencumbered  Asset. With respect to each Property  identified from time to time
as an Unencumbered  Asset,  Borrower  hereby  represents and warrants as follows
except to the extent  disclosed  in writing to the Lenders  and  approved by the
Required Lenders (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld):

                  (a) No portion of any improvement on the Unencumbered Asset is
located in an area identified by the Secretary of Housing and Urban  Development
or any successor thereto as an area having special flood hazards pursuant to the
National  Flood  Insurance Act of 1968 or the Flood  Disaster  Protection Act of
1973, as amended, or any successor law, or,

                                      -46-




<PAGE>



if located  within any such area,  Borrower has  obtained and will  maintain the
insurance prescribed in Section 5.1(j) hereof.

                  (b) To the Borrower's  knowledge,  except as shown on Schedule
6.9, the  Unencumbered  Asset and the present use and  occupancy  thereof are in
material compliance with all applicable zoning ordinances (without reliance upon
adjoining or other properties), building codes, land use and Environmental Laws,
and other similar laws ("Applicable Laws").

                  (c) The Unencumbered Asset is served by all utilities required
for the current or contemplated use thereof.  All utility service is provided by
public  utilities  and the  Unencumbered  Asset has  accepted  or is equipped to
accept such utility service.

                  (d) All public roads and streets  necessary for service of and
access to the  Unencumbered  Asset for the current or  contemplated  use thereof
have been  completed,  are  serviceable  and  all-weather and are physically and
legally open for use by the public.

                  (e) The Unencumbered Asset is served by public water and sewer
systems or, if the  Unencumbered  Asset is not  serviced  by a public  water and
sewer  system,  such  alternate  systems are adequate and meet,  in all material
respects,  all  requirements  and regulations of, and otherwise  complies in all
material  respects  with,  all  Applicable  Laws with respect to such  alternate
systems.

                  (f)  Borrower is not aware of any latent or patent  structural
or other  significant  deficiency of the  Unencumbered  Asset.  The Unencumbered
Asset is free of damage and waste that would materially and adversely affect the
value of the  Unencumbered  Asset,  is in good  repair and there is no  deferred
maintenance  other than ordinary wear and tear. The  Unencumbered  Asset is free
from  damage  caused by fire or other  casualty.  There is no pending or, to the
actual knowledge of Borrower threatened  condemnation  proceedings affecting the
Unencumbered Asset, or any material part thereof.

                  (g) To  Borrower's  knowledge,  all  liquid  and  solid  waste
disposal,  septic and sewer systems located on the  Unencumbered  Asset are in a
good and safe  condition  and repair and to  Borrower's  knowledge,  in material
compliance with all Applicable Laws with respect to such systems.

                  (h) All improvements on the Unencumbered  Asset lie within the
boundaries and building  restrictions of the legal  description of record of the
Unencumbered Asset, no such improvements encroach upon easements benefitting the
Unencumbered  Asset other than  encroachments  that do not materially  adversely
affect the use or occupancy of the  Unencumbered  Asset and no  improvements  on
adjoining   properties   encroach  upon  the  Unencumbered  Asset  or  easements
benefitting  the  Unencumbered  Asset  other  than  encroachments  that  do  not
materially  adversely affect the use or occupancy of the Unencumbered Asset. All
amenities, access routes or other items that materially benefit the

                                      -47-




<PAGE>



Unencumbered  Asset are under direct control of Borrower,  constitute  permanent
easements  that  benefit  all or part of the  Unencumbered  Asset or are  public
property,  and the Unencumbered Asset, by virtue of such easements or otherwise,
is contiguous to a physically open, dedicated all weather public street, and has
the necessary permits for ingress and egress.

                  (i)  There  are  no  delinquent  taxes,  ground  rents,  water
charges, sewer rents,  assessments,  insurance premiums,  leasehold payments, or
other outstanding  charges affecting the Unencumbered Asset except to the extent
such items are being  contested in good faith and as to which adequate  reserves
have been provided.

A breach of any of the representations and warranties  contained in this Section
6.26 with respect to a Property  shall  disqualify  such  Property from being an
Unencumbered  Asset  for so long  as such  breach  continues  (unless  otherwise
approved by the Required Lenders) but shall not constitute a Default (unless the
elimination of such Property as an Unencumbered Asset results in a Default under
one of the other provisions of this Agreement).

         Borrower  agrees that all of its  representations  and  warranties  set
forth in Article VI of this  Agreement and elsewhere in this  Agreement are true
on the Agreement  Execution Date, and will be true on each Effective Date in all
material  respects  (except with respect to matters which have been disclosed in
writing  to and  approved  by the  Required  Lenders),  and  will be true in all
material  respects  (except with respect to matters which have been disclosed in
writing  to  and  approved  by the  Required  Lenders)  upon  each  request  for
disbursement  of an Advance.  Each  request  for  disbursement  hereunder  shall
constitute a  reaffirmation  of such  representations  and  warranties as deemed
modified in accordance with the disclosures made and approved, as aforesaid,  as
of the date of such request and disbursement.


                                   ARTICLE VII

                    ADDITIONAL REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

         Each of the Guarantors hereby represents and warrants that:

         7.1 Existence. Equity Inns is a corporation duly organized and existing
under the laws of the State of Tennessee,  with its principal  place of business
in the State of  Tennessee  and Equity  Inns Trust is a real  estate  investment
trust duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Maryland,  with
its principal  place of business in the State of Tennessee and each Guarantor is
duly qualified as a foreign  corporation and properly licensed (if required) and
in good  standing  in each  jurisdiction  where the  failure  to  qualify  or be
licensed (if required) would constitute a Material Adverse Financial Change with
respect to such  Guarantor or have a Material  Adverse Effect on the business or
properties of such Guarantor.


                                      -48-




<PAGE>



         7.2 Corporate or Trust Powers. The execution,  delivery and performance
of the Loan Documents  required to be delivered by the Guarantors  hereunder are
within the corporate powers of the Guarantors,  have been duly authorized by all
requisite  corporate  action,  and are not in  conflict  with  the  terms of any
organizational  instruments of the Guarantors, or any instrument or agreement to
which  the  either  of the  Guarantors  is a party  or by  which  either  of the
Guarantors or any of its assets is bound or affected.

         7.3 Power of Officers.  The officers of the  Guarantors  executing  the
Loan Documents  required to be delivered by the  Guarantors  hereunder have been
duly elected or appointed  and were fully  authorized to execute the same at the
time each such agreement, certificate or instrument was executed.

         7.4 Government and Other Approvals. No approval,  consent, exemption or
other  action by, or notice to or filing  with,  any  governmental  authority is
necessary in connection with the execution,  delivery or performance of the Loan
Documents required hereunder.

         7.5 Compliance With Laws. There is no judgment,  decree or order or any
law, rule or regulation of any court or  governmental  authority  binding on the
Guarantors which would be contravened by the execution,  delivery or performance
of the Loan Documents required hereunder.

         7.6  Enforceability of Guaranty.  The Guaranty is the legal,  valid and
binding  agreement of the  Guarantors,  enforceable  against the  Guarantors  in
accordance  with its terms,  except to the extent that such  enforcement  may be
limited by applicable  bankruptcy,  insolvency,  reorganization or other similar
laws affecting the rights of creditors generally.

         7.7 Liens; Consents. The execution, delivery or performance of the Loan
Documents  required to be delivered by the Guarantors  hereunder will not result
in the creation of any Lien on the  Properties.  No consent to the  transactions
hereunder is required from any ground lessor or mortgagee or beneficiary under a
deed of trust or any other party except as has been delivered to the Lenders.

         7.8 Litigation.  There are no suits, arbitrations,  claims, disputes or
other  proceedings   (including,   without  limitation,   any  civil,  criminal,
administrative  or  environmental  proceedings),  pending or, to the best of the
Guarantors' knowledge,  threatened against or affecting either of the Guarantors
or any of their Properties,  the adverse  determination of which individually or
in the aggregate would have a Material Adverse Effect on the Guarantors or would
cause a Material  Adverse  Financial  Change with respect to the  Guarantors  or
materially impair the Guarantors' ability to perform their obligations under the
Guaranty,  except as disclosed on Schedule 7.8 hereto, or otherwise disclosed to
the Lenders in accordance with the terms hereof.


                                      -49-




<PAGE>



         7.9 Investment  Company Act of 1940.  Neither of the Guarantors is, and
the  Guarantors  will by such acts as may be  necessary  continue  not to be, an
investment company within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940.

         7.10 Public Utility Holding Company Act. Neither of the Guarantors is a
"holding  company"  or a  "subsidiary  company"  of a "holding  company,"  or an
"affiliate" of a "holding  company," or of a "subsidiary  company" of a "holding
company,"  within the  definitions of the Public Utility  Holding Company Act of
1935, as amended.

         7.11 No Material Adverse Financial  Change.  There has been no Material
Adverse  Financial Change in the condition of the Guarantors since the last date
on which  the  financial  and/or  operating  statements  were  submitted  to the
Lenders.

         7.12 Financial  Information.  All financial statements furnished to the
Lenders by or on behalf of the  Guarantors and all other  financial  information
and data furnished by or on behalf of the Guarantors to the Lenders are complete
and correct in all material respects as of the date thereof,  and such financial
statements  have been  prepared in accordance  with GAAP and fairly  present the
consolidated  financial condition and results of operations of the Guarantors as
of such date. The Guarantors  have no contingent  obligations,  liabilities  for
taxes or other  outstanding  financial  obligations  which are  material  in the
aggregate, except as disclosed in such statements, information and data.

         7.13     [Intentionally Omitted].

         7.14 ERISA.  (i) Neither  Guarantor  is an entity  deemed to hold "plan
assets" within the meaning of ERISA or any regulations promulgated thereunder of
an employee  benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA) which is subject
to Title I of ERISA or any plan within the meaning of Section  4975 of the Code,
and (ii) the  execution  of this  Agreement  and the  transactions  contemplated
hereunder  do not give rise to a  prohibited  transaction  within the meaning of
Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code.

         7.15 Taxes.  All required tax returns have been filed by the Guarantors
with the appropriate authorities except to the extent that extensions of time to
file have been  requested,  granted and have not expired or except to the extent
such taxes are being contested in good faith and for which adequate reserves, in
accordance with GAAP, are being maintained.

         7.16  Subsidiaries.  Schedule 7.16 hereto  contains an accurate list of
all of the presently  existing  Subsidiaries of Guarantors,  setting forth their
respective  jurisdictions  of  formation,  the  percentage  of their  respective
Capital Stock owned by it or its  Subsidiaries and the Properties owned by them.
All of the issued and outstanding  shares of Capital Stock of such  Subsidiaries
have been duly authorized and issued and are fully paid and non-assessable.


                                      -50-




<PAGE>



         7.17 Status.  Equity Inns is a corporation  listed and in good standing
on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE").

         Each Guarantor  agrees that all of its  representations  and warranties
set forth in Article VII of this  Agreement are true on the Agreement  Execution
Date, and will be true on each Effective Date in all material  respects  (except
with respect to matters which have been  disclosed in writing to and approved by
the Required  Lenders),  and will be true in all material  respects (except with
respect to matters  which have been  disclosed in writing to and approved by the
Required  Lenders) upon each request for  disbursement of an Advance or issuance
of a Facility Letter of Credit.  Each such request  hereunder shall constitute a
reaffirmation  of such  representations  and  warranties  as deemed  modified in
accordance with the disclosures made and approved, as aforesaid,  as of the date
of such request and disbursement.


                                  ARTICLE VIII

                              AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

         The Borrower and each of the Guarantors covenant and agree that so long
as the  Commitment  of any Lender shall remain  available and until the full and
final payment of all Obligations incurred under the Loan Documents they will:

         8.1 Notices.  Promptly give written notice to Administrative Agent (who
will promptly send such notice to Lenders) of:

                  (a)      all litigation or arbitration proceedings affecting
any member of the Consolidated Group where the amount claimed is $5,000,000 or
more;

                  (b) any Default or Event of Default, specifying the nature and
the period of existence  thereof and what action has been taken or been proposed
to be taken with respect thereto;

                  (c) all claims filed against any Property  owned by any member
of the Consolidated Group which, if adversely determined,  could have a Material
Adverse  Effect on the ability of the Borrower or the  Guarantors to meet any of
their obligations under the Loan Documents;

                  (d) the  occurrence  of any other  event  which  might  have a
Material Adverse Effect or cause a Material Adverse  Financial Change on or with
respect to the Borrower or the Guarantors;

                  (e) any Reportable  Event or any "prohibited  transaction" (as
such term is defined in Section 4975 of the Code) in connection with any Plan or
any trust created

                                      -51-




<PAGE>



thereunder,  which may, singly or in the aggregate materially impair the ability
of the Borrower or the Guarantors to repay any of the Obligations under the Loan
Documents,  describing the nature of each such event and the action, if any, the
Borrower or the  Guarantors,  as the case may be,  proposes to take with respect
thereto;

                  (f) any  notice  from any  federal,  state,  local or  foreign
authority  regarding any Hazardous  Material,  asbestos,  or other environmental
condition, proceeding, order, claim or violation affecting any of the Properties
of the Consolidated Group.

         8.2 Financial Statements, Reports, Etc. The Borrower and the Guarantors
will maintain,  for the Consolidated  Group, a system of accounting  established
and administered in accordance with GAAP, and furnish to the Lenders:

                                  (i) as soon as available, but in any event not
                  later than 45 days after the close of each fiscal quarter, for
                  the  Consolidated  Group  an  unaudited   quarterly  financial
                  statement (including a balance sheet and income statement) for
                  such period and the portion of the fiscal year through the end
                  of such period, setting forth in each case in comparative form
                  the figures for the  previous  year,  all  certified by Equity
                  Inns' chief financial officer or chief accounting officer;

                                 (ii) As soon as available, but in any event not
                  later than 45 days after the close of each fiscal quarter, for
                  the Consolidated Group,  related reports in form and substance
                  satisfactory  to the  Lenders,  all  certified by Equity Inns'
                  chief financial officer or chief accounting officer, including
                  a  statement  of Funds  From  Operations,  calculation  of the
                  financial  covenants  described  below,  a summary  listing of
                  capital  expenditures,  a report  listing and  describing  all
                  newly acquired Properties, including their cash flow, cost and
                  secured Indebtedness, if any, summary property information for
                  all Properties, and such other information as may be requested
                  to evaluate any other certificates delivered hereunder;

                                (iii) As soon as  publicly  available  but in no
                  event  later than the date such  reports  are to be filed with
                  the Securities Exchange  Commission,  copies of all Form 10Ks,
                  10Qs, 8Ks, and any other annual,  quarterly,  monthly or other
                  reports,  copies of all registration  statements and any other
                  public   information   filed  with  the  Securities   Exchange
                  Commission  along  with all  other  materials  distributed  to
                  shareholders  and  limited  partners  by the  Borrower  or the
                  Guarantors, including a copy of the Equity Inns annual report;

                                 (iv) As soon as available, but in any event not
                  later  than 90 days  after  the  close  of each  fiscal  year,
                  reports in form and  substance  satisfactory  to the  Lenders,
                  certified  by Equity  Inns' chief  financial  officer or chief
                  accounting  officer  containing  Property Operating Income and
                  hotel

                                      -52-




<PAGE>



                  operating  statements  from the operators  under the Permitted
                  Operating  Leases for each  individual  Property  owned by the
                  Borrower  or  a   Wholly-Owned   Subsidiary  and  included  as
                  Unencumbered  Assets,  provided  that  the  Borrower  and  the
                  Guarantors  shall in no event be obligated to furnish any such
                  hotel  operating  statement any earlier than five (5) Business
                  Days after the Borrower's  receipt thereof from the applicable
                  operator;

                                  (v) Not later than  forty-five (45) days after
                  the end of each of the first three  fiscal  quarters,  and not
                  later than ninety (90) days after the end of the fiscal  year,
                  a compliance  certificate in substantially the form of Exhibit
                  H hereto signed by the Operating  Partnership and Equity Inns'
                  chief financial officer or chief accounting officer confirming
                  that the Borrower and the  Guarantors  are in compliance  with
                  all of  the  covenants  of the  Loan  Documents,  showing  the
                  calculations   and   computations   necessary   to   determine
                  compliance  with the  financial  covenants  contained  in this
                  Agreement  (including such schedules and backup information as
                  may be necessary to demonstrate  such  compliance) and stating
                  that to such  officer's  best  knowledge,  there  is no  other
                  Default or Event of Default exists, or if any Default or Event
                  of Default exists, stating the nature and status thereof;

                                 (vi) (a) As soon as  possible  and in any event
                  within 10 Business  Days after any member of the  Consolidated
                  Group  knows  that any  Reportable  Event  has  occurred  with
                  respect  to  any  Plan,  a  statement,  signed  by  the  chief
                  financial  officer of Equity Inns,  describing said Reportable
                  Event and  within  20 days  after  such  Reportable  Event,  a
                  statement  signed by such chief financial  officer  describing
                  the action which the Consolidated  Group proposes to take with
                  respect  thereto;  and (b) within 10 Business Days of receipt,
                  any  notice  from  the  Internal  Revenue  Service,   PBGC  or
                  Department  of Labor  with  respect  to a Plan  regarding  any
                  excise  tax,  proposed  termination  of  a  Plan,   prohibited
                  transaction  or  fiduciary  violation  under ERISA or the Code
                  which could result in any liability to the Consolidated  Group
                  in excess of  $100,000;  and (c)  within 10  Business  Days of
                  filing,  any Form 5500  filed  with  respect  to a Plan by any
                  member of the  Consolidated  Group which  includes a qualified
                  accountant's opinion.

                                (vii)  As  soon  as  possible  and in any  event
                  within  30 days  after  receipt,  a copy of (a) any  notice or
                  claim to the effect that any member of the Consolidated  Group
                  is or may be liable to any  Person as a result of the  release
                  by such entity or any other  Person of any toxic or  hazardous
                  waste or substance  into the  environment,  and (b) any notice
                  alleging  any  violation  of  any  federal,   state  or  local
                  environmental,  health  or  safety  law or  regulation  by any
                  member of the Consolidated Group, which, in either case, could
                  be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect;


                                      -53-




<PAGE>



                               (viii) Promptly upon the distribution  thereof to
                  the press or the public, copies of all press releases;

                                 (ix)  As  soon as  possible,  and in any  event
                  within 10 days after the  Borrower  knows of any fire or other
                  casualty or any pending or threatened  condemnation or eminent
                  domain  proceeding with respect to all or any material portion
                  of any Unencumbered  Asset, a statement  describing such fire,
                  casualty or condemnation  and the action  Borrower  intends to
                  take with respect thereto; and

                                  (x) Such other information (including, without
                  limitation,  non-financial  information) as the Administrative
                  Agent or any Lender may from time to time reasonably request.

         8.3 Existence and Conduct of Operations;  Limitations  on  Investments.
Except as permitted herein,  maintain and preserve its existence and all rights,
privileges  and  franchises  now enjoyed and  necessary for the operation of its
business,  including  remaining in good standing in each  jurisdiction  in which
business is currently  operated.  The Borrower and the Guarantors shall carry on
and conduct their respective  businesses in substantially the same manner and in
substantially the same fields of enterprise as presently conducted. The Borrower
and the Guarantors will do, and will cause each of their Subsidiaries to do, all
things  necessary to remain duly  incorporated  and/or duly  qualified,  validly
existing and in good standing as a real estate  investment  trust,  corporation,
general partnership,  limited liability company or limited  partnership,  as the
case may be, in its  jurisdiction of  incorporation/formation.  The Borrower and
the Guarantors will maintain all requisite authority to conduct their businesses
in each  jurisdiction  in which the Properties are located and, except where the
failure to be so qualified  would not have a Material  Adverse  Effect,  in each
jurisdiction  required to carry on and conduct its  businesses in  substantially
the same manner as it is presently  conducted,  and,  specifically,  neither the
Borrower,  the  Guarantors  nor any of their  Subsidiaries  will  undertake  any
business  other than the  acquisition,  development,  ownership,  management and
operation of hotel  properties  (excluding  economy and budget hotels) which are
located in the United  States  provided  that the  Consolidated  Group shall not
invest more than the following  amounts with respect to the following  specified
categories of hotel assets:

                                  (i) the aggregate  book value,  under GAAP, of
                  all  hotels  under   construction   which  are  owned  by  the
                  Consolidated Group shall not exceed 10% of Total Value;

                                 (ii) the sum of (i) the  aggregate  book value,
                  under GAAP, of all hotels under  construction  which are owned
                  by the Consolidated  Group and (ii) the aggregate  obligations
                  of  the   Consolidated   Group  to   purchase   hotels   under
                  construction shall not exceed 25% of Total Value;


                                      -54-




<PAGE>



                                (iii) the  percentage  of the total rooms in all
                  Properties  of the  Consolidated  Group that are leased  under
                  Permitted Operating Leases shall not be less than 85%; and

                                 (iv) not more  than 20% of the  total  rooms in
                  all Properties of the Consolidated Group shall be operated by,
                  or leased to, Prime  Hospitality  Corporation  or a subsidiary
                  thereof pursuant to a Permitted Operating Lease.

         8.4 Maintenance of Properties. Maintain, preserve, protect and keep the
Properties in good repair,  working order and condition,  and make all necessary
and proper repairs, renewals and replacements, normal wear and tear excepted.

         8.5  Insurance.  Provide a certificate  of insurance from all insurance
carriers who maintain policies with respect to the Properties within thirty (30)
days after the end of each fiscal year,  evidencing that the insurance  required
to be furnished to Lenders  pursuant to Section  5.1(j)  hereof is in full force
and effect.  Borrower shall timely pay, or cause to be paid, all premiums on all
insurance  policies  required under this  Agreement from time to time.  Borrower
shall  promptly  notify its insurance  carrier or agent therefor (with a copy of
such notification  being provided  simultaneously  to  Administrative  Agent) if
there is any occurrence  which,  under the terms of any insurance policy then in
effect with respect to the Properties, requires such notification.

         8.6 Payment of Obligations.  Pay all taxes,  assessments,  governmental
charges and other  obligations when due, except such as may be contested in good
faith or as to which a bona fide  dispute  may  exist,  and for  which  adequate
reserves have been provided in accordance with sound accounting  principles used
by the Consolidated Group on the date hereof.

         8.7  Compliance  with Laws.  Comply in all material  respects  with all
applicable laws, rules,  regulations,  orders and directions of any governmental
authority having  jurisdiction  over Borrower,  the Guarantors,  or any of their
respective  businesses,   subject  to  the  right  to  contest  such  compliance
obligations  in good faith so long as  adequate  reserves  are  established  for
possible  liabilities  arising  therefrom  and an  adverse  resolution  of  such
noncompliance would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

         8.8 Adequate Books.  Maintain  adequate books,  accounts and records in
order to provide financial  statements in accordance with GAAP and, if requested
by any  Lender,  permit  employees  or  representatives  of such  Lender  at any
reasonable time and upon  reasonable  notice to inspect and audit the properties
of  Borrower  and  of the  Consolidated  Group,  and to  examine  or  audit  the
inventory,  books,  accounts  and  records  of each of them and make  copies and
memoranda thereof.


                                      -55-




<PAGE>



         8.9 ERISA.  Comply in all material  respects with all  requirements  of
ERISA applicable to it with respect to each Plan.

         8.10  Maintenance of Status.  Equity Inns shall at all times (i) remain
as a  corporation  listed and in good  standing  on the New York Stock  Exchange
(NYSE),  and (ii) take all steps maintain its status as a real estate investment
trust in compliance with all applicable provisions of the Code (unless otherwise
consented to by the Required Lenders).

         8.11 Use of Proceeds.  Use the proceeds of the Facility for the general
business  purposes of the Borrower,  including without  limitation  repayment in
full of the two existing secured facilities of the Borrower which are agented by
First Chicago,  acquisition by the Borrower of premium limited service,  premium
extended  stay  and  premium   all-suite  and  full-service   hotel  properties,
developments,  expansions  and  renovations  of the  Borrower's  existing  hotel
properties and other general corporate and working capital needs.

         8.12 Pre-Acquisition Environmental Investigations. Cause to be prepared
prior  to the  acquisition  of  each  project  that it  intends  to  acquire  an
environmental  report pursuant to a standard scope of work attached as Exhibit I
hereto and made a part hereof.


                                   ARTICLE IX

                               NEGATIVE COVENANTS

         The Borrower covenants and agrees that, so long as the Commitment shall
remain  available and until full and final payment of all  obligations  incurred
under the Loan  Documents,  without the prior  written  consent of the  Required
Lenders (or the Administrative  Agent or a greater Percentage of the Lenders, if
so expressly provided),  the Borrower, the Guarantors and the Consolidated Group
will not:

         9.1  Change of  Borrower  Ownership.  Allow (i)  Equity  Inns Trust and
Equity Inns  Services,  Inc. to own less than one hundred  percent (100%) of the
general  partnership   interests  in  the  Operating   Partnership  and  EIP/WV,
respectively, (ii) Equity Inns to own less than 100% of the beneficial interests
in Equity Inns Trust or 100% of the stock in Equity Inns Services,  Inc.,  (iii)
any  pledge of,  other  encumbrance  on, or  conversion  to limited  partnership
interests of, any of the general partnership  interests in the Borrower, or (iv)
any  pledge,  hypothecation,  encumbrance,  transfer  or  other  change  in  the
ownership or the partnership  interests in the REMIC Partnership (except for the
pledge of such partnership interests to the lender under the REMIC Loan).

         9.2 Use of Proceeds.  Apply or permit to be applied any proceeds of any
Advance directly or indirectly, to the funding of any purchase of, or offer for,
any Margin Stock or any share of capital stock of any publicly held  corporation
unless the board of directors of

                                      -56-




<PAGE>



such  corporation has consented to such offer prior to any public  announcements
relating  thereto and the Lenders have  consented to such use of the proceeds of
the Facility.

         9.3 Sales,  Encumbrances  and  Transfers of Assets.  Sell,  encumber or
otherwise  transfer  (other than pursuant to a Permitted  Operating Lease or any
other  operating  lease of any of the  Properties)  to anyone other than another
member of the Consolidated Group without delivering prior written notice of such
proposed sale,  encumbrance or transfer to the Administrative Agent along with a
certification  to the Lenders that  compliance with all of the covenants in this
Agreement will be maintained after giving effect to such proposed  action,  with
such  detail  and  projections  as the  Administrative  Agent may  require,  any
Properties of the  Consolidated  Group or any interests in entities  owning such
Properties if the value of such Property or interest, together with the value of
any  other  Properties  or  interests  which  have  been  sold,   encumbered  or
transferred  during  the same  period,  exceeds  for a period  beginning  at the
Agreement  Execution  Date and ending on the last day of the fourth  full fiscal
quarter of the Consolidated  Group thereafter and for subsequent  periods ending
on the last day of each such fiscal  quarter  thereafter  and  consisting of the
immediately  preceding four (4) full fiscal  quarters,  a maximum of ten percent
(10%) of the Total Value at the beginning of such period.

         9.4 Dividends.  Permit the aggregate amount of dividends paid by Equity
Inns (without  duplication)  for the most recent four fiscal  quarters for which
financial reports are available (i) on an unadjusted basis, to exceed 90% of the
Funds From  Operations of Equity Inns, or (ii) after  deduction of all dividends
attributable  to  stock  issued  during  the most  recent  of such  four  fiscal
quarters,  to exceed  100% of Free Cash Flow,  in each case as  determined  on a
consistent basis with the prior financial statements of Equity Inns, as approved
by the Administrative  Agent, provided that Equity Inns may, so long as an Event
of Default  does not exist,  pay the  minimum  amount of  dividends  required to
maintain its tax status as a real estate investment trust under the Code.

         9.5  Floating  Rate  Debt.  Permit  the  Consolidated   Group  to  have
outstanding  Indebtedness  for borrowed  money that bears interest at a floating
rate (including this Facility) in excess of $150,000,000 at all times during any
six (6) month period,  unless such excess shall thereafter be covered by a swap,
interest  rate  cap  or  other  interest  rate  protection   product  reasonably
satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

         9.6  Liens.  Create,  incur,  or suffer to exist (or  permit any of the
Consolidated  Group to create,  incur, or suffer to exist) any Lien in, of or on
the Properties of the Consolidated Group except:

                                  (i)   Liens   for   taxes,    assessments   or
                  governmental  charges or levies on their  Property if the same
                  shall not at the time be delinquent or thereafter  can be paid
                  without  penalty,  or are being contested in good faith and by
                  appropriate  proceedings and for which adequate reserves shall
                  have been set aside on their books;

                                      -57-




<PAGE>




                                 (ii) Liens  which  arise by  operation  of law,
                  such as carriers', warehousemen's, landlords', materialmen and
                  mechanics'  liens  and  other  similar  liens  arising  in the
                  ordinary   course  of  business   which   secure   payment  of
                  obligations  not more than 30 days past due or which are being
                  contested  in good faith by  appropriate  proceedings  and for
                  which  adequate  reserves  shall  have  been set  aside on its
                  books;

                                (iii)  Liens  arising out of pledges or deposits
                  under worker's compensation laws, unemployment insurance,  old
                  age pensions, or other social security or retirement benefits,
                  or similar legislation;

                                 (iv) Utility easements,  building restrictions,
                  zoning restrictions,  easements and such other encumbrances or
                  charges  against  real  property as are of a nature  generally
                  existing with respect to properties of a similar character and
                  which do not in any material way affect the  marketability  of
                  the same or interfere  with the use thereof in the business of
                  the Borrower or its Subsidiaries;

                                  (v) Liens of any member of the Consolidated]
                  Group in favor of the Borrower or the Guarantors;

                                 (vi)  Liens  arising  in  connection  with  any
                  Indebtedness permitted hereunder to the extent such Liens will
                  not result in a  violation  of any of the  provisions  of this
                  Agreement; and

                                (vii) Liens which are Permitted Operating Leases
                  or other  operating  leases of any of the  Properties,  to the
                  extent the existence of such other  operating  leases will not
                  result in a violation of Section 8.3(iii) hereof.

Liens  permitted  pursuant to this Section 9.6 shall be deemed to be  "Permitted
Liens".

         9.7  FF&E  Expenditures.  Permit,  as of the  last  day  of any  fiscal
quarter,  the sum of (i) the actual  expenditures of the Consolidated  Group for
FF&E  replacement  and  capital  improvements  (of  the  types  approved  by the
Administrative  Agent) at the Properties  during the immediately  preceding four
(4) consecutive full fiscal quarters plus (ii) the amount of reserves maintained
by the Consolidated  Group for FF&E  replacement and capital  improvements as of
the last  day of such  fiscal  quarter  as  shown  on the  Consolidated  Group's
financial  statements  for such quarter to be less than four percent (4%) of the
gross room revenues from such Properties for such four (4) full fiscal quarters.

         9.8  Indebtedness, Coverage and Net Worth Covenants.  Permit or suffer:

                  (a)  as  of  any  day,  Consolidated  Secured  Debt  less  the
outstanding principal balance under the REMIC Loan to exceed 15% of Total Value;

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<PAGE>




                  (b) as of any day,  Consolidated  Total Indebtedness to exceed
the lesser of (i) 45% of Total Value or (ii) 45% of Total Cost;

                  (c)  as  of  any  day,  the   "tangible   net  worth"  of  the
Consolidated  Group,  as determined  and defined under GAAP, to be less than the
sum of (i) eighty-five  percent (85%) of the  Consolidated  Group's tangible net
worth as of June  30,  1997  plus  (ii)  fifty  percent  (50%) of the  aggregate
proceeds  received  (net of customary  related fees and  expenses) in connection
with any  offering  or sale  after  June 30,  1997 of  equity  interests  in the
Borrower or the  Guarantors,  whether  common stock,  preferred  stock,  limited
partnership units or other forms of equity ownership;

                  (d) as of the last day of any fiscal quarter, the ratio of (A)
the sum of (i) Adjusted EBITDA of the Consolidated  Group plus (ii) Ground Lease
Expense to (B) Fixed Charges for such fiscal quarter to be less than 2.00 to 1;

                  (e) as of the last day of any  fiscal  quarter,  the  ratio of
Adjusted EBITDA of the  Consolidated  Group to Interest  Expense for such fiscal
quarter to be less than 2.5 to 1;

         9.9 Mergers.  Enter into any merger,  consolidation,  reorganization or
liquidation or transfer or otherwise dispose of all or a substantial  portion of
the Consolidated  Group's  Properties,  except for such  transactions that occur
between members of the Consolidated Group or as otherwise approved in advance by
the Required Lenders.

         9.10 Borrowing Base.  Permit,  as of any day, the  then-current  Credit
Requirement  to exceed 45% of the  then-current  Borrowing  Base for a period of
more than one Business Day.


                                    ARTICLE X

                                    DEFAULTS

         The  occurrence  of any  one or  more  of the  following  events  shall
constitute an Event of Default:

         10.1  Nonpayment of Principal.  The Borrower fails to pay any principal
portion of the Obligations when due, whether on the Maturity Date or otherwise.

         10.2 Certain Covenants. Any one or more of the Borrower, the Guarantors
and the  Consolidated  Group,  as the case may be, is not in compliance with any
one or more of Sections 8.3 or 8.10 or any Section of Article IX hereof.

         10.3  Nonpayment of Interest and Other Obligations.  The Borrower fails
to pay any interest or other portion of the Obligations, other than payments of
principal, and such

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<PAGE>



failure  continues  for a period of five (5) days after the date such payment is
due,  provided  that the first  occurrence  of any such  non-payment  during any
calendar  year shall not  constitute  an Event of Default  unless  such  failure
continues for one (1) Business Day after written notice to the Borrower from the
Administrative Agent of such failure.

         10.4 Cross Default. Any monetary default occurs (after giving effect to
any  applicable  cure  period)  under any  other  Indebtedness  (which  includes
Guarantee  Obligations) of any members of the Consolidated  Group,  singly or in
the aggregate, in excess of Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000).

         10.5 Loan Documents.  Any Loan Document is not in full force and effect
or a default has occurred and is  continuing  thereunder  after giving effect to
any cure or grace period in any such document.

         10.6  Representation  or Warranty.  At any time or times  hereafter any
representation  or warranty set forth in Articles VI or VII of this Agreement or
in any other Loan Document or in any  statement,  report or  certificate  now or
hereafter  made  by  the  Borrower  or the  Guarantors  to  the  Lenders  or the
Administrative  Agent is not true and correct in any  material  respect and such
noncompliance  is not cured within thirty (30) days after the Borrower  receives
written notice thereof,  provided,  however, that if such Default is susceptible
of cure but cannot by the use of reasonable  efforts be cured within such thirty
(30) day period,  such Default  shall not  constitute  an Event of Default under
this Section 10.6 so long as (i) the Borrower or the Guarantors, as the case may
be, have  commenced a cure within such  thirty-day  period and (ii)  thereafter,
Borrower or Guarantors,  as the case may be, are proceeding to cure such default
continuously and diligently and in a manner  reasonably  satisfactory to Lenders
and (iii)  such  default  is cured  not later  than  sixty  (60) days  after the
expiration of such thirty (30) day period..

         10.7 Covenants,  Agreements and Other Conditions. The Borrower fails to
perform  or  observe  any of the  other  covenants,  agreements  and  conditions
contained in Articles  VIII (except for Sections  8.3, or 8.10) and elsewhere in
this Agreement or any of the other Loan  Documents in accordance  with the terms
hereof or  thereof,  not  specifically  referred  to  herein,  and such  Default
continues  unremedied for a period of thirty (30) days after written notice from
Administrative Agent, provided,  however, that if such Default is susceptible of
cure but cannot by the use of  reasonable  efforts be cured  within  such thirty
(30) day period,  such Default  shall not  constitute  an Event of Default under
this  Section 10.7 so long as (i) the  Borrower or the General  Partner,  as the
case may be,  has  commenced  a cure  within  such  thirty-day  period  and (ii)
thereafter,  Borrower or General  Partner,  as the case may be, is proceeding to
cure  such  default  continuously  and  diligently  and in a  manner  reasonably
satisfactory  to Lenders  and (iii)  such  default is cured not later than sixty
(60) days after the expiration of such thirty (30) day period.


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<PAGE>



         10.8 No Longer General Partner.  Equity Inns shall no longer,  directly
or  indirectly,  hold  100%  of the  general  partnership  interests  in the two
entities constituting the Borrower.

         10.9     Material Adverse Financial Change.  Any one of the Operating
Partnership, EIP/WV, Equity Inns or Equity Inns Trust has suffered a Material
Adverse Financial Change or is Insolvent.

         10.10    Bankruptcy.

                  (a) Any  member of the  Consolidated  Group  shall (i) have an
order for relief entered with respect to it under the Federal bankruptcy laws as
now or  hereafter  in  effect,  (ii)  make  an  assignment  for the  benefit  of
creditors,  (iii) apply for, seek,  consent to, or acquiesce in, the appointment
of a receiver,  custodian, trustee, examiner, liquidator or similar official for
it or any  substantial  portion of its Property,  (iv)  institute any proceeding
seeking  an  order  for  relief  under  the  Federal  bankruptcy  laws as now or
hereafter in effect or seeking to adjudicate  it as a bankrupt or insolvent,  or
seeking  dissolution,  winding  up,  liquidation,  reorganization,  arrangement,
adjustment  or  composition  of it or  its  debts  under  any  law  relating  to
bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or relief of debtors or fail to file an
answer or other pleading denying the material allegations of any such proceeding
filed  against it, (v) take any  corporate  action to authorize or effect any of
the foregoing actions set forth in this Section  10.10(a),  (vi) fail to contest
in good faith any  appointment  or proceeding  described in Section  10.10(b) or
(vii) not pay, or admit in writing its inability to pay, its debts  generally as
they become due;

                  (b) A  receiver,  trustee,  examiner,  liquidator  or  similar
official  shall be  appointed  for any member of the  Consolidated  Group or any
substantial  portion of any of their  Properties,  or a proceeding  described in
Section  10.10(a)(iv) shall be instituted against any member of the Consolidated
Group and such appointment  continues  undischarged or such proceeding continues
undismissed or unstayed for a period of sixty (60) consecutive days.

         10.11  Legal  Proceedings.  Any  member  of the  Consolidated  Group is
enjoined,  restrained  or in any way prevented by any court order or judgment or
if a notice of lien,  levy, or assessment is filed of record with respect to all
or any part of the Properties by any governmental department,  office or agency,
which could  materially  adversely  affect the performance of the obligations of
such parties  hereunder or under the Loan  Documents,  as the case may be, or if
any proceeding is filed or commenced  seeking to enjoin,  restrain or in any way
prevent the foregoing parties from conducting all or a substantial part of their
respective business affairs and failure to vacate,  stay, dismiss,  set aside or
remedy the same within sixty (60) days after the occurrence thereof.

         10.12  ERISA.  Any member of the  Consolidated  Group is deemed to hold
"plan  assets"  within  the  meaning  of  ERISA or any  regulations  promulgated
thereunder of an

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employee  benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA) which is subject to
Title I of ERISA or any plan (within the meaning of Section 4975 of the Code).

         10.13  Failure to  Satisfy  Judgments.  Any member of the  Consolidated
Group shall fail within sixty (60) days to pay, bond or otherwise  discharge any
judgments or orders for the payment of money in an amount  which,  when added to
all  other  judgments  or  orders   outstanding   against  such  member  of  the
Consolidated Group would exceed $2,000,000 in the aggregate, which have not been
stayed on appeal or otherwise  appropriately contested in good faith, unless the
liability is insured against and the insurer has not challenged coverage of such
liability.

         10.14 Environmental  Remediation.  Failure to remediate within the time
period  required by law or governmental  order,  (or within a reasonable time in
light  of  the  nature  of  the  problem  if  no  specific  time  period  is  so
established),  environmental  problems in violation of applicable law related to
Properties of any member of the  Consolidated  Group where the estimated cost of
remediation is in the aggregate in excess of $2,000,000,  in each case after all
administrative hearings and appeals have been concluded.

         10.15 REIT Status.  Failure of either  Equity Inns or Equity Inns Trust
to maintain (i) its status as a real estate  investment trust under the Code and
(ii) Equity Inns' listing on the New York Stock Exchange.


                                   ARTICLE XI

                 ACCELERATION, WAIVERS, AMENDMENTS AND REMEDIES

         11.1     Acceleration.

                  If any Event of  Default  described  in Section  10.10  hereof
occurs,  the  obligation of the Lenders to make Advances and of the Issuing Bank
to issue Facility Letters of Credit hereunder shall automatically  terminate and
the Obligations shall immediately become due and payable.  If any other Event of
Default  described in Article X hereof occurs,  such obligation to make Advances
and to issue Facility  Letters of Credit shall be terminated and at the election
of the Required Lenders, the Obligations may be declared to be due and payable.

                  In addition to the  foregoing,  following the occurrence of an
Event of Default and so long as any Facility Letter of Credit has not been fully
drawn and has not been  cancelled  or expired by its terms,  upon  demand by the
Required  Lenders the Borrower shall deposit in the Letter of Credit  Collateral
Account  cash in an amount  equal to the  aggregate  undrawn  face amount of all
outstanding  Facility  Letters of Credit and all fees and other  amounts  due or
which may become due with respect  thereto.  The Borrower  shall have no control
over funds in the Letter of Credit  Collateral  Account,  which  funds  shall be
invested

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<PAGE>



by the Administrative  Agent from time to time in its discretion in certificates
of deposit of First Chicago  having a maturity not  exceeding  thirty (30) days.
Such funds shall be promptly  applied by the  Administrative  Agent to reimburse
the Issuing Bank for drafts  drawn from time to time under the Facility  Letters
of Credit.  Such funds,  if any,  remaining  in the Letter of Credit  Collateral
Account  following  the payment of all  Obligations  in full  shall,  unless the
Administrative Agent is otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction,
be promptly paid over to the Borrower.

         11.2  Preservation of Rights;  Amendments.  No delay or omission of the
Lenders in exercising any right under the Loan Documents shall impair such right
or be construed to be a waiver of any Default or an  acquiescence  therein,  and
the  making of an  Advance  notwithstanding  the  existence  of a Default or the
inability  of the Borrower to satisfy the  conditions  precedent to such Advance
shall not constitute any waiver or acquiescence.  Any single or partial exercise
of any such right shall not preclude  other or further  exercise  thereof or the
exercise of any other right, and no waiver,  amendment or other variation of the
terms,  conditions or provisions of the Loan Documents whatsoever shall be valid
unless in writing signed by the  Administrative  Agent and the number of Lenders
required hereunder and then only to the extent in such writing  specifically set
forth. All remedies  contained in the Loan Documents or by law afforded shall be
cumulative and all shall be available to the Lenders until the Obligations  have
been paid in full.


                                   ARTICLE XII

                            THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

         12.1  Appointment.  First  Chicago is hereby  appointed  Administrative
Agent  hereunder  and under each other Loan  Document,  and each of the  Lenders
authorizes  the  Administrative  Agent to act as the agent of such  Lender.  The
Administrative Agent agrees to act as such upon the express conditions contained
in this  Article  XII.  The  Administrative  Agent  shall  not have a  fiduciary
relationship in respect of any Lender by reason of this Agreement, except to the
extent the Administrative  Agent acts as an agent with respect to the receipt or
payment of funds hereunder.

         12.2 Powers. The Administrative  Agent shall have and may exercise such
powers  under  the  Loan  Documents  as  are   specifically   delegated  to  the
Administrative Agent by the terms of each thereof,  together with such powers as
are  reasonably  incidental  thereto.  The  Administrative  Agent  shall have no
implied  duties to the  Lenders,  or any  obligation  to the Lenders to take any
action thereunder except any action specifically  provided by the Loan Documents
to be taken by the Administrative Agent.

         12.3  General  Immunity.  Neither  the  Administrative  Agent  (in  its
capacity as Administrative Agent) nor any of its directors,  officers, agents or
employees  shall be liable to the  Borrower,  the  Lenders or any Lender for any
action taken or omitted to be taken by it or them hereunder or under any other

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<PAGE>



Loan  Document or in connection  herewith or therewith,  except for its or their
own gross negligence or willful misconduct.

         12.4  No  Responsibility   for  Loans,   Recitals,   etc.  Neither  the
Administrative  Agent (in its capacity as  Administrative  Agent) nor any of its
directors,  officers,  agents or employees  shall be responsible for or have any
duty to  ascertain,  inquire  into,  or verify (i) any  statement,  warranty  or
representation  made in  connection  with any  Loan  Document  or any  borrowing
hereunder;  (ii)  the  performance  or  observance  of any of the  covenants  or
agreements of any obligor under any Loan Document; (iii) the satisfaction of any
condition  specified  in  Article V,  except  receipt  of items  required  to be
delivered to the  Administrative  Agent; or (iv) the validity,  effectiveness or
genuineness of any Loan Document or any other instrument or writing furnished in
connection therewith.

         12.5 Action on Instructions of Lenders.  The Administrative Agent shall
exercise its rights on behalf of the Lenders  hereunder at the  direction of the
Required  Lenders  or all of the  Lenders,  as the case may be, and shall in all
cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting,  hereunder and
under any other Loan Document in accordance with written  instructions signed by
the Required Lenders or all Lenders,  as the case may be, and such  instructions
and any action taken or failure to act pursuant  thereto shall be binding on all
of the Lenders and on all holders of Notes.  The  Administrative  Agent shall be
fully  justified in failing or refusing to take any action  hereunder  and under
any other Loan Document unless it shall first be indemnified to its satisfaction
by the Lenders pro rata against any and all liability,  cost and expense that it
may incur by reason of taking or continuing to take any such action.

         12.6   Employment   of   Administrative   Agents   and   Counsel.   The
Administrative  Agent may  execute  any of its  duties as  Administrative  Agent
hereunder and under any other Loan Document by or through employees, agents, and
attorneys-in-fact and shall not be answerable to the Lenders, except as to money
or  securities  received  by it or its  authorized  agents,  for the  default or
misconduct  of  any  such  agents  or  attorneys-in-fact  selected  by  it  with
reasonable care. The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to advice of counsel
concerning  all matters  pertaining to the agency hereby  created and its duties
hereunder and under any other Loan Document.

         12.7 Reliance on Documents;  Counsel. The Administrative Agent shall be
entitled to rely upon any Note, notice, consent, certificate, affidavit, letter,
telegram,  statement, paper or document believed by it to be genuine and correct
and to have been signed or sent by the proper person or persons, and, in respect
to  legal  matters,  upon  the  opinion  of  outside  counsel  selected  by  the
Administrative Agent.

         12.8  Administrative  Agent's  Reimbursement and  Indemnification.  The
Lenders agree to reimburse and  indemnify  the  Administrative  Agent ratably in
accordance with their respective  Percentages (i) for any amounts not reimbursed
by the Borrower for which the Administrative  Agent is entitled to reimbursement
by the Borrower under the Loan

                                      -64-




<PAGE>



Documents, (ii) for any other reasonable expenses incurred by the Administrative
Agent on behalf of the Lenders,  in connection with the preparation,  execution,
delivery,  administration and enforcement of the Loan Documents,  if not paid by
Borrower,  and  (iii)  for  any  liabilities,   obligations,   losses,  damages,
penalties,  actions,  judgments,  suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any
kind and nature  whatsoever  which may be imposed  on,  incurred  by or asserted
against the  Administrative  Agent (in its capacity as Administrative  Agent and
not as a Lender) in any way relating to or arising out of the Loan  Documents or
any  other  document  delivered  in  connection  therewith  or the  transactions
contemplated  thereby,  or the enforcement of any of the terms thereof or of any
such other  documents,  provided  that no Lender  shall be liable for any of the
foregoing  to the  extent  they  arise  from the  gross  negligence  or  willful
misconduct of the Administrative Agent.

         12.9 Rights as a Lender. With respect to the Commitment,  Advances made
by it and the Note  issued to it, the  Administrative  Agent shall have the same
rights and powers  hereunder and under any other Loan Document as any Lender and
may exercise the same as though it were not the  Administrative  Agent,  and the
term  "Lender"  or  "Lenders"  shall,  unless the context  otherwise  indicates,
include the Administrative Agent in its individual capacity.  The Administrative
Agent, in its individual capacity,  may accept deposits from, lend money to, and
generally engage in any kind of trust,  debt,  equity or other  transaction,  in
addition to those  contemplated  by this  Agreement or any other Loan  Document,
with the  Borrower  or any of its  Subsidiaries  in which the  Borrower  or such
Subsidiary is not restricted hereby from engaging with any other Person.

         12.10 Lender Credit  Decision.  Each Lender  acknowledges  that it has,
independently  and without reliance upon the  Administrative  Agent or any other
Lender and based on the financial  statements  prepared by the Borrower and such
other  documents  and  information  as it has deemed  appropriate,  made its own
credit  analysis  and decision to enter into this  Agreement  and the other Loan
Documents. Each Lender also acknowledges that it will, independently and without
reliance  upon the  Administrative  Agent or any other  Lender and based on such
documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time,  continue to
make its own  credit  decisions  in  taking  or not  taking  action  under  this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

         12.11  Successor  Administrative  Agent.  Each Lender agrees that First
Chicago shall serve as Administrative Agent at all times during the term of this
Facility,  except that First Chicago may resign as  Administrative  Agent in the
event (x) First Chicago and Borrower  shall  mutually agree in writing or (y) an
Event of Default shall occur under the Loan Documents  (irrespective  of whether
such  Event of Default  subsequently  is  waived),  or (z) First  Chicago  shall
determine, in its sole reasonable discretion,  that because of its other banking
relationships  with the  Consoliated  Group at the time of such  decision  First
Chicago's  resignation  as  Administrative  Agent would be necessary in order to
avoid creating an appearance of impropriety on the part of First Chicago.  First
Chicago (or any successor Administrative Agent) may be removed as Administrative
Agent by written notice received by  Administrative  Agent from all of the other
Lenders at any time with cause (i.e., a breach

                                      -65-




<PAGE>



by First  Chicago  (or any  successor  Administrative  Agent)  of its  duties as
Administrative  Agent hereunder).  Upon any such resignation or removal,  Credit
Lyonnais shall be the successor  Administrative Agent (unless objected to by the
Required  Lenders)  or, if Credit  Lyonnais  declines or is so objected  to, the
Required Lenders shall have the right to appoint,  on behalf of the Borrower and
the Lenders, a successor  Administrative Agent with the consent of the Borrower,
which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld and shall not be required if an
Event of Default has occurred.  If no successor  Administrative Agent shall have
been  so  appointed  by the  Required  Lenders  and  shall  have  accepted  such
appointment within thirty days after the retiring  Administrative Agent's giving
notice of resignation,  then the retiring  Administrative  Agent may appoint, on
behalf of the Borrower and the Lenders, a successor  Administrative  Agent. Such
successor  Administrative  Agent shall be a commercial  bank having  capital and
retained  earnings  of  at  least  $100,000,000.  Upon  the  acceptance  of  any
appointment  as  Administrative  Agent  hereunder by a successor  Administrative
Agent, such successor Administrative Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become
vested  with all the  rights,  powers,  privileges  and  duties of the  retiring
Administrative  Agent  (including  the right to receive any fees for  performing
such duties which accrue  thereafter),  and the  retiring  Administrative  Agent
shall be  discharged  from its duties and  obligations  hereunder  and under the
other Loan  Documents.  After any retiring  Administrative  Agent's  resignation
hereunder as  Administrative  Agent,  the  provisions  of this Article XII shall
continue in effect for its  benefit and that of the other  Lenders in respect of
any  actions  taken or  omitted  to be taken  by it while it was  acting  as the
Administrative Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents.

         12.12 Notice of  Defaults.  If a Lender  becomes  aware of a Default or
Event of Default,  such Lender  shall  notify the  Administrative  Agent of such
fact.  Upon  receipt  of such  notice  that a Default  or Event of  Default  has
occurred,  the  Administrative  Agent  shall  notify each of the Lenders of such
fact.

         12.13 Requests for Approval.  If the  Administrative  Agent requests in
writing  the consent or approval  of a Lender,  such  Lender  shall  respond and
either approve or disapprove definitively in writing to the Administrative Agent
within ten Business Days (or sooner if such notice  specifies a shorter  period,
but  in  no  event  less  than  five  Business  Days  for  responses   based  on
Administrative   Agent's  good  faith  determination  that  circumstances  exist
warranting its request for an earlier  response) after such written request from
the Administrative  Agent. If the Lender does not so respond,  that Lender shall
be deemed to have approved the request.  Upon request,  the Administrative Agent
shall notify the Lenders which Lenders,  if any,  failed to respond to a request
for approval.

         12.14 Copies of Documents.  Administrative Agent shall promptly deliver
to each of the Lenders copies of all notices of default and other formal notices
sent or received and according to Section 15.1 of this Agreement. Administrative
Agent shall deliver to Lenders within 15 Business Days following receipt, copies
of all financial  statements,  certificates and notices  received  regarding the
Operating  Partnership's or Equity Inns' ratings except to the extent such items
are required to be furnished directly to the Lenders by Borrower

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<PAGE>



hereunder.  Within  fifteen  Business  Days  after a request  by a Lender to the
Administrative  Agent for other documents furnished to the Administrative  Agent
by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent shall provide copies of such documents
to such Lender except where this  Agreement  obligates  Administrative  Agent to
provide copies in a shorter period of time.

         12.15 Defaulting Lenders. At such time as a Lender becomes a Defaulting
Lender,  such Defaulting  Lender's right to vote on matters which are subject to
the consent or approval of the Required  Lenders,  such Defaulting Lender or all
Lenders  shall be  immediately  suspended  until  such time as the  Lender is no
longer a  Defaulting  Lender.  If a  Defaulting  Lender  has  failed to fund its
Percentage  of any  Advance  and  until  such  time  as such  Defaulting  Lender
subsequently funds its Percentage of such Advance, all Obligations owing to such
Defaulting  Lender  hereunder  shall be  subordinated  in right of  payment,  as
provided  in the  following  sentence,  to the  prior  payment  in  full  of all
principal  of,  interest on and fees  relating to the Loans  funded by the other
Lenders in connection  with any such Advance in which the Defaulting  Lender has
not funded its Percentage (such  principal,  interest and fees being referred to
as "Senior  Loans" for the  purposes of this  section).  All amounts paid by the
Borrower  and  otherwise  due to be  applied  to the  Obligations  owing to such
Defaulting  Lender  pursuant to the terms  hereof  shall be  distributed  by the
Administrative  Agent to the other Lenders in accordance  with their  respective
Percentages  (recalculated  for the  purposes  hereof to exclude the  Defaulting
Lender)  until all  Senior  Loans  have been paid in full.  At that  point,  the
"Defaulting  Lender"  shall no longer be deemed a Defaulting  Lender.  After the
Senior  Loans  have  been  paid in full  equitable  adjustments  will be made in
connection  with future  payments by the Borrower to the extent a portion of the
Senior  Loans had been  repaid  with  amounts  that  otherwise  would  have been
distributed to a Defaulting  Lender but for the operation of this Section 12.15.
This provision  governs only the relationship  among the  Administrative  Agent,
each Defaulting Lender and the other Lenders;  nothing hereunder shall limit the
obligation  of the Borrower to repay all Loans in  accordance  with the terms of
this  Agreement.  The  provisions  of this  Section  12.15  shall  apply  and be
effective  regardless  of  whether  a  Default  occurs  and is  continuing,  and
notwithstanding (i) any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary,  (ii)
any  instruction  of the Borrower as to its desired  application  of payments or
(iii) the  suspension of such  Defaulting  Lender's  right to vote on matters as
provided above.


                                  ARTICLE XIII

                BENEFIT OF AGREEMENT; ASSIGNMENTS; PARTICIPATIONS

         13.1     Successors and Assigns.

                  The  terms  and  provisions  of the  Loan  Documents  shall be
binding  upon and inure to the  benefit of  Borrower  and the  Lenders and their
respective  successors and assigns,  except that the Borrower shall not have the
right to assign its rights or obligations  under the Loan Documents  without the
consent of all the Lenders and any assignment by any Lender

                                      -67-




<PAGE>



must be made in  compliance  with Section  13.3.  The  Administrative  Agent and
Borrower  may treat the payee of any Note as the owner  thereof for all purposes
hereof unless and until such payee  complies with Section 13.3 in the case of an
assignment  thereof or, in the case of any other  transfer,  a written notice of
the transfer is filed with the Administrative  Agent and Borrower.  Any assignee
or  transferee  of a Note  agrees by  acceptance  thereof to be bound by all the
terms and provisions of the Loan Documents. Any request, authority or consent of
any Person who at the time of making such  request or giving such  authority  or
consent  is the  holder of any Note,  shall be  conclusive  and  binding  on any
subsequent  holder,  transferee or assignee of such Note or of any Note or Notes
issued in exchange therefor.

         13.2     Participations.

                  13.2.1 Permitted Participants;  Effect. Any Lender may, in the
         ordinary  course of its business and in accordance with applicable law,
         at  any  time   sell  to  one  or  more   banks   or   other   entities
         ("Participants")  participating  interests in any Advance owing to such
         Lender,  any Note held by such Lender, any Commitment of such Lender or
         any other  interest of such  Lender  under the Loan  Documents.  In the
         event of any such  sale by a Lender  of  participating  interests  to a
         Participant,  such Lender's  obligations under the Loan Documents shall
         remain  unchanged,  such Lender shall remain solely  responsible to the
         other parties  hereto for the  performance  of such  obligations,  such
         Lender shall remain the holder of any such Note for all purposes  under
         the  Loan  Documents,  all  amounts  payable  by  Borrower  under  this
         Agreement  shall be  determined  as if such  Lender  had not sold  such
         participating  interests, and Borrower and the Administrative Agent and
         the other Lenders shall  continue to deal solely and directly with such
         Lender in connection with such Lender's  rights and  obligations  under
         the Loan Documents. The Borrower shall not be obligated to pay any fees
         and expenses  incurred by any Lender in  connection  with the sale of a
         participation pursuant to this Section.

                  13.2.2 Voting Rights.  Each Lender shall retain the sole right
         to vote its Percentage of the Aggregate Commitment, without the consent
         of any  Participant,  for the approval or disapproval of any amendment,
         modification or waiver of any provision of the Loan Documents, provided
         that such  Lender may grant such  Participant  the right to approve any
         amendment, modification or waiver which forgives principal, interest or
         fees or reduces the interest rate or fees payable hereunder,  postpones
         any date fixed for any  regularly-scheduled  payment of principal of or
         interest on the Obligations, or extends the Maturity Date.

         13.3     Assignments.

                  13.3.1 Permitted  Assignments.  Any Lender may, with the prior
         written  consent of  Administrative  Agent  (plus,  during the  initial
         syndication, Credit Lyonnais) and Borrower (which consents shall not be
         unreasonably  withheld or delayed),  in accordance with applicable law,
         at any time assign to one or more banks or other

                                      -68-




<PAGE>



         entities (collectively, "Purchasers") all or any part of its rights and
         obligations  under  the  Loan  Documents,  except  that no  consent  of
         Borrower  shall be required if an Event of Default has  occurred and is
         continuing and that no consent of Administrative Agent, Credit Lyonnais
         or Borrower  shall ever be required for (i) any  assignment to a Person
         directly or  indirectly  controlling,  controlled by or under direct or
         indirect common control with the assigning Lender or (ii) the pledge or
         assignment by a Lender of such Lender's Note and other rights under the
         Loan  Documents  to  any  Federal   Reserve  Bank  in  accordance  with
         applicable  law. No  assignment  to a Purchaser  shall be for less than
         $10,000,000  of  the  Aggregate   Commitment.   Such   assignments  and
         assumptions shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit J hereto. The
         Borrower  shall  execute any and all  documents  which are  customarily
         required by such Lender (including,  without limitation,  a replacement
         promissory note or notes in the forms provided hereunder) in connection
         with any such  assignment,  but Borrower  shall not be obligated to pay
         any fees and  expenses  incurred by any Lender in  connection  with any
         assignment pursuant to this Section. Any Lender selling all or any part
         of its rights and obligation  hereunder in a transaction  requiring the
         consent of the  Administrative  Agent  shall pay to the  Administrative
         Agent a fee of $3,000.00 per assignee to reimburse Administrative Agent
         for its involvement in such assignment.

                  13.3.2 Effect; Effective Date of Assignment.  Upon delivery to
         the  Administrative  Agent  and  Borrower  of a  notice  of  assignment
         executed by the assigning  Lender and the  Purchaser,  such  assignment
         shall become  effective on the effective  date specified in such notice
         of assignment.  The notice of assignment shall contain a representation
         by the Purchaser to the effect that none of the  consideration  used to
         make the purchase of the  Commitment  and the Loan under the applicable
         assignment  agreement are "plan assets" as defined under ERISA and that
         the  rights  and  interests  of the  Purchaser  in and  under  the Loan
         Documents  will not be "plan  assets"  under  ERISA.  On and  after the
         effective  date  of  such  assignment,  such  Purchaser  shall  for all
         purposes  be a  Lender  party  to this  Agreement  and any  other  Loan
         Document  executed  by the  Lenders  and shall  have all the rights and
         obligations of a Lender under the Loan Documents, to the same extent as
         if it were an original party hereto,  and no further  consent or action
         by Borrower,  the Lenders or the Administrative Agent shall be required
         to release the  transferor  Lender for matters  arising after such sale
         with respect to the percentage of the Commitment and Advances  assigned
         to  such  Purchaser.  Upon  the  consummation  of any  assignment  to a
         Purchaser  pursuant to this Section 13.3.2,  the transferor Lender, the
         Administrative  Agent and Borrower shall make appropriate  arrangements
         so that replacement  Notes are issued to such transferor Lender and new
         Notes  or,  as  appropriate,  replacement  Notes,  are  issued  to such
         Purchaser,   in  each  case  in  principal  amounts   reflecting  their
         respective Commitments, as adjusted pursuant to such assignment.

         13.4 Dissemination of Information.  Borrower  authorizes each Lender to
disclose to any  Participant  or  Purchaser  or any other  Person  acquiring  an
interest in the Loan Documents by operation of law (each a "Transferee") and any
prospective Transferee any

                                      -69-




<PAGE>



and all information in such Lender's possession  concerning the creditworthiness
of  Borrower  and  Guarantors.  Each  Transferee  shall agree in writing to keep
confidential any such information which is not publicly  available.  The Lenders
agree  not to  make  any  transfers  to a  transferee  if  such  transfer  would
constitute a public  offering  which would impose any obligation on the Borrower
to incur  liabilities  and make  disclosures,  representations  or  undertakings
beyond those expressly provided for herein, unless the Borrower has consented in
writing thereto.

         13.5 Tax Treatment. If any interest in any Loan Document is transferred
to any Transferee  which is organized under the laws of any  jurisdiction  other
than the United States or any State thereof,  the transferor  Lender shall cause
such Transferee, concurrently with the effectiveness of such transfer, to comply
with all applicable provisions of the Code with respect to withholding and other
tax matters.


                                   ARTICLE XIV

                               GENERAL PROVISIONS

         14.1 Survival of  Representations.  All  representations and warranties
contained in this Agreement  shall survive  delivery of the Notes and the making
of the Advances herein contemplated.

         14.2 Governmental  Regulation.  Anything contained in this Agreement to
the contrary  notwithstanding,  no Lender shall be obligated to extend credit to
the Borrower in  violation  of any  limitation  or  prohibition  provided by any
applicable statute or regulation.

         14.3 Taxes. Any recording and other taxes (excluding franchise,  income
or similar  taxes) or other  similar  assessments  or  charges  payable or ruled
payable  by  any  governmental   authority   incurred  in  connection  with  the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be paid by
the Borrower, together with interest and penalties, if any.

         14.4  Headings.   Section  headings  in  the  Loan  Documents  are  for
convenience of reference only, and shall not govern the interpretation of any of
the provisions of the Loan Documents.

         14.5  No  Third  Party  Beneficiaries.  This  Agreement  shall  not  be
construed  so as to confer any right or benefit  upon any Person  other than the
parties to this Agreement and their respective successors and assigns.

         14.6  Expenses;  Indemnification.  Subject  to the  provisions  of this
Agreement,  Borrower will pay (a) all out-of-pocket  costs and expenses incurred
by the  Administrative  Agent  (including  the  reasonable  fees,  out-of-pocket
expenses  and  other  reasonable  expenses  of  counsel,  which  counsel  may be
employees of Administrative Agent) in connection with the

                                      -70-




<PAGE>



preparation,  execution  and  delivery of this  Agreement,  the Notes,  the Loan
Documents and any other  agreements  or documents  referred to herein or therein
and any amendments thereto, (b) all out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by
the  Administrative  Agent  and the  Lenders  (including  the  reasonable  fees,
out-of-pocket   expenses  and  other  reasonable  expenses  of  counsel  to  the
Administrative  Agent  and  the  Lenders,  which  counsel  may be  employees  of
Administrative  Agent or the Lenders) in  connection  with the  enforcement  and
protection of the rights of the Lenders  under this  Agreement,  the Notes,  the
Loan Documents or any other agreement or document referred to herein or therein,
(c) all  reasonable and customary  costs and expenses of periodic  audits by the
Administrative  Agent's  personnel of the Borrower's  books and records provided
that prior to an Event of  Default,  Borrower  shall be required to pay for only
one such audit during any year, and (d) all  out-of-pocket  expenses incurred by
the Syndication Agent in arranging for the joinder of Lenders in this Agreement.
The Borrower further agrees to indemnify the Lenders, their directors,  officers
and  employees  against  all  losses,  claims,  damages,  penalties,  judgments,
liabilities and reasonable expenses (including, without limitation, all expenses
of  litigation  or  preparation  therefor  whether or not the Lenders is a party
thereto)  which any of them may pay or incur  arising out of or relating to this
Agreement, the other Loan Documents, the transactions contemplated hereby or the
direct or indirect  application  or proposed  application of the proceeds of any
Advance  hereunder,  except that the  foregoing  indemnity  shall not apply to a
Lender to the  extent  that any  losses,  claims,  etc.  are the  result of such
Lender's gross negligence or wilful misconduct.  The obligations of the Borrower
under this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

         14.7  Severability  of  Provisions.  Any provision in any Loan Document
that is held to be inoperative,  unenforceable,  or invalid in any  jurisdiction
shall,  as to that  jurisdiction,  be  inoperative,  unenforceable,  or  invalid
without  affecting  the  remaining   provisions  in  that  jurisdiction  or  the
operation,   enforceability,   or  validity  of  that  provision  in  any  other
jurisdiction,  and to this end the provisions of all Loan Documents are declared
to be severable.

         14.8 Nonliability of the Lenders. The relationship between the Borrower
and the Lenders  shall be solely that of borrower and lender.  The Lenders shall
not have any fiduciary  responsibilities to the Borrower.  The Lenders undertake
no responsibility to the Borrower to review or inform the Borrower of any matter
in connection with any phase of the Borrower's business or operations.

         14.9 Choice of Law. THE LOAN DOCUMENTS  (OTHER THAN THOSE  CONTAINING A
CONTRARY  EXPRESS CHOICE OF LAW PROVISION) SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH
THE INTERNAL LAWS (AND NOT THE LAW OF  CONFLICTS) OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS,  BUT
GIVING EFFECT TO FEDERAL LAWS APPLICABLE TO NATIONAL BANKS.

         14.10    Consent to Jurisdiction.  THE BORROWER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY
SUBMITS TO THE NON-EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF ANY UNITED STATES

                                      -71-




<PAGE>



FEDERAL OR ILLINOIS  STATE COURT  SITTING IN CHICAGO,  ILLINOIS IN ANY ACTION OR
PROCEEDING  ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO ANY LOAN  DOCUMENTS  AND THE  BORROWER
HEREBY  IRREVOCABLY  AGREES  THAT  ALL  CLAIMS  IN  RESPECT  OF SUCH  ACTION  OR
PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN ANY SUCH COURT AND IRREVOCABLY  WAIVES
ANY  OBJECTION  IT MAY NOW OR  HEREAFTER  HAVE AS TO THE VENUE OF ANY SUCH SUIT,
ACTION  OR  PROCEEDING  BROUGHT  IN  SUCH A  COURT  OR  THAT  SUCH  COURT  IS AN
INCONVENIENT FORUM. NOTHING HEREIN SHALL LIMIT THE RIGHT OF THE LENDERS TO BRING
PROCEEDINGS  AGAINST THE BORROWER IN THE COURTS OF ANY OTHER  JURISDICTION.  ANY
JUDICIAL  PROCEEDING BY THE BORROWER AGAINST THE LENDERS OR ANY AFFILIATE OF THE
LENDERS INVOLVING, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ANY MATTER IN ANY WAY ARISING OUT OF,
RELATED TO, OR CONNECTED WITH ANY LOAN DOCUMENT SHALL BE BROUGHT ONLY IN A COURT
IN CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

         14.11  Waiver  of  Jury  Trial.  THE  BORROWER,  THE  GUARANTORS,   THE
ADMINISTRATIVE  AGENT AND THE LENDERS HEREBY WAIVE TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY JUDICIAL
PROCEEDING  INVOLVING,  DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY,  ANY MATTER (WHETHER SOUNDING IN
TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE) IN ANY WAY ARISING OUT OF, RELATED TO, OR CONNECTED
WITH ANY LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE RELATIONSHIP ESTABLISHED THEREUNDER.

         14.12  Successors  and Assigns.  The terms and  provisions  of the Loan
Documents shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Borrower and the
Lenders and their  respective  successors and assigns,  except that the Borrower
shall not have the  right to assign  its  rights or  obligations  under the Loan
Documents.  Any assignee or transferee of the Notes agrees by acceptance thereof
to be bound by all the terms and provisions of the Loan Documents.  Any request,
authority  or consent of any Person,  who at the time of making such  request or
giving such authority or consent is the holder of the Notes, shall be conclusive
and binding on any subsequent holder, transferee or assignee of such Notes or of
any note or notes issued in exchange therefor.

         14.13 Entire Agreement;  Modification of Agreement.  The Loan Documents
embody the  entire  agreement  among the  Borrower,  Guarantors,  Administrative
Agent,   and  Lenders  and  supersede  all  prior   conversations,   agreements,
understandings,  commitments  and term sheets  among any or all of such  parties
with respect to the subject matter hereof.  Any provisions of this Agreement may
be amended or waived if, but only if, such amendment or waiver is in writing and
is signed by the Borrower,  and Administrative  Agent if the rights or duties of
Administrative Agent are affected thereby, and

                  (a)      each of the Lenders if such amendment or waiver


                                      -72-




<PAGE>



                                  (i)  reduces  or   forgives   any  payment  of
                  principal or interest on the  Obligations  or any fees payable
                  by Borrower to such Lender hereunder; or

                                 (ii)  postpones  the date fixed for any payment
                  of  principal  of or interest on the  Obligations  or any fees
                  payable by Borrower to such Lender hereunder; or

                                (iii)   changes  the  amount  of  such  Lender's
                  Commitment  (other than  pursuant to an  assignment  permitted
                  under  Section  13.3) or the unpaid  principal  amount of such
                  Lender's Note; or

                                 (iv)    extends the Maturity Date; or

                                  (v)    releases or limits the liability of the
                  Guarantors under the Loan Documents; or

                                 (vi) changes the definition of Required Lenders
                  or  modifies  any  requirement  for  consent  by  each  of the
                  Lenders; or

                                (vii) modifies or waives any covenant  contained
                  in Sections 9.8(b), 9.8(d) or 9.8(e) hereof; or

                  (b) the Required Lenders, to the extent expressly provided for
herein and in the case of all other  waivers or  amendments  if no percentage of
Lenders is specified herein.

         14.14 Dealings with the Borrower.  The Lenders and their affiliates may
accept  deposits  from,  extend  credit to and  generally  engage in any kind of
banking,  trust or other  business  with the Borrower or the  Guarantors  or any
other member of the Consolidated Group regardless of the capacity of the Lenders
hereunder.

         14.15    Set-Off.

                  (a) If an Event of Default  shall have  occurred,  each Lender
shall have the right,  at any time and from time to time  without  notice to the
Borrower,  any such notice  being  hereby  expressly  waived,  to set-off and to
appropriate  or apply any and all  deposits  of money or  property  or any other
indebtedness  at any time held or owing by such  Lender to or for the  credit or
the  account  of  the  Borrower  against  and  on  account  of  all  outstanding
Obligations and all Obligations which from time to time may become due hereunder
and all other  obligations and liabilities of the Borrower under this Agreement,
irrespective of whether or not such Lender shall have made any demand  hereunder
and whether or not said obligations and liabilities shall have matured.


                                      -73-




<PAGE>



                  (b) Each Lender  agrees that if it shall,  by  exercising  any
right of set-off or counterclaim  or otherwise,  receive payment of a proportion
of the aggregate  amount of principal,  interest or fees due with respect to any
Note  held by it which is  greater  than the  proportion  received  by any other
Lender in respect of the  aggregate  amount of  principal,  interest or fees due
with respect to any Note held by such other Lender,  the Lender  receiving  such
proportionately  greater payment shall purchase such participations in the Notes
held by the other  Lenders  and such other  adjustments  shall be made as may be
required so that all such payments of  principal,  interest or Fees with respect
to the  Notes  held by the  Lenders  shall be  shared  by the  Lenders  pro rata
according to their respective Commitments.

         14.16  Counterparts.  This  Agreement  may be executed in any number of
counterparts,  all of which taken together shall  constitute one agreement,  and
any of the  parties  hereto may  execute  this  Agreement  by  signing  any such
counterpart.  This Agreement shall be effective when it has been executed by the
Borrower and each of the Lenders shown on the signature pages hereof.

         14.17 Limitation on Liability of EIP/WV.  The liability of the Borrower
under this Agreement for the Obligations shall be joint and several. The Lenders
agree that,  the liability of EIP/WV under this  Agreement  shall not exceed the
amount by which (A) the portion of the then-current  Total Value attributable to
the  Properties  owned  by  EIP/WV  exceeds  (B)  the  then-current  outstanding
principal  balance of all  Indebtedness  (other than the  Obligations) of EIP/WV
permitted under this Agreement,  calculated in each case as of the Maturity Date
or the date of any earlier acceleration of the Obligations,  as applicable. Such
maximum  liability  of EIP/WV  shall be  allocated on a pro rata basis among the
Notes in accordance with the Lenders' respective Percentages.


                                   ARTICLE XV

                                     NOTICES

         15.1 Giving Notice.  All notices and other  communications  provided to
any party hereto under this  Agreement  or any other Loan  Document  shall be in
writing or by telex or by facsimile  and addressed or delivered to such party at
its  address set forth below or at such other  address as may be  designated  by
such party in a notice to the other parties.  Any notice, if mailed and properly
addressed with postage prepaid, shall be deemed given when received; any notice,
if  transmitted  by telex or facsimile,  shall be deemed given when  transmitted
(answerback confirmed in the case of telexes). Notice may be given as follows:


                                      -74-




<PAGE>



                  To the Borrower:

                           Equity Inns, Inc.
                           4735 Spottswood, Suite 201
                           Memphis, Tennessee  38117
                           Attention:  Howard A. Silver
                           Telecopy:   (901) 761-1485

                  To Guarantors:

                           Equity Inns, Inc.
                           4735 Spottswood, Suite 201
                           Memphis, Tennessee  38117
                           Attention:  Howard A. Silver
                           Telecopy:   (901) 761-1485

                  Each of the above with a copy to:

                           Hunton & Williams
                           1751 Pinnacle Drive
                           Suite 1700
                           McLean, Virginia  22102
                           Attention:  Gerald R. Best
                           Telecopy:   (703) 714-7410

                  To each Lender:

                           As shown below the Lenders' signatures.

                  To the Administrative Agent:

                           The First National Bank of Chicago
                           Corporate Real Estate Division
                           One First National Plaza
                           Chicago, Illinois  60670-0151
                           Attention:  Gregory A. Gilbert
                           Telecopy:   (312) 732-1117


                                      -75-




<PAGE>



                  With a copy to:

                           Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal
                           8000 Sears Tower
                           Chicago, Illinois  60606
                           Attention:  Patrick G. Moran, Esq.
                           Telecopy:   (312) 876-7934

                  To the Syndication Agent:

                           Credit Lyonnais
                           Hotel Finance Group
                           1301 Avenue of the Americas
                           New York, New York  10019
                           Attention:  Joseph A. Asciolla
                           Telecopy:   (212) 261-7890

         15.2 Change of  Address.  Each party may change the address for service
of notice upon it by a notice in writing to the other parties hereto.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  the undersigned have executed this Agreement as of
the date first above written.

BORROWER:                         EQUITY INNS PARTNERSHIP, L.P.

                                  By:   EQUITY INNS TRUST, its General Partner


                                  By:
                                  Title:


                                  EQUITY INNS WEST VIRGINIA PARTNERSHIP, L.P.

                                  By:   EQUITY INNS SERVICES, INC., its General
                                        Partner


                                  By:
                                  Title:



                                      -76-




<PAGE>



LENDERS:                          THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO


                                  By:
                                  Title:
                                  Commitment: $105,000,000
                                  Percentage of Aggregate Commitment: 42%

                                  Address for Notices:
                                  Corporate Real Estate Division
                                  One First National Plaza
                                  Chicago, Illinois  60670-0151
                                  Attention:  Gregory A. Gilbert
                                  Telephone:  312/732-2107
                                  Telecopy:  312/732-1117


                                  CREDIT LYONNAIS NEW YORK BRANCH


                                  By:
                                  Title:
                                  Commitment: $105,000,000
                                  Percentage of Aggregate Commitment: 42%

                                  Address for Notices:
                                  Hotel Finance Group
                                  1301 Avenue of the Americas
                                  New York, New York  10019
                                  Attention:  Joseph A. Asciolla
                                  Telephone:  212/261-7834
                                  Telecopy:  212/261-7890



                                      -77-




<PAGE>



                                  AMSOUTH BANK


                                  By:
                                  Title:
                                  Commitment:  $40,000,000
                                  Percentage of Aggregate Commitment:  16%

                                  Address for Notices:
                                  1900 Fifth Avenue North
                                  AmSouth-Sonat Tower
                                  9th Floor
                                  Birmingham, Alabama  35203
                                  Attention:  Lawrence Clark
                                  Telephone:  205/581-7493
                                  Telecopy:  205/326-4075



ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT:             THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO


                                  By:
                                  Title:

                                  Address for Notices:
                                  Corporate Real Estate Division
                                  One First National Plaza
                                  Chicago, Illinois 60670-0151
                                  Attention: Gregory A. Gilbert
                                  Telephone:  312/732-2107
                                  Telecopy:  312/732-1117


SYNDICATION AGENT:                CREDIT LYONNAIS NEW YORK BRANCH


                                  By:
                                  Title:



                                      -78-




<PAGE>



         The undersigned,  Equity Inns, Inc. and Equity Inns Trust, join in this
Agreement for purposes of making the representations and warranties contained in
Article VII hereof and agreeing to perform certain of the covenants described in
Article VIII hereof.

                                  EQUITY INNS, INC.


                                  By:
                                  Title:


                                  EQUITY INNS TRUST


                                  By:
                                  Title:


                                      -79-




<PAGE>



                                    EXHIBIT A

                                   PERCENTAGES


                              First Chicago -- 42%

                             Credit Lyonnais -- 42%

                                 AmSouth -- 16%


                                      -80-




<PAGE>



                                    EXHIBIT B

                                  FORM OF NOTE


$                                                          _______________, 1997
 ------------------------



        On or before the Maturity  Date,  as defined in that  certain  Unsecured
Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of October 10, 1997 (the "Agreement")  among
EQUITY INNS  PARTNERSHIP,  L.P.,  a Tennessee  limited  partrnership  and EQUITY
INNS/WEST   VIRGINIA   PARTNERSHIP,   L.P.,  a  Tennessee  limited   partnership
(collectively, "Borrower"), Credit Lyonnais New York Branch, individually and as
Syndication Agent, The First National Bank of Chicago, a national bank organized
under  the  laws  of  the  United  States  of  America,   individually   and  as
Administrative  Agent  for  the  Lenders  (as  such  terms  are  defined  in the
Agreement),  and  the  other  Lenders  listed  on  the  signature  pages  of the
Agreement,  Borrower  promises to pay to the order of  _________________________
(the "Lender"),  or its successors and assigns,  the principal sum of AND NO/100
DOLLARS ($ ) or the aggregate  unpaid  principal amount of all Loans made by the
Lender to the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.1 of the Agreement,  in immediately
available funds at the office of the Administrative Agent in Chicago,  Illinois,
together with interest on the unpaid principal amount hereof at the rates and on
the dates set forth in the  Agreement.  The Borrower  shall pay this  Promissory
Note  ("Note") in full on or before the  Maturity  Date in  accordance  with the
terms of the Agreement.

        The Lender shall,  and is hereby  authorized  to, record on the schedule
attached  hereto,  or to otherwise record in accordance with its usual practice,
the date and amount of each  Advance  and the date and amount of each  principal
payment hereunder.

        This Note is issued  pursuant to, and is entitled to the security  under
and benefits of, the Agreement and the other Loan Documents,  to which Agreement
and Loan  Documents,  as they may be  amended  from time to time,  reference  is
hereby made for, inter alia, a statement of the terms and conditions under which
this Note may be prepaid or its maturity  date  accelerated.  Capitalized  terms
used  herein  and not  otherwise  defined  herein  are used  with  the  meanings
attributed to them in the Agreement.

        If there is an Event of Default or Default  under the  Agreement  or any
other Loan  Document  and  Lender  exercises  its  remedies  provided  under the
Agreement  and/or any of the Loan  Documents,  then in  addition  to all amounts
recoverable  by the Lender  under such  documents,  Lender  shall be entitled to
receive reasonable  attorneys fees and expenses incurred by Lender in exercising
such remedies.


                                      -81-




<PAGE>



        Borrower and all  endorsers  severally  waive  presentment,  protest and
demand,  notice of protest,  demand and of dishonor and  nonpayment of this Note
(except as otherwise  expressly provided for in the Agreement),  and any and all
lack of diligence  or delays in  collection  or  enforcement  of this Note,  and
expressly agree that this Note, or any payment  hereunder,  may be extended from
time to time,  and expressly  consent to the release of any party liable for the
obligation  secured by this Note,  the  release of any of the  security  of this
Note, the acceptance of any other security therefor,  or any other indulgence or
forbearance  whatsoever,  all without notice to any party and without  affecting
the liability of the Borrower and any endorsers hereof.

        This Note shall be governed and construed under the internal laws of the
State of Illinois.

        All liability of the entities comprising the Borrower hereunder shall be
joint and several. The liability of Equity Inns/West Virginia Partnership,  L.P.
under this Note is limited as described in Section 14.17 of the Agreement.

        BORROWER AND LENDER,  BY ITS  ACCEPTANCE  HEREOF,  EACH HEREBY WAIVE ANY
RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY  ACTION OR  PROCEEDING  TO ENFORCE OR DEFEND ANY
RIGHT UNDER THIS PROMISSORY NOTE OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR RELATING  THERETO
OR ARISING FROM THE LENDING  RELATIONSHIP  WHICH IS THE SUBJECT OF THIS NOTE AND
AGREE THAT ANY SUCH ACTION OR  PROCEEDING  SHALL BE TRIED BEFORE A COURT AND NOT
BEFORE A JURY.

                                  EQUITY INNS PARTNERSHIP, L.P., a Tennessee
                                  limited partnership

                                  By:  Equity Inns Trust, its general partner


                                  By:
                                  Its:


                                  EQUITY INNS/WEST VIRGINIA PARTNERSHIP, L.P.,
                                  a Tennessee limited partnership

                                  By:  Equity Inns Services, Inc., its general
                                       partner


                                  By:
                                  Its:


                                      -82-




<PAGE>



                              PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL


                                    Unpaid
                                   Principal                           Notation
Date                                Balance                             Made by




















                                      -83-




<PAGE>



                                    EXHIBIT C

                 FINANCEABLE GROUND LEASES -- CURRENTLY APPROVED


       1.       Mt. Brook, AL
       2.       Camelback, AZ
       3.       Atlanta, GA
       4.       Glen Burnie, MD
       5.       Traverse City, MI (Partial)
       6.       Tinton Falls, NJ
       7.       Nashville, TN
       8.       Sycamore, TN
       9.       Rutland, VT (Partial)
      10.       Norfolk, VA


                                      -84-




<PAGE>



                                    EXHIBIT D

                                FORM OF GUARANTY


        This Guaranty made as of October 10, 1997, by Equity Inns, Inc.,  Equity
Inns Services,  Inc. and Equity Inns Trust (collectively,  "Guarantor"),  to and
for the  benefit of The First  National  Bank of Chicago,  individually  ("First
Chicago"),  and as administrative agent for itself and the lenders listed on the
signature pages of the Revolving Credit Agreement (as defined below),  all other
lenders  which  are  parties  thereto  from  time to time and  their  respective
successors and assigns (collectively, "Lender").


                                    RECITALS

        A. Equity Inns Partnership,  L.P., a Tennessee  limited  partnership and
Equity Inns/West Virginia  Partnership,  L.P.  (collectively,  "Borrower"),  and
Guarantor have requested that Lender make an unsecured revolving credit facility
available to Borrower in the aggregate principal amount of up to $250,000,000
("Facility").

        B. Lender has agreed to make available the Facility to Borrower pursuant
to the terms and conditions set forth in an Unsecured Revolving Credit Agreement
bearing even date herewith between Borrower and the Lenders  ("Revolving  Credit
Agreement").  All capitalized  terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall
have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Revolving Credit Agreement.

        C. Borrower has executed and delivered to Lender one or more  Promissory
Notes each of even date in the aggregate  principal  amount of  $250,000,000  as
evidence  of its  indebtedness  to Lender  with  respect  to the  Facility  (the
promissory  notes  described  above,  together  with any  amendments or allonges
thereto,  or  restatements,   replacements  or  renewals  thereof,   and/or  new
promissory  notes to new  Lenders  under the  Revolving  Credit  Agreement,  are
collectively referred to herein as the "Note").

        D. Equity Inns Trust is the sole general  partner of one of the entities
comprising the Borrower,  Equity Inns Services, Inc. is the sole general partner
of the other entity  comprising the Borrower and Equity Inns, Inc. is the holder
of 100% of the stock of Equity Inns Services,  Inc.,  and  therefore,  Guarantor
will derive financial benefit from the Facility evidenced by the Note, Revolving
Credit  Agreement  and the other Loan  Documents.  The execution and delivery of
this Guaranty by Guarantor is a condition precedent to the performance by Lender
of its obligations under the Revolving Credit Agreement.


                                      -85-




<PAGE>



                                   AGREEMENTS

        NOW, THEREFORE,  Guarantor, in consideration of the matters described in
the foregoing  Recitals,  which Recitals are incorporated herein and made a part
hereof, and for other good and valuable consideration, hereby agrees as follows:

       1. Guarantor absolutely,  unconditionally,  and irrevocably guarantees to
Lender:

                (a) the full and prompt payment of the principal of and interest
        on the Note when due, whether at stated maturity,  upon  acceleration or
        otherwise,  and at all times  thereafter,  and the prompt payment of all
        sums which may now be or may  hereafter  become due and owing  under the
        Note, the Revolving Credit Agreement, and the other Loan Documents;

                (b) the payment of all Enforcement Costs (as hereinafter defined
        in Paragraph 7 hereof); and

                (c) the full, complete,  and punctual  observance,  performance,
        and  satisfaction  of all of the  obligations,  duties,  covenants,  and
        agreements of Borrower under the Revolving Credit Agreement and the Loan
        Documents.

All amounts  due,  debts,  liabilities,  and payment  obligations  described  in
subparagraphs  (a) and (b) of this  Paragraph  1 are  referred  to herein as the
"Facility  Indebtedness." All obligations  described in subparagraph (c) of this
Paragraph 1 are referred to herein as the "Obligations."

       2. In the event of any  default  by  Borrower  in making  payment  of the
Facility Indebtedness,  or in performance of the Obligations,  as aforesaid,  in
each case  beyond the  expiration  of any  applicable  grace  period,  Guarantor
agrees,  on demand by Lender or the holder of the Note,  to pay all the Facility
Indebtedness  and to perform all the  Obligations  as are or then or  thereafter
become  due and owing or are to be  performed  under the terms of the Note,  the
Revolving  Credit  Agreement  and  the  other  Loan  Documents,  and to pay  any
reasonable  expenses incurred by Lender in connection with the Facility or under
any of  the  Loan  Documents,  including,  without  limitation,  all  reasonable
attorneys' fees and costs.  Lender shall have the right,  at its option,  either
before,  during or after pursuing any other right or remedy against  Borrower or
Guarantor,  to perform any and all of the  Obligations  by or through any agent,
contractor or subcontractor,  or any of their agents,  of its selection,  all as
Lender in its sole  discretion  deems proper,  and Guarantor shall indemnify and
hold Lender free and harmless from and against any and all loss,  damage,  cost,
expense,  injury, or liability Lender may suffer or incur in connection with the
exercise  of  its  rights  under  this  Guaranty  or  the   performance  of  the
Obligations,  except  to the  extent  the same  arises  as a result of the gross
negligence or wilful misconduct of Lender.


                                      -86-




<PAGE>



        All of the remedies set forth herein and/or  provided by any of the Loan
Documents or law or equity shall be equally available to Lender,  and the choice
by Lender of one such  alternative over another shall not be subject to question
or  challenge by  Guarantor  or any other  person,  nor shall any such choice be
asserted as a defense,  set-off,  or failure to mitigate  damages in any action,
proceeding,  or  counteraction  by Lender to recover or seeking any other remedy
under this Guaranty,  nor shall such choice  preclude  Lender from  subsequently
electing  to  exercise  a  different  remedy.  The  parties  have  agreed to the
alternative remedies  hereinabove  specified in part because they recognize that
the choice of remedies in the event of a failure  hereunder will  necessarily be
and should properly be a matter of business judgment,  which the passage of time
and  events  may or may not  prove  to have  been the best  choice  to  maximize
recovery by Lender at the lowest cost to Borrower  and/or  Guarantor.  It is the
intention of the parties that such choice by Lender be given  conclusive  effect
regardless of such subsequent developments.

       3.  Guarantor does hereby waive (i) notice of acceptance of this Guaranty
by  Lender  and any and all  notices  and  demands  of every  kind  which may be
required to be given by any statute,  rule or law,  (ii) any  defense,  right of
set-off or other claim which  Guarantor  may have  against the Borrower or which
Guarantor or Borrower may have against  Lender or the holder of the Note,  (iii)
presentment for payment,  demand for payment,  notice of nonpayment or dishonor,
protest  and  notice  of  protest,  diligence  in  collection  and  any  and all
formalities  which otherwise might be legally  required to charge Guarantor with
liability,  (iv) any failure by Lender to inform  Guarantor  of any facts Lender
may now or hereafter  know about  Borrower,  the Facility,  or the  transactions
contemplated by the Revolving Credit  Agreement,  it being understood and agreed
that Lender has no duty so to inform and that the Guarantor is fully responsible
for being and remaining informed by the Borrower of all circumstances bearing on
the  existence  or  creation,   or  the  risk  of  nonpayment  of  the  Facility
Indebtedness or the risk of nonperformance  of the Obligations,  and (v) any and
all right to cause a  marshalling  of assets of the Borrower or any other action
by any court or governmental  body with respect  thereto,  or to cause Lender to
proceed  against  any other  security  given to Lender  in  connection  with the
Facility  Indebtedness  or the  Obligations.  Credit may be granted or continued
from time to time by Lender to Borrower without notice to or authorization  from
Guarantor, regardless of the financial or other condition of the Borrower at the
time of any such  grant or  continuation.  Lender  shall have no  obligation  to
disclose or discuss with Guarantor its assessment of the financial  condition of
Borrower.  Guarantor acknowledges that no representations of any kind whatsoever
have been made by Lender to Guarantor.  No  modification or waiver of any of the
provisions of this Guaranty shall be binding upon Lender except as expressly set
forth in a writing  duly  signed and  delivered  on behalf of Lender.  Guarantor
further agrees that any exculpatory  language  contained in the Revolving Credit
Agreement  and the Note shall in no event apply to this  Guaranty,  and will not
prevent Lender from proceeding against Guarantor to enforce this Guaranty.

       4. Guarantor further agrees that Guarantor's liability as guarantor shall
in nowise be impaired by any renewals or extensions  which may be made from time
to time, with or

                                      -87-




<PAGE>



without  the  knowledge  or  consent  of  Guarantor  of the time for  payment of
interest  or  principal  under  the  Note  or by any  forbearance  or  delay  in
collecting  interest  or  principal  under the Note,  or by any waiver by Lender
under the Revolving Credit Agreement or any other Loan Documents, or by Lender's
failure  or  election  not to pursue  any  other  remedies  it may have  against
Borrower,  or by any  change  or  modification  in the  Note,  Revolving  Credit
Agreement or any other Loan  Documents,  or by the  acceptance  by Lender of any
additional  security or any increase,  substitution or change therein, or by the
release by Lender of any security or any withdrawal thereof or decrease therein,
or by the application of payments received from any source to the payment of any
obligation  other than the  Facility  Indebtedness,  even  though  Lender  might
lawfully  have elected to apply such payments to any part or all of the Facility
Indebtedness,  it being the intent hereof that Guarantor  shall remain liable as
principal  for  payment of the  Facility  Indebtedness  and  performance  of the
Obligations  until all  indebtedness  has been paid in full and the other terms,
covenants  and  conditions  of the  Revolving  Credit  Agreement  and other Loan
Documents  and this  Guaranty have been  performed,  notwithstanding  any act or
thing which  might  otherwise  operate as a legal or  equitable  discharge  of a
surety.  Guarantor  further  understands  and agrees that Lender may at any time
enter into  agreements  with  Borrower  to amend and modify the Note,  Revolving
Credit  Agreement  or other Loan  Documents,  or any  thereof,  and may waive or
release any provision or provisions of the Note, the Revolving  Credit Agreement
and  other  Loan  Documents  or  any  thereof,   and,  with  reference  to  such
instruments,  may make and enter into any such agreement or agreements as Lender
and Borrower may deem proper and desirable, without in any manner impairing this
Guaranty  or any  of  Lender's  rights  hereunder  or  any  of  the  Guarantor's
obligations hereunder.

       5. This is an absolute,  unconditional,  complete, present and continuing
guaranty of payment and performance and not of collection. Guarantor agrees that
this  Guaranty  may be enforced by Lender  without the  necessity at any time of
resorting to or exhausting any other security or collateral  given in connection
herewith or with the Note, the Revolving Credit  Agreement,  or any of the other
Loan  Documents,  or resorting to any other  guaranties,  and  Guarantor  hereby
waives  the right to  require  Lender to join  Borrower  in any  action  brought
hereunder  or to  commence  any action  against or obtain any  judgment  against
Borrower  or to pursue any other  remedy or enforce any other  right.  Guarantor
further agrees that nothing  contained  herein or otherwise shall prevent Lender
from pursuing  concurrently or successively all rights and remedies available to
it at law and/or in equity or under the Note,  Revolving Credit Agreement or any
other Loan Documents, and the exercise of any of its rights or the completion of
any of its  remedies  shall not  constitute  a discharge  of any of  Guarantor's
obligations hereunder, it being the purpose and intent of the Guarantor that the
obligations of such Guarantor hereunder shall be primary, absolute,  independent
and  unconditional   under  any  and  all  circumstances   whatsoever.   Neither
Guarantor's  obligations  under this Guaranty nor any remedy for the enforcement
thereof  shall  be  impaired,  modified,  changed  or  released  in  any  manner
whatsoever by any impairment, modification, change, release or limitation of the
liability of Borrower under the Note,  Revolving  Credit Agreement or other Loan
Documents or by reason of Borrower's  bankruptcy or by reason of any creditor or
bankruptcy proceeding instituted by or against Borrower. This Guaranty shall

                                      -88-




<PAGE>



continue to be  effective  and be deemed to have  continued  in  existence or be
reinstated (as the case may be) if at any time payment of all or any part of any
sum payable  pursuant to the Note,  Revolving Credit Agreement or any other Loan
Document is rescinded or otherwise required to be returned by the payee upon the
insolvency,  bankruptcy,  or  reorganization  of the payor,  all as though  such
payment to Lender had not been made,  regardless of whether Lender contested the
order  requiring  the  return of such  payment.  The  obligations  of  Guarantor
pursuant to the preceding sentence shall survive any termination,  cancellation,
or release of this Guaranty.

       6. This Guaranty  shall be assignable by Lender to any assignee of all or
a portion of Lender's rights under the Loan Documents.

       7. If: (i) this  Guaranty,  the Note or any other Loan Document is placed
in the hands of an attorney for  collection  or is  collected  through any legal
proceeding;  (ii) an attorney is retained to represent Lender in any bankruptcy,
reorganization,  receivership,  or other proceedings affecting creditors' rights
and  involving a claim  under this  Guaranty,  the Note,  the  Revolving  Credit
Agreement, or any Loan Document; (iii) an attorney is retained to provide advice
or other representation with respect to the Loan Documents in connection with an
enforcement  action or  potential  enforcement  action;  or (iv) an  attorney is
retained  to  represent  Lender in any other  legal  proceedings  whatsoever  in
connection  with this  Guaranty,  the Note, any  Competitive  Bid Loan Note, the
Revolving Credit Agreement,  any of the Loan Documents,  or any property subject
thereto  (other  than  any  action  or  proceeding  brought  by  any  Lender  or
participant against the Administrative Agent (as defined in the Revolving Credit
Agreement) alleging a breach by the Administrative Agent of its duties under the
Loan  Documents),  then Guarantor shall pay to Lender upon demand all reasonable
attorney's fees, costs and expenses, including, without limitation, court costs,
filing fees, recording costs, expenses of foreclosure, title insurance premiums,
survey costs, minutes of foreclosure,  and all other costs and expenses incurred
in  connection  therewith  (all of which are referred to herein as  "Enforcement
Costs"), in addition to all other amounts due hereunder.

       8. The  parties  hereto  intend  that  each  provision  in this  Guaranty
comports  with all  applicable  local,  state  and  federal  laws  and  judicial
decisions.  However,  if any provision or  provisions,  or if any portion of any
provision or  provisions,  in this  Guaranty is found by a court of law to be in
violation of any applicable local,  state or federal  ordinance,  statute,  law,
administrative or judicial decision,  or public policy, and if such court should
declare such  portion,  provision or  provisions of this Guaranty to be illegal,
invalid,  unlawful,  void or unenforceable as written,  then it is the intent of
all parties  hereto that such portion,  provision or  provisions  shall be given
force to the fullest possible extent that they are legal, valid and enforceable,
that the  remainder of this  Guaranty  shall be  construed  as if such  illegal,
invalid,  unlawful, void or unenforceable portion,  provision or provisions were
not contained therein,  and that the rights,  obligations and interest of Lender
or the holder of the Note under the remainder of this Guaranty shall continue in
full force and effect.


                                      -89-




<PAGE>



       9. Any indebtedness of Borrower to Guarantor now or hereafter existing is
hereby  subordinated to the Facility  Indebtedness.  Guarantor agrees that until
the entire Facility  Indebtedness  has been paid in full, (i) Guarantor will not
seek,  accept, or retain for Guarantor's own account,  any payment from Borrower
on account of such subordinated debt, and (ii) any such payments to Guarantor on
account of such  subordinated  debt shall be collected and received by Guarantor
in trust for Lender and shall be paid over to Lender on account of the  Facility
Indebtedness  without  impairing  or  releasing  the  obligations  of  Guarantor
hereunder.

      10.  Guarantor  waives and  releases  any claim  (within the meaning of 11
U.S.C. ss. 101) which Guarantor may have against Borrower arising from a payment
made by Guarantor under this Guaranty and agrees not to assert or take advantage
of any  subrogation  rights of  Guarantor or Lender or any right of Guarantor or
Lender to proceed  against (i)  Borrower  for  reimbursement,  or (ii) any other
guarantor  or any  collateral  security  or  guaranty or right of offset held by
Lender for the  payment of the  Facility  Indebtedness  and  performance  of the
Obligations, nor shall Guarantor seek or be entitled to seek any contribution or
reimbursement  from Borrower or any other  guarantor in respect of payments made
by  Guarantor  hereunder.  It is  expressly  understood  that  the  waivers  and
agreements of Guarantor set forth above  constitute  additional  and  cumulative
benefits given to Lender for its security and as an inducement for its extension
of credit to Borrower.  Nothing  contained  in this  Paragraph 10 is intended to
prohibit Guarantor from making all distributions to its constituent shareholders
which are  required by law from time to time in order for  Guarantor to maintain
its status as a real estate  investment  trust in compliance with all applicable
provisions of the Code (as defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement).

      11.  Any  amounts  received  by Lender  from any  source on account of any
indebtedness  may be applied by Lender toward the payment of such  indebtedness,
and in such order of application, as Lender may from time to time elect.

      12. The Guarantor hereby submits to personal  jurisdiction in the State of
Illinois for the  enforcement  of this  Guaranty and waives any and all personal
rights to object to such  jurisdiction for the purposes of litigation to enforce
this  Guaranty.  Guarantor  hereby  consents to the  jurisdiction  of either the
Circuit Court of Cook County,  Illinois, or the United States District Court for
the Northern  District of Illinois,  in any action,  suit, or  proceeding  which
Lender  may at any time wish to file in  connection  with this  Guaranty  or any
related matter.  Guarantor hereby agrees that an action,  suit, or proceeding to
enforce this  Guaranty may be brought in any state or federal court in the State
of Illinois and hereby  waives any  objection  which  Guarantor  may have to the
laying of the venue of any such action,  suit,  or proceeding in any such court;
provided,  however, that the provisions of this Paragraph shall not be deemed to
preclude  Lender from filing any such action,  suit,  or proceeding in any other
appropriate forum.

      13. All notices  and other  communications  provided  to any party  hereto
under this  Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be in writing or by telex
or by facsimile and

                                      -90-




<PAGE>



addressed  or  delivered to such party at its address set forth below or at such
other  address  as may be  designated  by such  party in a notice  to the  other
parties.  Any notice,  if mailed and properly  addressed  with postage  prepaid,
shall be deemed given when  received;  any notice,  if  transmitted  by telex or
facsimile,  shall be deemed given when transmitted  (answerback confirmed in the
case of telexes). Notice may be given as follows:

                To the Guarantor:

                         Equity Inns, Inc.
                         4735 Spottswood, Suite 201
                         Memphis, Tennessee  38117
                         Attention:  Howard A. Silver
                         Telecopy:   (901) 761-1485

                With a copy to:

                         Hunton & Williams
                         1751 Pinnacle Drive
                         Suite 1700
                         McLean, Virginia  22102
                         Attention:  Gerald R. Best
                         Telecopy:   (703) 714-7410

                To the Lender:

                         c/o The First National Bank of Chicago, as agent
                         Corporate Real Estate Division
                         One First National Plaza
                         Chicago, Illinois  60670-0151
                         Attention:  Gregory A. Gilbert
                         Telecopy:   (312) 732-1117

                With a copy to:

                         Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal
                         8000 Sears Tower
                         Chicago, Illinois  60606
                         Attention:  Patrick G. Moran, Esq.
                         Telecopy:   (312) 876-7934


or at such  other  address  as the  party  to be  served  with  notice  may have
furnished in writing to the party seeking or desiring to serve notice as a place
for the service of notice.


                                      -91-




<PAGE>



      14. This Guaranty  shall be binding upon the heirs,  executors,  legal and
personal representatives, successors and assigns of Guarantor and shall inure to
the benefit of Lender's successors and assigns.

      15. This Guaranty  shall be construed and enforced under the internal laws
of the State of Illinois.

      16. The  liability of the entities  comprising  the  Guarantor  under this
Guaranty shall be joint and several. The liability of Equity Inns Services, Inc.
under this  Guaranty  shall not  exceed a  percentage  (equal to the  percentage
partnership  interest of Equity Inns Services,  Inc. in EIP/WV) of the amount by
which (A) the  portion  of the  then-current  Total  Value  attributable  to the
Properties  owned by EIP/WV exceeds (B) the then-current  outstanding  principal
balance of all  Indebtedness  (other than the  Obligations) of EIP/WV  permitted
under the Revolving Credit Agreement, calculated in each case as of the Maturity
Date or the date of any earlier acceleration of the Obligations, as applicable.

      17. GUARANTOR AND LENDER, BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF,  EACH HEREBY WAIVE ANY
RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY  ACTION OR  PROCEEDING  TO ENFORCE OR DEFEND ANY
RIGHT  UNDER THIS  GUARANTY OR ANY OTHER LOAN  DOCUMENT  OR RELATING  THERETO OR
ARISING FROM THE LENDING  RELATIONSHIP WHICH IS THE SUBJECT OF THIS GUARANTY AND
AGREE THAT ANY SUCH ACTION OR  PROCEEDING  SHALL BE TRIED BEFORE A COURT AND NOT
BEFORE A JURY.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Guarantor has delivered this Guaranty as of the date
first written above.

                                  EQUITY INNS, INC., a Tennessee corporation


                                  By:
                                  Its:


                                  EQUITY INNS TRUST, a Maryland real estate
                                  investment trust


                                  By:
                                  Its:



                                      -92-




<PAGE>



                                  EQUITY INNS SERVICES, INC., a Tennessee
                                  corporation


                                  By:
                                  Its:


                                      -93-




<PAGE>



STATE OF ___________              )
                                  )  SS.
COUNTY OF _________               )


        I, the  undersigned,  a Notary  Public,  in and for said County,  in the
State  aforesaid,  DO HEREBY CERTIFY,  that , of Equity Inns,  Inc.,  personally
known to me to be the same  person  whose name is  subscribed  to the  foregoing
instrument,  appeared  before me this day in  person  and  acknowledged  that he
signed and delivered  the said  instrument as his own free and voluntary act and
as the free and  voluntary  act of said  corporation,  for the uses and purposes
therein set forth.

        GIVEN under my hand and Notarial Seal, this day of October, 1997.



                                  Notary Public


                                      -94-




<PAGE>



STATE OF ___________              )
                                  )  SS.
COUNTY OF _________               )


        I, the  undersigned,  a Notary  Public,  in and for said County,  in the
State  aforesaid,  DO HEREBY  CERTIFY,  that , of Equity Inns Trust,  personally
known to me to be the same  person  whose name is  subscribed  to the  foregoing
instrument,  appeared  before me this day in  person  and  acknowledged  that he
signed and delivered  the said  instrument as his own free and voluntary act and
as the free and voluntary act of said trust,  for the uses and purposes  therein
set forth.

        GIVEN under my hand and Notarial Seal, this day of October, 1997.



                                  Notary Public


                                      -95-




<PAGE>



STATE OF ___________              )
                                  )  SS.
COUNTY OF _________               )


        I, the  undersigned,  a Notary  Public,  in and for said County,  in the
State  aforesaid,  DO HEREBY  CERTIFY,  that , of Equity  Inns  Services,  Inc.,
personally  known to me to be the same person  whose name is  subscribed  to the
foregoing  instrument,  appeared  before me this day in person and  acknowledged
that he signed and delivered  the said  instrument as his own free and voluntary
act and as the free and voluntary  act of said trust,  for the uses and purposes
therein set forth.

        GIVEN under my hand and Notarial Seal, this day of October, 1997.



                                  Notary Public


                                      -96-




<PAGE>



                                    EXHIBIT E

                          OPINION OF TENNESSEE COUNSEL


                                      -97-




<PAGE>



                                    EXHIBIT F

                           OPINION OF ILLINOIS COUNSEL


                                      -98-




<PAGE>



                                    EXHIBIT G

                               WIRING INSTRUCTIONS

To:     The First National Bank of Chicago,
        as Administrative Agent (the "Agent")
        under the Credit Agreement Described Below

        Re:     Unsecured  Revolving  Credit  Agreement,  dated as of  September
                _____, 1997 (as amended, modified, renewed or extended from time
                to time, the "Agreement"),  among Equity Inns Partnership,  L.P.
                and Equity Inns/West Virginia Partnership,  L.P.  (collectively,
                the   "Borrower"),   The  First   National   Bank  of   Chicago,
                individually and as  Administrative  Agent,  Credit Lyonnais New
                York Branch,  individually  and as  Syndication  Agent,  and the
                Lenders  named  therein.  Terms used  herein  and not  otherwise
                defined shall have the meanings  assigned  thereto in the Credit
                Agreement.

        The Administrative Agent is specifically  authorized and directed to act
upon the following  standing  money  transfer  instructions  with respect to the
proceeds  of  Advances  or other  extensions  of credit  from time to time until
receipt by the  Administrative  Agent of a specific  written  revocation of such
instructions by the Borrower,  provided,  however, that the Administrative Agent
may otherwise transfer funds as hereafter directed in writing by the Borrower in
accordance with Section 15.1 of the Agreement or based on any telephonic  notice
made in accordance with the Agreement.

Facility Identification Number(s)

Customer/Account Name

Transfer Funds To





For Account No.

Reference/Attention To

Authorized Officer (Customer Representative)       Date


(Please Print)                                     Signature

Bank Officer Name                                  Date


(Please Print)                                     Signature

    (Deliver Completed Form to Credit Support Staff For Immediate Processing)

                                      -99-




<PAGE>



                                    EXHIBIT H

                         FORM OF COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE


Under Credit  Agreement dated as of October _______,  1997,  between Equity Inns
Partnership,  L.P. and Equity Inns / West Virginia Partnership, L.P. as Borrower
and The First  National  Bank of Chicago  ("First  Chicago")  as  Administrative
agent,  Credit  Lyonnais  New York Branch as  Syndication  Agent and the Lenders
defined there in (the "Credit Agreement").

The  undersigned,  as  _____________  of Equity  Inns  Partnership  L.P.  and as
___________ of Equity Inn / West Virginia  Partnership L.P., pursuant to Section
8.2  of  the  Credit   Agreement,   hereby,   certifies  to  First   Chicago  as
Administrative Agent as follows:

1.      A review of the  activities  of Borrower  during the most  recent  ended
        fiscal  quarter  (which  quarter ended _______) of the Borrower has been
        made under my supervision.

2.      As of the date hereof,  all of the  representations  and  warranties  of
        Borrower  contained  in the  Credit  Agreement  and  each  of  the  Loan
        Documents (as defined in the Credit  Agreement)  are true and correct in
        all  material  respects  (except  to the  extent  that  they  speak to a
        specific  date or are based on facts which have changed by  transactions
        expressly contemplated or permitted by the Credit Agreement).

3. No event has  occurred and is  continuing  which  constitutes  a Default or a
Potential Default

4.      The  following  Borrowing  Base  computation  for the most recent  ended
        fiscal quarter, together with the supporting schedule attached hereto is
        true and correct:

        A. Value of the Borrowing Base                          $
        B. 45% of the Borrowing Base                            $
        C. Consolidated Senior Unsecured Debt                   $
        D. FF&E Deficiency                                      $
        E. Consolidated Senior Unsecured Debt                   $
                                                          E must be less than or
                                                          equal to B

5.      The following  covenant  computations,  for the most recent ended fiscal
        quarter, together with the supporting schedule attached hereto, are true
        and correct:

9.3 Sales, Encumbrances and Transfers of Assets.

        A. Total value of Properties sold, encumbered
           or transferred other than to members of the
           Consolidated Group for the past four quarters        $

B.      10% of Total Value                                      $
                                                          A is to be less than
                                                          equal to B or 9.4
                                                          dividends

I.      A.  Total dividends for the past four quarters          $

        B.  90% of the Funds From Operations for the
            past four quarters                                  $
                                                          A must be less than or
                                                          equal to B

                                      -100-




<PAGE>



II.     A.  Total dividends for the past four quarters          $
        B.  Dividends paid on stock issued in the past quarter  $
        C.  A minus B                                           $
        E.  100% of Free Cash Flow                              $
                                                          C must be less than or
                                                          equal to B

9.7 FF&E Expenditures.

        A.      Total actual expenditures of the Consolidated
                Group for FF&E replacement and approved
                capital improvements for the Properties for
                the past four quarters.                         $

        B.      Amount of reserves  maintained  on the balance sheet on the last
                day of the period by the Consolidated Group for FF&E replacement
                and approved capital improvements $

        C.      Sum of A plus B                                 $

        D.      4% of gross room revenues for the past four
                quarters for the Properties                     $
                                                          C must be greater than
                                                          or equal to D

9.8(a)  Limitation on Secured Debt

        A.      Consolidated Secured Debt                       $

        B.      Principal balance of REMIC Loan                 $

        C.      A minus B                                       $

        D.      15% of Total Value                              $
                                                          C must be less than or
                                                          equal to D

9.8(b) Leverage Limitation

        A.      Consolidated Total Indebtedness                 $

        B.      45% of Total Value                              $

        C.      45% of Total Value                              $
                                                          A must be less than or
                                                          equal to B
                                                          A must be less than or
                                                          equal to C

9.8(c) Minimum Tangible Net Worth.

        A.      Tangible Net Worth of the Consolidated Group    $

                                      -101-



<PAGE>




        B.      85% of Tangible Net Worth at 6/30/97            $

        C.      50% of equity interest issued after 6/30/97     $

        D.      Sum of B and C                                  $
                                                          A must be greater than
                                                          or equal to D

9.8(d)  Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage

        A.      Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter                 $

        B.      Ground Lease Expense for the quarter            $

        C.      Sum of A plus B                                 $

        D.      Fixed Charges                                   $

        E.      C divided by D                                  $
                                                          E must be greater than
                                                          or equal to 2.00

9.8(e)  Minimum Interest Coverage

        A.      Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter                 $

        B.      Interest Expense for the quarter                $

        C.      A divided by B                                  $
                                                          C should be greater
                                                          than or equal to 2.50

8.3(i)  Limitations on hotels under construction

        A.      Aggregate book value of all hotels under
                constructions                                   $

        B.      10% of Total Value                              $
                                                          A must be less than or
                                                          equal to B

8.3(ii) Limitation on contracts to purchase hotels under constriction

        A.      Aggregate book value of all hotels under
                construction                                    $

        B.      Aggregate obligation to purchase hotels under
                construction                                    $

        C.      A plus B                                        $

        D.      25% of Total Value                              $
                                                          C must be less than or
                                                          equal to D


                                      -102-




<PAGE>



8.3(iii)

        A.      Total rooms in all Properties

        B.      Total rooms leased under Permitted
                Operating Leases

        C.      B divided by A
                                                          C should be greater
                                                          than or equal to 85%

        D.      Total rooms leased to Prime Hospitality
                Corporation or a subsidiary

        E.      D divided by A
                                                          E should be less than
                                                          or equal to 20%

6.      The following  computation of the limits in inbedded in the definitions,
        together  with the  supporting  schedule  attached  hereto  are true and
        correct.

        Limitations in Unencumbered Assets:

        A.      Value of Unencumbered Assets                    $

        B.      Value of Properties included in Unencumbered
                Assets subject to a Major Ground Lease          $

        C.B divided by A                                                    %

                                                          C must be less than or
                                                          equal to 15%

        Limitations in Borrowing Base

        A.      Value of Unencumbered Assets                    $

        B.      Value of largest single Property included in
                Value of Unencumbered Assets                    $

        C.      B divided by A                                              %

                                                          C must be less than or
                                                          equal to 10%

        D.      Largest Value of all Properties located in
                a single state included in the Value of
                Unencumbered Assets                             $

        E.      D divided by A                                              %

                                                          E must be less than or
                                                          equal to 30%

        F.      Total Value of Properties included in the
                Value of Unencumbered Assets which are
                premium limited service hotels                  $


                                      -103-




<PAGE>



        G.      Total Value of Properties  included in the Value of Unencumbered
                Assets which are premium extended stay hotels

        H.      Total Value of Properties included in
                the Value Unencumbered Assets which are
                all-suite hotels

        I.      Total Value of Properties included in
                the Value of Unencumbered Assets which
                are full service hotels

        J.      Sum of F, G, H, and I

        K.      J divided by A.                                             %
                                                                -------------
                                                           K must be greater
                                                           than or equal to 80%

        L.      Total Value of Properties included in the
                Value of Unencumbered Assets which are
                operated as Hampton Inns                        $

        M.      Total Value of Properties included in the
                Value of unencumbered Assets which are
                operated as Homewood Suite                      $

        N.      Total Value of Properties included in the
                Value of Unencumbered Assets which are
                operated as Residence Inn                        $

        O.      Total Value of Properties included in the
                Value of Unencumbered Assets which are
                operated as AmeriSuites                          $

        P.      Sum of L, M. N, and O                            $

        Q.      P divided by A                                              %
                                                                 ------------
                                                          Q must be greater than
                                                          or equal to 80%


Date:


                                            By:

                                            Name:

                                            Title:

                                      -104-




<PAGE>



                                   SCHEDULE I

                            CALCULATION OF COVENANTS


1.      Value of Unencumbered Assets

        A.      For Properties owned for the past four quarters (see schedule B)

                1.       Property Operating Income              $
                2.       Agreed FF&E Reserve                    $
                3.       1 minus 2                              $
                4.       3 divided by .115                      $

        B.      Total Book  Value of  Properties  owned less than four  quarters
                (see schedule B)

        C.      Sum of A (4) plus B is Value of Unencumbered
                Assets                                          $

        Note:  Schedule B shall contain a detailed  listing of all properties in
        the Unencumbered  Assets and will at a minimum detail the calculation of
        Property Operating Income, Agreed FF&E Reserve, book value or gross Room
        Revenues for the past four quarters,  where applicable,  and actual FF&E
        replacement and approved capital improvements.

2.      Total Value

        A.      Total cash and cash equivalents

        B.      For Properties owned for at least four full fiscal quarters (See
                Schedules B and C)

                1.       Aggregate Property Operating Income
                2.       Agreed FF&E Reserve
                3.       1 minus 2
                4.       3 divided by .115

        C.      Total Book  Value of  Properties  owned less than four  quarters
                (See Schedule B and C)

        D.      For Properties  owned for at lease four full fiscal  quarters by
                an Investment Affiliate Consolidated Group (See Schedule C)

                1.       Pro Rata Share of aggregate Property
                         Income                                 $
                2.       Applicable Agreed FF&E Reserve         $
                3.       1 minus 2                              $
                4.       3 divided by .115                      $

        E.      For  Properties   owned  for  less  than  four  quarters  by  an
                Investment  Affiliate,  the Consolidated Group Pro Rata Share of
                the aggregate book value $


                                      -105-




<PAGE>



        F.      Sum of A, B(4) C, D(4) and E                    $

         (Note:  Schedule C shall contain a detailed  listing of all  properties
         not in the  Unencumbered  Assets  and  will  at a  minimum  detail  the
         calculation of Property  Operating  Income,  Agreed FF&E Reserve,  book
         value  or  gross  Room  Revenues  for the  past  four  quarters,  where
         applicable,   and  actual  FF&E   replacement   and  approved   capital
         improvements.

3.       Total Cost

         A.       Book Value of all Properties owned by the
                  Consolidated Group                            $

         B.       Accumulated Depreciation on such Properties   $

         C.       Consolidated Group Pro Rata Share of the
                  book value of all properties owned by
                  Investment Affiliated                         $

         D.       Consolidated Group Pro Rata Share of the
                  depreciation associated with such Properties
                  owned by Investment Affiliated                $

         E.       Sum of A, B, C, and D                         $

4.       Consolidated Total Indebtedness

         A.       Indebtedness of the Consolidated Group

                  1.       indebtedness for borrowing money     $
                  2.       obligations under financing on
                           capital leases                       $
                  3.       Guarantee obligations                $
                  4.       Letters of credit                    $
                  5.       Other items which constitute
                           Indebtedness not included in
                           the above                            $

         B.       Consolidated  Group Pro Rata Share of all  Indebtedness of any
                  Investment Affiliated (to the extent not included in A)

                  1.       Indebtedness for borrowing money     $
                  2.       Obligations under financing and
                           Capital Leases                       $
                  3.       Guarantee Obligation                 $
                  4.       Letters of Credit                    $
                  5.       Other items which constitute
                           Indebtedness not included in
                           the above                            $

         C.       Sum of A and B                                $

5.       Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter

         A.       EBITDA of the Consolidated Group excluding
                  income from Investment affiliates             $


                                      -106-

1298561.4


<PAGE>



         B.       Consolidated Group Pro Rata Share of
                  EBITDA of Investment Affiliates               $

         C.       All extraordinary items included in A or B    $

         D.       All gains or losses from sale of  assets      $

         E.       Gross Hotel Room Revenue                      $

         F.       E multiplied by 4%                            $

         G.       Sum of A and B less C, D and F                $

6.       Interest Expense for the Quarter

         A.       Interest Expense of the Consolidate Group     $

         B.       Consolidated Group Pro Rata Share of any
                  accrued or paid interest of on Investment
                  Affiliate                                     $

         C.       Sum of A plus B                               $

7.       Fix Charges for the Quarter

         A.       Interest Expense                              $

         B.       Regularly scheduled principal payments of
                  Indebtedness of the Consolidated Group        $

         C.       Consolidated Group Pro Rata Share of any
                  regularly scheduled principal of an
                  Investment Affiliate                          $

         D.       Preferred Stock Expense                       $

         E.       Ground Lease Expense                          $

         F.       Sum of A, B, C, D, and E                      $

8.       Free Cash Flow for the past four Quarters

         A.       Funds From Operations for the past four
                  quarters                                      $

         B.       Aggregate Room Revenue for the past four
                  quarters on all properties                    $

         C.       B multiplied by 4%.                           $

         D.       Scheduled principal payments on all
                  Indebtedness of the Consolidated Group
                  for the past four quarters                    $

         E.       A minus C minus D                             $

                                      -107-







<PAGE>



                                    EXHIBIT I

                 SCOPE OF WORK FOR ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTIGATIONS


                                      -108-




<PAGE>



                                    EXHIBIT J

                          FORM OF ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT


     This   Assignment   Agreement   (this   "Assignment   Agreement")   between
_____________________________  (the "Assignor") and (the "Assignee") is dated as
of ______________________, 19__. The parties hereto agree as follows:

         1.  PRELIMINARY  STATEMENT.  The  Assignor  is a party to an  Unsecured
Revolving Credit Agreement  (which, as it may be amended,  modified,  renewed or
extended from time to time is herein called the "Credit Agreement") described in
Item 1 of Schedule 1 attached  hereto  ("Schedule  1").  Capitalized  terms used
herein and not otherwise  defined  herein shall have the meanings  attributed to
them in the Credit Agreement.

         2. ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION.  The Assignor hereby sells and assigns to
the Assignee,  and the Assignee hereby  purchases and assumes from the Assignor,
an interest in and to the  Assignor's  rights and  obligations  under the Credit
Agreement  such that after giving effect to such  assignment  the Assignee shall
have purchased  pursuant to this  Assignment  Agreement the percentage  interest
specified  in Item 3 of  Schedule 1 of all  outstanding  rights and  obligations
under  the  Credit  Agreement  and  the  other  Loan  Documents.  The  aggregate
Commitment  (or  Loans,  if  the  applicable  Commitment  has  been  terminated)
purchased by the Assignee hereunder is set forth in Item 4 of Schedule 1.

         3. EFFECTIVE DATE. The effective date of this Assignment Agreement (the
"Effective Date") shall be the later of the date specified in Item 5 of Schedule
1  or  two  (2)  Business  Days  (or  such  shorter  period  agreed  to  by  the
Administrative Agent) after a Notice of Assignment  substantially in the form of
Exhibit "I" attached  hereto has been  delivered to the Agent.  In no event will
the Effective Date occur if the payments  required to be made by the Assignee to
the Assignor on the Effective Date under Sections 4 and 5 hereof are not made on
the proposed  Effective Date,  unless otherwise agreed to in writing by Assignor
and Assignee.  The Assignor  will notify the Assignee of the proposed  Effective
Date no later than the Business Day prior to the proposed  Effective Date. As of
the Effective  Date, (i) the Assignee shall have the rights and obligations of a
Lender  under the Loan  Documents  with  respect to the  rights and  obligations
assigned to the Assignee  hereunder and (ii) the Assignor  shall  relinquish its
rights  and be  released  from  its  corresponding  obligations  under  the Loan
Documents  with respect to the rights and  obligations  assigned to the Assignee
hereunder.

         4. PAYMENTS OBLIGATIONS.  On and after the Effective Date, the Assignee
shall be  entitled  to receive  from the  Administrative  Agent all  payments of
principal,  interest and fees with respect to the interest assigned hereby.  The
Assignee shall advance funds directly to the  Administrative  Agent with respect
to all Loans and reimbursement payments made on or after the Effective Date with
respect to the interest  assigned  hereby.  [In  consideration  for the sale and
assignment of Loans hereunder,  (i) the Assignee shall pay the Assignor,  on the
Effective  Date, an amount equal to the  principal  amount of the portion of all
Adjusted  Alternate Base Rate Loans assigned to the Assignee  hereunder and (ii)
with respect to each ratable  LIBOR Advance made by the Assignor and assigned to
the Assignee  hereunder  which is outstanding on the Effective  Date, (a) on the
last day of the Interest  Period  therefor or (b) on such earlier date agreed to
by the  Assignor  and the  Assignee  or (c) on the date on which  any such  Loan
either  becomes due (by  acceleration  or  otherwise) or is prepaid (the date as
described in the foregoing clauses (a), (b) or (c) being hereinafter referred to
as the "Fixed Due Date"), the Assignee shall pay the Assignor an amount equal to
the principal  amount of the portion of such Loan assigned to the Assignee which
is  outstanding  on the Fixed Due Date.  If the Assignor and the Assignee  agree
that the  applicable  Fixed Due Date for such Loan shall be the Effective  Date,
they shall agree,  solely for purposes of dividing interest paid by the Borrower
on such Loan, to an alternate  interest  rate  applicable to the portion of such
Loan assigned hereunder for the period from the Effective Date to the end of the
related Interest Period (the "Agreed  Interest Rate") and any interest  received
by the Assignee in excess of the Agreed Interest Rate, with respect to such Loan
for such period, shall be remitted to the Assignor. In the event a prepayment of
any Loan which is existing on the Effective Date and assigned by the Assignor to
the Assignee hereunder

                                      -109-




<PAGE>


occurs after the Effective  Date but before the  applicable  Fixed Due Date, the
Assignee  shall remit to the Assignor any excess of the funding  indemnification
amount paid by the Borrower under Section 4.4 of the Credit Agreement an account
of such  prepayment  with  respect to the  portion of such Loan  assigned to the
Assignee hereunder over the amount which would have been paid if such prepayment
amount were  calculated  based on the Agreed  Interest Rate and only covered the
portion of the  Interest  Period after the  Effective  Date.  The Assignee  will
promptly  remit  to the  Assignor  (i) the  portion  of any  principal  payments
assigned  hereunder and received from the  Administrative  Agent with respect to
any such Loan prior to its Fixed Due Date and (ii) any  amounts of  interest  on
Loans  and fees  received  from the  Administrative  Agent  which  relate to the
portion of the Loans assigned to the Assignee hereunder for periods prior to the
Effective  Date, in the case of ratable  Adjusted  Alternate  Base Rate Loans or
Fees, or the Fixed Due Date, in the case of LIBOR Loans, and not previously paid
by the  Assignee  to the  Assignor.]*  In the event  that  either  party  hereto
receives  any  payment to which the other party  hereto is  entitled  under this
Assignment Agreement,  then the party receiving such amount shall promptly remit
it to the other party hereto.

         5. FEES PAYABLE BY THE ASSIGNEE. The Assignee shall pay to the Assignor
a fee on each day on which a payment of interest or Commitment  Fees or Facility
Letter of Credit  Fees is made under the Credit  Agreement  with  respect to the
amounts assigned to the Assignee  hereunder (other than a payment of interest or
Commitment  Fees or Facility  Letter of Credit Fees  attributable  to the period
prior to the  Effective  Date or, in the case of LIBOR Loans,  the Payment Date,
which the Assignee is obligated to deliver to the Assignor pursuant to Section 4
hereof). The amount of such fee shall be the difference between (i) the interest
or fee, as applicable, paid with respect to the amounts assigned to the Assignee
hereunder  and (ii) the  interest or fee, as  applicable,  which would have been
paid with  respect to the amounts  assigned to the  Assignee  hereunder  if each
interest rate was calculated at the rate of % rather than the actual  percentage
used to calculate  the interest  rate paid by the Borrower or if the  Commitment
Fee or Facility Letter of Credit Fee was calculated at the rate of % rather than
the actual percentage used to calculate the Commitment Fee or Facility Letter of
Credit Fee paid by the Borrower, as applicable. In addition, the Assignee agrees
to pay ___% of the fee required to be paid to the Agent in connection  with this
Assignment  Agreement.  [This sentence can be revised appropriately based on how
the fee is being paid.]

*Each  Assignor may insert its standard  provisions in lieu of the payment terms
included in Sections 4 and 5 of this Exhibit.

         6.  REPRESENTATIONS  OF THE  ASSIGNOR;  LIMITATIONS  ON THE  ASSIGNOR'S
LIABILITY.  The  Assignor  represents  and  warrants  that it is the  legal  and
beneficial  owner of the interest  being  assigned by it hereunder and that such
interest is free and clear of any adverse claim  created by the Assignor.  It is
understood  and agreed that the  assignment  and  assumption  hereunder are made
without  recourse  to  the  Assignor  and  that  the  Assignor  makes  no  other
representation or warranty of any kind to the Assignee. Neither the Assignor nor
any  of  its  officers,  directors,employees,   agents  or  attorneys  shall  be
responsible for (i) the due execution, legality, validity, enforceability,

                                      -110-




<PAGE>


genuineness,  sufficiency  or  collectability  of any Loan  Document,  including
without  limitation,  documents  granting the  Assignor and the other  Lenders a
security  interest  in  assets  of the  Borrower  or  any  guarantor,  (ii)  any
representation,  warranty or statement made in or in connection  with any of the
Loan  Documents,  (iii)  the  financial  condition  or  creditworthiness  of the
Borrower or any guarantor, (iv) the performance of or compliance with any of the
terms or  provisions of any of the Loan  Documents,  (v)  inspecting  any of the
Property,  books or records of the  Borrower,  its  Subsidiaries  or  Investment
Affiliates, (vi) the validity, enforceability,  perfection, priority, condition,
value or  sufficiency  of any  collateral  securing or  purporting to secure the
Loans or (vii) any mistake,  error of judgment, or action taken or omitted to be
taken in connection with the Loans or the Loan Documents.

         7.  REPRESENTATIONS OF THE ASSIGNEE.  The Assignee (i) confirms that it
has  received  a copy of the  Credit  Agreement  and the other  Loan  Documents,
together with copies of the financial  statements  requested by the Assignee and
such other  documents and  information as it has deemed  appropriate to make its
own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment  Agreement,  (ii)
agrees that it will,  independently and without reliance upon the Administrative
Agent, the Syndication Agent, the Assignor or any other Lender and based on such
documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time,  continue to
make its own  credit  decisions  in taking or not taking  action  under the Loan
Documents,  (iii) appoints and authorizes the Administrative  Agent to take such
action  as agent on its  behalf  and to  exercise  such  powers  under  the Loan
Documents as are  delegated to the  Administrative  Agent by the terms  thereof,
together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto, (iv) agrees that
it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the  obligations  which by
the terms of the Loan  Documents are required to be performed by it as a Lender,
(v) agrees  that its payment  instructions  and notice  instructions  are as set
forth in the  attachment  to Schedule 1, (vi)  confirms  that none of the funds,
monies,  assets  or other  consideration  being  used to make the  purchase  and
assumption  hereunder  are "plan  assets"  as defined  under  ERISA and that its
rights, benefits and interests in and under the Loan Documents will not be "plan
assets" under ERISA,  [and (vii)  attaches the forms  prescribed by the Internal
Revenue Service of the United States certifying that the Assignee is entitled to
receive  payments under the Loan Documents  without  deduction or withholding of
any United States federal income taxes].**

**to be  inserted  in the  Assignee  is not  incorporated  under the laws of the
United States, or a state thereof.

         8.  INDEMNITY.  The Assignee  agrees to indemnify and hold the Assignor
harmless  against any and all losses,  costs and  expenses  (including,  without
limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees) and liabilities incurred by the Assignor
in connection with or arising in any manner from the Assignee's  non-performance
of the obligations assumed under this Assignment Agreement.

         9. SUBSEQUENT ASSIGNMENTS. After the Effective Date, the Assignee shall
have the right pursuant to Section 13.3.1 of the Credit  Agreement to assign the
rights  which are  assigned to the  Assignee  hereunder to any entity or person,
provided  that (i) any such  subsequent  assignment  does not violate any of the
terms and conditions of the Loan Documents or any law, rule, regulation,  order,
writ,  judgment,  injunction or decree and that any consent  required  under the
terms of the Loan  Documents has been obtained and (ii) unless the prior written
consent of the Assignor is obtained,  the Assignee is not thereby  released from
its obligations to the Assignor hereunder, if any remain unsatisfied, including,
without limitation, its obligations under Sections 4, 5 and 8 hereof.

         10.  REDUCTIONS  OF  AGGREGATE  COMMITMENT.  If  any  reduction  in the
Aggregate  Commitment  occurs between the date of this Assignment  Agreement and
the Effective  Date, the percentage  interest  specified in Item 3 of Schedule 1
shall remain the same,  but the dollar amount  purchased  shall be  recalculated
based on the reduced Aggregate Commitment.



                                      -111-

<PAGE>



         11. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Assignment Agreement and the attached Notice
of Assignment embody the entire agreement and understanding  between the parties
hereto and supersede all prior agreements and understandings between the parties
hereto relating to the subject matter hereof.

         12.  GOVERNING LAW. This Assignment  Agreement shall be governed by the
internal law, and not the law of conflicts, of the State of Illinois.

         13. NOTICES.  Notices shall be given under this Assignment Agreement in
the  manner set forth in the  Credit  Agreement.  For the  purpose  hereof,  the
addresses of the parties  hereto until notice of a change is delivered  shall be
the address set forth in the attachment to Schedule 1.


         IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the parties hereto have executed this  Assignment
Agreement by their duly authorized officers as of the date first above written.

                                NAME OF ASSIGNOR

                                By:_______________________________________
                                Title:____________________________________
                                       


                                NAME OF ASSIGNEE

                                By:_______________________________________
                                Title:____________________________________
                                      


                                      -112-

<PAGE>



                                  SCHEDULE 1 TO
                              ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT


1.       Description and Date of Credit Agreement:

2.       Date of Assignment Agreement:  _______________, 19__

3. Amounts (As of Date of Item 2 above):

         a.       Aggregate Commitment (Loans)*
                  under Credit Agreement                        $

         b.       Assignee's Percentage of the
                  Aggregate Commitment purchased
                  under this Assignment Agreement**                         %

4.       Amount of Assignee's Commitment (Loan Amount)*
         Purchased under the Assignment Agreement               $

5.       Amount of Assignor's Commitment (Loan Amount)
         After Purchase under the Assignment Agreement          $

6.       Proposed Effective Date:


Accepted and Agreed:

NAME OF ASSIGNOR                                 NAME OF ASSIGNEE


By:_____________________________                 By:___________________________
Title:__________________________                 Title:________________________



 *     If a Commitment has been terminated, insert outstanding Loans in place of
       Commitment
**     Percentage taken to 10 decimal places


                                      -113-

<PAGE>



                           ATTACHMENT TO SCHEDULE 1 TO
                              ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT


               Attach Assignor's Administrative Information Sheet,
          which must include notice address and account information for
                          the Assignor and the Assignee



                                      -114-

<PAGE>



                                 EXHIBIT "I" TO
                              ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT

                              NOTICE OF ASSIGNMENT


                                                  ______________________, 19____



To:      [NAME OF ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT]
         ------------------------------
         ------------------------------

From     [NAME OF ASSIGNOR] (the "Assignor")

         [NAME OF ASSIGNEE] (the "Assignee")


         1. We refer to that Unsecured  Revolving  Credit Agreement (the "Credit
Agreement")  described in Item 1 of Schedule 1 attached  hereto  ("Schedule 1").
Capitalized  terms used herein and not otherwise  defined  herein shall have the
meanings attributed to them in the Credit Agreement.

         2. This Notice of Assignment  (this "Notice") is given and delivered to
the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 13.3.1 of the Credit Agreement.

         3. The  Assignor  and the  Assignee  have  entered  into an  Assignment
Agreement, dated as of __________________,  19____ (the "Assignment"),  pursuant
to which,  among other things,  the Assignor has sold,  assigned,  delegated and
transferred  to the  Assignee,  and the  Assignee  has  purchased,  accepted and
assumed  from  the  Assignor  the  percentage  interest  specified  in Item 3 of
Schedule  1 of  all  outstandings,  rights  and  obligations  under  the  Credit
Agreement.  From and after such purchase, the Assignee's Commitment shall be the
amount specified in Item 4 of Schedule 1 and the Assignor's  Commitment shall be
the  amount  specified  in  Item 5 of  Schedule  1.  The  Effective  Date of the
Assignment  shall be the later of the date  specified in Item 5 of Schedule 1 or
two (2) Business Days (or such shorter period as agreed to by the Administrative
Agent) after this Notice of Assignment and any fee required by Section 13.3.1 of
the Credit Agreement have been delivered to the Administrative  Agent,  provided
that the Effective Date shall not occur if any condition  precedent agreed to by
the Assignor and the Assignee or set forth in Section 13 of the Credit Agreement
has not been satisfied.

         4. The  Assignor  and the  Assignee  hereby give to the  Administrative
Agent notice of the assignment and delegation  referred to herein.  The Assignor
will confer with the Administrative Agent before the date specified in Item 6 of
Schedule 1 to determine if the  Assignment  Agreement  will become  effective on
such date pursuant to Section 3 hereof,  and will confer with the Administrative
Agent to determine the Effective  Date pursuant to Section 3 hereof if it occurs
thereafter. The Assignor shall notify the Administrative Agent if the Assignment
Agreement does not become  effective on any proposed  Effective Date as a result
of the failure to satisfy the conditions precedent agreed to by the Assignor and
the Assignee. At the request of the Administrative Agent, the Assignor will give
the  Administrative  Agent  written  confirmation  of  the  satisfaction  of the
conditions precedent.



                                      -115-

<PAGE>



         5. The Assignor or the Assignee shall pay to the  Administrative  Agent
on or before the Effective Date the processing fee of $3,000 required by Section
13.3.1 of the Credit Agreement.

         6. If Notes are outstanding on the Effective Date, the Assignor and the
Assignee request and direct that the Administrative  Agent prepare and cause the
Borrower  to execute  and  deliver  new Notes or, as  appropriate,  replacements
notes,  to the Assignor and the Assignee.  The Assignor and, if applicable,  the
Assignee  each agree to deliver to the  Administrative  Agent the original  Note
received  by it  from  the  Borrower  upon  its  receipt  of a new  Note  in the
appropriate amount.

         7. The  Assignee  advises  the  Administrative  Agent  that  notice and
payment instructions are set forth in the attachment to Schedule 1.

         8. The Assignee hereby  represents and warrants that none of the funds,
monies,  assets or other considerations being used to make the purchase pursuant
to the  Assignment are "plan assets" as defined under ERISA and that its rights,
benefits,  and  interests  in and  under  the Loan  Documents  will not be "plan
assets" under ERISA.

         9. The Assignee authorizes the Administrative Agent to act as its agent
under the Loan  Documents in  accordance  with the terms  thereof.  The Assignee
acknowledges  that the  Administrative  Agent has no duty to supply  information
with  respect to the Borrower or the Loan  Documents  to the Assignee  until the
Assignee becomes a party to the Credit Agreement.*

*  May be eliminated if Assignee is a party to the Credit Agreement prior to the
   Effective Date.

NAME OF ASSIGNOR                             NAME OF ASSIGNEE

By:____________________________              By:_____________________________
Title:_________________________              Title:__________________________


ACKNOWLEDGED AND CONSENTED TO
BY THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO,
as Administrative Agent


By:__________________________
Title:_________________________


                 [Attach photocopy of Schedule 1 to Assignment]


                                                        -116-

<PAGE>



                                  SCHEDULE 6.9

                             LITIGATION (BORROWERS)


1.       Equity  Inns  Partnership,  L.P.  ("Equity")  has  received a notice of
         zoning  violation  with respect to its  Scottsdale  (Phoenix),  Arizona
         property  claiming  insufficient  parking.   Equity  is  negotiating  a
         settlement  agreement  with the  municipality,  Equity's  seller and an
         adjacent owner whereby Equity would agree to pay the municipality a fee
         in lieu of  providing  parking  in an  amount of  $147,679.80,  payable
         without interest in 60 equal monthly installments of $2,461.33.

2.       Equity has  received  a notice of  delinquent  business  taxes due from
         Equity's  seller to the State of Nebraska for its Omaha,  Nebraska site
         for which  Equity may be  personally  liable under the state laws since
         Equity is deemed to have  purchased  the  seller's  business.  Equity's
         contingent  liability,  if  Equity's  seller  fails to pay,  should not
         exceed approximately $50,000.



                                      -117-

<PAGE>



                                  SCHEDULE 6.19

                            ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE




                                      -118-

<PAGE>



                                  SCHEDULE 6.24

                                   TRADE NAMES


                                      None.



                                      -119-

<PAGE>



                                  SCHEDULE 6.25

                            SUBSIDIARIES (BORROWERS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

        Name                    Entity Type                Percentage Ownership
- --------------------    -----------------------------      --------------------
<S>                     <C>                                <C>

EQI Financing           Tennessee limited partnership      99% limited partner
Partnership I., L.P.                                       interest by
                                                           Operating Partnership

Equity Inns/West        Tennessee limited partnership      99% limited partner
Virginia Partnership,                                      interest by
L.P.                                                       Operating Partnership
</TABLE>



                                      -120-

<PAGE>



                                  SCHEDULE 6.26

                               UNENCUMBERED ASSETS


                                   Albany, NY
                                 Little Rock, AR
                                 Enterprise, AL
                                Traverse City, MI
                                  Arlington, TX
                                    Eagan, MN
                                Tinton Falls, NJ
                                   Beckley, WV
                                  Bluefield, WV
                                 Morgantown, WV
                                  Oak Hill, WV
                                   Shelby, NC
                                 Wilkesboro, NC
                                State College, PA
                                   Rutland, VT
                                  Cleveland, TN
                                  Scranton, PA
                                 Glen Burnie, MD
                             Detroit-Northville, MI
                                  Hartford, CT
                                 Scottsdale, AZ
                                 Chattanooga, TN
                           San Antonio (Homewood), TX
                                 Burlington, VT
                             Phoenix (Camelback), AZ
                              Colorado Springs, CO
                                Oklahoma City, OK
                                   Tucson, AZ
                                  Savannah, GA
                                   Norfolk, VA
                                  Pickwick, TN
                                  Southaven, TN
                                Overland Park, KS
                                   Addison, TX
                                 Albuquerque, NM
                                  Amarillo, TX
                              Atlanta-Northlake, GA
                               Atlanta-Roswell, GA
                               Mountain Brook, AL
                                  Vestavia, AL
                                 Chapel Hill, NC
                             Charleston-Airport, SC
                           Colorado Springs-I25 N, CO
                                  Columbia, SC

                                      -121-

<PAGE>



                                Denver-Aurora, CO
                           Detroit-Madison Heights, MI
                                   Dublin, OH
                                Eden Prairie, MN
                                 Greensboro, NC
                                 Greenville, SC
                                 Kansas City, MO
                                 Little Rock, AR
                               Memphis-Poplar, TN
                            Memphis-Sycamore View, TN
                             Nashville-Brentwood, TN
                          Nashville-Briley Parkway, TN
                                 Richardson, TX
                            San Antonio-Northwest, TX
                                 Spartanburg, SC
                             St. Louis-Westport, MO
                                  Syracuse, NY
                                   Destin, FL
                                 Germantown, TN
                                   Augusta, GA
                                  Princeton, NJ


                                      -122-

<PAGE>




                                  SCHEDULE 7.8

                             LITIGATION (GUARANTORS)



                                      -123-

<PAGE>



                                  SCHEDULE 7.16

                            SUBSIDIARIES (GUARANTORS)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

       Name                      Entity Type               Percentage Ownership
- --------------------    -----------------------------      --------------------
<S>                     <C>                                <C>

Equity Inns Trust       Maryland real estate               100% by Equity Inns,
                        investment trust                   Inc.

Equity Inns             Tennessee limited partnership      approximately 96.2%
Partnership, L.P.                                          by Equity Inns Trust

EQI Financing           Tennessee limited partnership      1% by EQI Financing
Partnership I, L.P.                                        Corporation; 99% by
                                                           Operating Partnership

EQI Financing           Tennessee corporation              100% by Equity Inns
Corporation                                                Trust

Equity Inns/West        Tennessee limited partnership      1% by Equity Inns
Virginia Partnership,                                      Services, Inc.; 99%
L.P.                                                       by Operating
                                                           Partnership

Equity Inns             Tennessee corporation              100% by Equity Inns,
Services, Inc.                                             Inc.
</TABLE>


                                      -124-

<PAGE>



                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                            Page
<TABLE>
<S>  <C>        <C>                                                          <C>

ARTICLE I   DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS...................................2

     1.1        Definitions....................................................2
     1.2        Financial Standards...........................................17

ARTICLE II   THE FACILITY.....................................................18

     2.1        The Facility..................................................18
     2.2        Principal Payments and Extension Option.......................19
     2.3        Requests for Advances; Responsibility for Advances............19
     2.4        Evidence of Credit Extensions.................................20
     2.5        Ratable and Non-Pro Rate Loans................................20
     2.6        Applicable Margins and Fees...................................20
     2.7        Commitment Fee................................................21
     2.8        Other Fees....................................................21
     2.9        Minimum Amount of Each Advance................................22
     2.10       Interest......................................................22
     2.11       Selection of Rate Options and LIBOR Interest Periods..........22
     2.12       Method of Payment.............................................25
     2.13       Default.......................................................25
     2.14       Lending Installations.........................................25
     2.15       Non-Receipt of Funds by Administrative Agent..................25
     2.16       Swingline Loans...............................................26
     2.17       Voluntary Reduction of Aggregate Commitment Amount............27
     2.18       Application of Moneys Received................................27

ARTICLE III   THE LETTER OF CREDIT SUBFACILITY................................28

     3.1        Obligation to Issue...........................................28
     3.2        Types and Amounts.............................................28
     3.3        Conditions....................................................29
     3.4        Procedure for Issuance of Facility Letters of Credit..........29
     3.5        Reimbursement Obligations; Duties of Issuing Bank.............30
     3.6        Participation.................................................31
     3.7        Payment of Reimbursement Obligations..........................32
     3.8        Compensation for Facility Letters of Credit...................33
     3.9        Letter of Credit Collateral Account...........................34

ARTICLE IV   CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES..........................................34

     4.1        Yield Protection..............................................34
     4.2        Changes in Capital Adequacy Regulations.......................35
     4.3        Availability of LIBOR Advances................................36
     4.4        Funding Indemnification.......................................36
     4.5        Lender Statements; Survival of Indemnity......................36
</TABLE>

                                       -i-

<PAGE>



                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                   (continued)

                                                                            Page
<TABLE>
<S>  <C>        <C>                                                          <C>

ARTICLE V   CONDITIONS PRECEDENT..............................................37
     5.1        Conditions Precedent to Closing...............................37
     5.2        Conditions Precedent to Subsequent Advances and Issuance......40

ARTICLE VI   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES...................................40

     6.1        Existence.....................................................40
     6.2        Corporate/Partnership Powers..................................41
     6.3        Power of Officers.............................................41
     6.4        Government and Other Approvals................................41
     6.5        Solvency......................................................41
     6.6        Compliance with Laws..........................................42
     6.7        Enforceability of Agreement...................................42
     6.8        Title to Property.............................................42
     6.9        Litigation....................................................42
     6.10       Events of Default.............................................43
     6.11       Investment Company Act of 1940................................43
     6.12       Public Utility Holding Company Act............................43
     6.13       Regulation U..................................................43
     6.14       No Material Adverse Financial Change..........................43
     6.15       Financial Information.........................................43
     6.16       (Intentionally Omitted).......................................43
     6.17       ERISA.........................................................43
     6.18       Taxes.........................................................43
     6.19       Environmental Matters.........................................44
     6.20       Insurance.....................................................45
     6.21       No Brokers....................................................45
     6.22       No Violation of Usury Laws....................................45
     6.23       Not a Foreign Person..........................................45
     6.24       No Trade Name.................................................45
     6.25       Subsidiaries..................................................45
     6.26       Unencumbered Assets...........................................46

ARTICLE VII   ADDITIONAL REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.......................48

     7.1        Existence.....................................................48
     7.2        Corporate or Trust Powers.....................................48
     7.3        Power of Officers.............................................48
     7.4        Government and Other Approvals................................48
     7.5        Compliance with Laws..........................................48
     7.6        Enforceability of Guaranty....................................48
     7.7        Liens; Consents...............................................48
     7.8        Litigation....................................................49
     7.9        Investment Company Act of 1940................................49
     7.10       Public Utility Holding Company Act............................49
</TABLE>

                                      -ii-

<PAGE>



                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                   (Continued)

                                                                            Page
<TABLE>
<S>  <C>        <C>                                                          <C>

     7.11       No Material Adverse Financial Change..........................49
     7.12       Financial Information.........................................49
     7.13       (Intentionally Omitted).......................................49
     7.14       ERISA.........................................................49
     7.15       Taxes.........................................................50
     7.16       Subsidiaries..................................................50
     7.17       Status........................................................50

ARTICLE VIII   AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS..........................................50

     8.1        Notices.......................................................50
     8.2        Financial Statements, Reports, Etc............................51
     8.3        Existence and Conduct of Operations...........................53
     8.4        Maintenance of Properties.....................................54
     8.5        Insurance.....................................................54
     8.6        Payment of Obligations........................................54
     8.7        Compliance with Laws..........................................55
     8.8        Adequate Books................................................55
     8.9        ERISA.........................................................55
     8.10       Maintenance of Status.........................................55
     8.11       Use of Proceeds...............................................55
     8.12       Pre-Acquisition Environmental Investigations..................55

ARTICLE IX   NEGATIVE COVENANTS...............................................55

     9.1        Change of Borrower Ownership..................................56
     9.2        Use of Proceeds...............................................56
     9.3        Sales, Encumbrances and Transfers of Assets...................56
     9.4        Dividends.....................................................56
     9.5        Floating Rate Debt............................................56
     9.6        Liens.........................................................57
     9.7        FF&E Expenditures.............................................58
     9.8        Indebtedness, Coverage and Net Worth Covenants................58
     9.9        Mergers.......................................................58
     9.10       Borrowing Base................................................58

ARTICLE X   DEFAULTS..........................................................59

     10.1       Nonpayment of Principal.......................................59
     10.2       Certain Covenants.............................................59
     10.3       Nonpayment of Interest and Other Obligations..................59
     10.4       Cross Default.................................................59
     10.5       Loan Documents................................................59
     10.6       Representation or Warranty....................................59
     10.7       Covenants, Agreements and Other Conditions....................59
     10.8       No Longer General Partner.....................................60
</TABLE>

                                      -iii-

<PAGE>



                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                   (continued)

                                                                            Page
<TABLE>
<S>  <C>        <C>                                                          <C>

     10.9       Material Adverse Financial Change.............................60
     10.10      Bankruptcy....................................................60
     10.11      Legal Proceedings.............................................61
     10.12      ERISA.........................................................61
     10.13      Failure to Satisfy Judgments..................................61
     10.14      Environmental Remediation.....................................61
     10.15      REIT Status...................................................61

ARTICLE XI   ACCELERATION, WAIVERS AMENDMENTS AND REMEDIES....................61

     11.1       Acceleration..................................................61
     11.2       Preservation of Rights; Amendments............................62

ARTICLE XII   THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT........................................62

     12.1       Appointment...................................................62
     12.2       Powers........................................................63
     12.3       General Immunity..............................................63
     12.4       No Responsibility for Loans, Recitals, Etc....................63
     12.5       Action on Instructions of Lenders.............................63
     12.6       Employment of Administrative Agents and Counsel...............63
     12.7       Reliance on Documents; Counsel................................64
     12.8       Administrative Agent's Reimbursement and Indemnification......64
     12.9       Rights as a Lender............................................64
     12.10      Lender Credit Decision........................................64
     12.11      Successor Administrative Agent................................65
     12.12      Notice of Defaults............................................65
     12.13      Requests for Approval.........................................65
     12.14      Copies of Documents...........................................66
     12.15      Defaulting Lenders............................................66

ARTICLE XIII   BENEFIT OF AGREEMENT; ASSIGNMENTS; PARTICIPATIONS..............67

     13.1       Successors and Assigns........................................67
     13.2       Participations................................................67
                13.2.1  Permitted Participants; Effect........................67
                13.2.2  Voting Rights.........................................67
     13.3       Assignments...................................................68
                13.3.1  Permitted Assignments.................................68
                13.3.2  Effect; Effective Date of Assignment..................68
     13.4       Dissemination of Information..................................69
     13.5       Tax Treatment.................................................69
</TABLE>


                                      -iv-

<PAGE>



                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                   (continued)

                                                                            Page
<TABLE>
<S>  <C>        <C>                                                          <C>

ARTICLE XIV   GENERAL PROVISIONS..............................................69

     14.1       Survival of Representations...................................69
     14.2       Governmental Regulation.......................................69
     14.3       Taxes.........................................................69
     14.4       Headings......................................................70
     14.5       No Third Party Beneficiaries..................................70
     14.6       Expenses; Indemnification.....................................70
     14.7       Severability of Provisions....................................70
     14.8       Nonliability of the Lenders...................................70
     14.9       Choice of Law.................................................71
     14.10      Consent to Jurisdiction.......................................71
     14.11      Waiver of Jury Trial..........................................71
     14.12      Successors and Assigns........................................71
     14.13      Entire Agreement; Modification of Agreement...................72
     14.14      Dealings with the Borrower....................................72
     14.15      Set-Off.......................................................73
     14.16      Counterparts..................................................73
     14.17      Limitation on Liability of EIP/WV.............................73

ARTICLE XV   NOTICES..........................................................74

     15.1       Giving Notice.................................................74
     15.2       Change of Address.............................................75
</TABLE>

EXHIBITS

A               Percentages
B               Form of Note
C               Financeable Ground Leases -- Currently Approved
D               Form of Guaranty
E               Opinion of Tennessee Counsel
F               Opinion of Illinois Counsel
G               Wiring Instructions
H               Form of Compliance Certificate
I               Scope of Work for Environmental Investigations
J               Form of Assignment Agreement

SCHEDULES

6.9             Litigation (Borrowers)
6.19            Environmental Compliance
6.24            Trade Names
6.25            Subsidiaries (Borrowers)
6.26            Unencumbered Assets
7.8             Litigation
7.16            Subsidiaries (Guarantors)



                                       -v-




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