Subscribe
Want to receive news and updates? Get the latest news sent to your inbox
* Required Fields

Choice Hotels' News

Choice Hotels International Opens 113 Hotels in Q2 2013
PR Newswire
ROCKVILLE, Md.

ROCKVILLE, Md., July 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest hotel companies, announced robust system growth with the addition of 113 domestic and international newly opened franchised properties during the second quarter of 2013. Additionally, the company has executed a total of 187 new domestic franchise agreements during the first six months of 2013, a 10-percent increase over the same period last year.

The second quarter of 2013 saw the opening of hotels under the new generation Comfort Inn and Comfort Suites new construction prototypes. These design concepts for the company's largest and iconic brand were created in collaboration with Gensler, a leading design and strategy firm with world-renowned brand and hospitality practices. The overall aesthetic of the prototypes is contemporary while still maintaining the Comfort brand's warm and inviting signature look and feel.

In May 2013, the upscale Ascend Collection reached a milestone 100 properties. In total, the second quarter of 2013 welcomed the opening of 29 new Ascend Collection member hotels, including the newly constructed Hotel Florence in South Carolina, the first Ascend member hotel in Australia and the addition of 20 Bluegreen Vacations properties located in highly desirable destinations including Orlando, Florida; Savannah, Georgia; Cape Cod, Massachusetts; and New Orleans, Louisiana. Ascend Collection is made up of unique independent hotels and resort properties.

Choice Hotels International's emerging, all new-construction upscale brand, Cambria Suites, continues to make great strides. During May 2013, Choice Hotels reached an agreement in principle to create a joint venture with private investment firm Fillmore Capital Partners, LLC and its affiliates to develop multiple Cambria Suites hotels. This marks the brand's first institutional investor, underscoring the confidence developers have already expressed for the emerging brand's potential. During the second quarter of 2013, the brand also celebrated groundbreaking events in Plano, Texas and Fargo, North Dakota, propelling the portfolio to 30 hotels open or under development in 2013.

During the second quarter of 2013, openings included hotels in 38 U.S. states and 9 countries, including the first Choice Hotels branded property in Panama. This development activity adds more than 8,000 guestrooms to the company's existing rooms, which now stand at more than half a million. The Choice Hotels International portfolio of franchised hotels offers leisure and business travelers a full spectrum of options from economy to upscale hotels and resorts.

"It has been a very exciting quarter, especially with the landmark growth of Ascend Collection and its continued expansion into key travel destinations. We are also extremely pleased with the positive response we are experiencing with our Comfort refresh strategy for the company's largest brand," said David Pepper, senior vice president of global development for Choice Hotels International. "Choice Hotels is fully committed to refreshing the Comfort brand through its investment of $40 million of incentive funds in the existing system of Comfort Inn and Comfort Suites hotels, as well as moving forward with a contemporary new look for new properties."

Select properties that opened during this year's second quarter include:

Comfort Suites & Conference Center Worthington, Minn. - This 75-suite, new construction hotel is among the first new generation prototype Comfort-branded hotels to showcase the brand's new, more contemporary look and feel. The Comfort Suites & Conference Center is attached to the new Worthington Conference Center, offering event space to groups and parties of up to 560 guests. This property offers guests free services and amenities, which include hot breakfast, a daily newspaper and wireless high speed internet access. The Comfort Suites & Conference center also features a heated indoor pool, state of the art fitness center, a 24/7 business center with access to printing, faxing and copying services. All guest rooms include a microwave, refrigerator and pull-out sofa. Guest laundry service is available as well as plenty of parking.

Hotel Florence, An Ascend Hotel Collection Member, Florence, S.C. - A multi-million dollar renovation preceded the grand re-opening of this historic hotel and restaurant/bar in May 2013. Located in the heart of the historic downtown, the new property serves as a hub for the city's revitalization efforts. Hotel Florence's contemporary new design pays homage to the hotel's historic roots with exposed brick walls, original hardwood floors and two 19(th) century writing tables in the lobby that serve as the front desk. Many rooms feature large windows with splendid city views. For on-property dining, Victor's Bistro is a full-service, upscale restaurant and bar consistently voted by local press as among the city's finest. The hotel is within easy walking distance of lively shops, galleries, restaurants, museums, businesses, Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center and the Florence City-County Complex.

Carnegie Inn and Spa, An Ascend Hotel Collection Member, State College, Pa. - Overlooking the 17th green of the Toftrees Golf Course, Carnegie Inn and Spa is Central Pennsylvania's first AAA Four-Diamond hotel. The 21-room lodging is home to the full-service Carnegie Inn Restaurant, Carnegie Library Lounge and the ESSpa Kozmetika Spa, which specializes in organic facials, massages, body wraps and more. With its award-winning 1,600- bottle wine cellar, Carnegie Inn Restaurant is consistently named as the area's best fine dining experience, as ranked by State College Magazine. Mornings at the inn begin with a complimentary made-to-order hot breakfast. Carnegie Inn and Spa is minutes from University Park Airport, Penn State University, Beaver Stadium and the Bryce Jordan Center arena for concerts and sporting events.

Sleep Inn & Suites, Moundsville, W.V. - Conveniently located to shopping centers and area attractions such as the Strand Theatre, Fostoria Glass Museum and the Historic Cocayne House this 69-room, new construction hotel showcases the brand's simply stylish Designed to Dream design concept, which was also developed in collaboration with leading design and strategy firm with world-renowned brand and hospitality practices, Gensler. Designed to Dream offers guests a welcoming and restful environment with warm colors, fresh graphics and soothing nature-oriented art. In Moundsville, W.V. travelers can expect a relaxing stay as well as the following free services and amenities: hot breakfast, wireless high-speed Internet access, daily newspaper and fitness center. Meeting space can accommodate groups of up to 50 people.

Clarion Collection Makeney Hall Hotel, Belper, United Kingdom

This magnificent 46-room Victorian country mansion is situated in the heart of Derbyshire and set in six acres of landscaped gardens with views across the Amber Valley. With the Derby train station and East Midlands airport nearby, it is ideally situated for local business destinations and the nearby Peak District, making it an attractive base for both business and leisure travelers. All public areas showcase a contemporary style but still reflect the historical character of the property while offering the standard of a four-star hotel. This includes the oak-paneled Conservatory Restaurant and Bar which is open to both guests and non-residents and is ideal for a romantic dinner, business meal, family get-together or large gathering.

Choice Hotels also introduced the following hotels during the second quarter of 2013:

DOMESTIC
Ascend Resort Collection and Ascend Hotel Collection

    Hotel Name                   City                 Country/State Rooms
    ----------                   ----                 ------------- -----

    Cibola Vista Resort and Spa,
     an Ascend Resort Collection
     Member                      Peoria               AZ                   59
    ---------------------------- ------               ---                 ---

    Daytona Seabreeze, An Ascend
     Resort Collection Member    Daytona Beach Shores FL                   21
    ---------------------------- -------------------- ---                 ---

    Hammocks at Marathon, An
     Ascend Resort Collection
     Member                      Marathon             FL                   20
    -------------------------    --------             ---                 ---

    Fountains, An Ascend Resort
     Collection Member           Orlando              FL                  226
    ---------------------------  -------              ---                 ---

    Grande Villas at World Golf
     Villas, An Ascend Resort
     Collection Member           St. Augustine        FL                   40
    ---------------------------  -------------        ---                 ---

    Solara Surfside, An Ascend
     Resort Collection Member    Surfside             FL                   20
    --------------------------   --------             ---                 ---

    Casa del Mar, An Ascend
     Resort Collection Member    Ormond Beach         FL                   30
    -------------------------    ------------         ---                 ---

    The Studio Homes, An Ascend
     Resort Collection Member    Savannah             GA                   18
    ---------------------------  --------             ---                 ---

    The Soundings, An Ascend
     Resort Collection Member    Dennis Port          MA                   30
    -------------------------    -----------          ---                 ---

    Mountain Run at Boyne, An
     Ascend Resort Collection
     Member                      Boyne Falls          MI                   77
    -------------------------    -----------          ---                 ---

    Paradise Point, An Ascend
     Resort Collection Member    Hollister            MO                   35
    -------------------------    ---------            ---                 ---

    South Mountain, An Ascend
     Resort Collection Member    Lincoln              NH                   24
    -------------------------    -------              ---                 ---

    Atlantic Palace, An Ascend
     Resort Collection Member    Atlantic City        NJ                  145
    --------------------------   -------------        ---                 ---

    Club 36, An Ascend Resort
     Collection Member           Las Vegas            NV                  275
    -------------------------    ---------            ---                 ---

    Suites at Hershey, An Ascend
     Resort Collection Member    Hershey              PA                   43
    ---------------------------- -------              ---                 ---

    Harbour Lights, An Ascend
     Resort Collection Member    Myrtle Beach         SC                  210
    -------------------------    ------------         ---                 ---

    Seaglass Tower, An Ascend
     Resort Collection Member    Myrtle Beach         SC                   57
    -------------------------    ------------         ---                 ---

    Mountain Loft, An Ascend
     Resort  Collection Member   Gatlinburg           TN                  104
    --------------------------   ----------           ---                 ---

    Christmas Mountain Village,
     An Ascend Resort Collection
     Member                      Wisconsin Dells      WI                   88
    ---------------------------- ---------------      ---                 ---

    Club La Pension, An Ascend
     Resort Collection Member    New Orleans          LA                    5
    --------------------------   -----------          ---                 ---

    Hotel Seville, An Ascend
     Hotel Collection Member     Harrison             AR                   57
    ------------------------     --------             ---                 ---

    Hotel Med Park, An Ascend
     Hotel Collection Member     Sacramento           CA                   32
    -------------------------    ----------           ---                 ---

    Hotel Florence, An Ascend
     Hotel Collection Member     Florence             SC                   50
    -------------------------    --------             ---                 ---

    Riverside Hotel, An Ascend
     Hotel Collection Member     West Chesterfield    NH                   34
    --------------------------   -----------------    ---                 ---

    Carnegie Inn & Spa, An
     Ascend Hotel Collection
     Member                      State College        PA                   20
    ------------------------     -------------        ---                 ---

    Gaia Shasta Hotel, An Ascend
     Hotel Collection Member     Anderson             CA                  120
    ---------------------------- --------             ---                 ---

    The Port Inn, An Ascend
     Hotel Collection Member     Kennebunk            ME                   46
    ------------------------     ---------            ---                 ---

 

Comfort Inn and Comfort Inn & Suites

    Hotel Name           City           Country/State Rooms
    ----------           ----           ------------- -----

    Comfort Inn          Chattanooga    TN                   91
    -----------          -----------    ---                 ---

    Comfort Inn & Suites Sayre          PA                   85
    -------------------- -----          ---                 ---

    Comfort Inn          Shelby         NC                   76
    -----------          ------         ---                 ---

    Comfort Inn          Black Mountain NC                   57
    -----------          -------------- ---                 ---

    Comfort Inn          Huron          OH                   65
    -----------          -----          ---                 ---

    Comfort Inn          Cohoes         NY                  125
    -----------          ------         ---                 ---

    Comfort Inn          Harlan         KY                   62
    -----------          ------         ---                 ---

    Comfort Inn          Lees Summit    MO                   66
    -----------          -----------    ---                 ---

    Comfort Inn          Lansing        MI                  105
    -----------          -------        ---                 ---

 

Comfort Suites

    Comfort Suites              Farmington  NM   73
    --------------              ----------  --- ---

    Comfort Suites & Conference
     Center                     Worthington MN   75
    --------------------------- ----------- --- ---

 

Sleep Inn and Sleep Inn & Suites

    Hotel Name         City             Country/State Rooms
    ----------         ----             ------------- -----

    Sleep Inn          Long Island City NY                  100
    ---------          ---------------- ---                 ---

    Sleep Inn & Suites Fargo            ND                   62
    ------------------ -----            ---                 ---

    Sleep Inn & Suites Elk City         OK                   67
    ------------------ --------         ---                 ---

    Sleep Inn & Suites Moundsville      WV                   69
    ------------------ -----------      ---                 ---

 

Clarion

    Hotel Name                City            Country/State Rooms
    ----------                ----            ------------- -----

    Clarion Hotel Airport and
     Conference Center        Charlotte       NC                  102
    ------------------------- ---------       ---                 ---

    Clarion Inn & Suites      Knoxville       TN                   98
    --------------------      ---------       ---                 ---

    Clarion Inn               North Brunswick NJ                  129
    -----------               --------------- ---                 ---

    Clarion Inn               Depoe Bay       OR                   54
    -----------               ---------       ---                 ---

Econo Lodge & Econo Lodge Inn & Suites

    Hotel Name        City               Country/State Rooms
    ----------        ----               ------------- -----

    Econo Lodge       Austin             MN                   53
    -----------       ------             ---                 ---

    Econo Lodge Inn &
     Suites           Memphis            TN                   31
    ----------------- -------            ---                 ---

    Econo Lodge Inn &
     Suites           Blue Springs       MO                   75
    ----------------- ------------       ---                 ---

    Econo Lodge       Springfield        MO                  119
    -----------       -----------        ---                 ---

    Econo Lodge Inn &
     Suites           Gilbertsville      KY                   70
    ----------------- -------------      ---                 ---

    Econo Lodge       Atlantic City      NJ                   74
    -----------       -------------      ---                 ---

    Econo Lodge Inn &
     Suites           O'Fallon           IL                   63
    ----------------- --------           ---                 ---

    Econo Lodge Inn &
     Suites           Lafayette          LA                   94
    ----------------- ---------          ---                 ---

    Econo Lodge       Somerset           PA                   54
    -----------       --------           ---                 ---

    Econo Lodge       Thornton           CO                  100
    -----------       --------           ---                 ---

    Econo Lodge Inn &
     Suites           Pensacola          FL                   69
    ----------------- ---------          ---                 ---

    Econo Lodge       South Padre Island TX                   57
    -----------       ------------------ ---                 ---

    Econo Lodge       Wisconsin Dells    WI                   98
    -----------       ---------------    ---                 ---

    Econo Lodge       Saint Louis        MO                   95
    -----------       -----------        ---                 ---

Quality Inn and Quality Inn & Suites

    Hotel Name           City              Country/State Rooms
    ----------           ----              ------------- -----

    Quality Inn & Suites Cincinnati        OH                   81
    -------------------- ----------        ---                 ---

    Quality Inn          St. Mary's        OH                   59
    -----------          ----------        ---                 ---

    Quality Inn          St. Helena Island SC                   49
    -----------          ----------------- ---                 ---

    Quality Inn & Suites Blanding          UT                   52
    -------------------- --------          ---                 ---

    Quality Inn          Plainfield        IN                   58
    -----------          ----------        ---                 ---

    Quality Inn & Suites Arlington         TX                  121
    -------------------- ---------         ---                 ---

    Quality Inn          Chesterton        IN                   47
    -----------          ----------        ---                 ---

    Quality Inn & Suites Pacific           WA                  114
    -------------------- -------           ---                 ---

    Quality Inn & Suites Austell           GA                   71
    -------------------- -------           ---                 ---

    Quality Inn          Richland          MS                   44
    -----------          --------          ---                 ---

    Quality Inn & Suites Groesbeck         TX                   42
    -------------------- ---------         ---                 ---

    Quality Inn & Suites Arden Hills       MN                   62
    -------------------- -----------       ---                 ---

    Quality Inn          Green Bay         WI                   77
    -----------          ---------         ---                 ---

    Quality Suites       Kenosha           WI                   72
    --------------       -------           ---                 ---

    Quality Inn          Kingsland         GA                   78
    -----------          ---------         ---                 ---

    Quality Inn          New Cumberland    PA                   92
    -----------          --------------    ---                 ---

    Quality Inn          Madera            CA                   93
    -----------          ------            ---                 ---

    Quality Inn          Clovis            NM                   55
    -----------          ------            ---                 ---

    Quality Inn          Eastman           GA                   39
    -----------          -------           ---                 ---

    Quality Inn          Fitzgerald        GA                   51
    -----------          ----------        ---                 ---

    Quality Inn & Suites Altoona           IA                   47
    -------------------- -------           ---                 ---

Rodeway Inn & Rodeway Inn & Suites

    Hotel Name           City               Country/State Rooms
    ----------           ----               ------------- -----

    Rodeway Inn          Blue Springs       MO                   50
    -----------          ------------       ---                 ---

    Rodeway Inn & Suites Greenville         NC                   90
    -------------------- ----------         ---                 ---

    Rodeway Inn          Clarksdale         MS                   60
    -----------          ----------         ---                 ---

    Rodeway Inn          Merced             CA                   30
    -----------          ------             ---                 ---

    Rodeway Inn          Lawrence           KS                  110
    -----------          --------           ---                 ---

    Rodeway Inn          Girard             OH                  150
    -----------          ------             ---                 ---

    Rodeway Inn          Yorktown           VA                   44
    -----------          --------           ---                 ---

    Rodeway Inn          Rome               GA                   35
    -----------          ----               ---                 ---

    Rodeway Inn          Eugene             OR                   24
    -----------          ------             ---                 ---

    Rodeway Inn          Savannah           GA                   90
    -----------          --------           ---                 ---

    Rodeway Inn          Bronx              NY                   37
    -----------          -----              ---                 ---

    Rodeway Inn          Springfield        IL                   72
    -----------          -----------        ---                 ---

    Rodeway Inn          Hammonton          NJ                   45
    -----------          ---------          ---                 ---

    Rodeway Inn & Suites Pendleton          OR                   36
    -------------------- ---------          ---                 ---

    Rodeway Inn          Huntington Station NY                   56
    -----------          ------------------ ---                 ---

    Rodeway Inn          Calhoun            GA                   32
    -----------          -------            ---                 ---

MainStay Suites

    Hotel Name      City        Country/State Rooms
    ----------      ----        ------------- -----

    MainStay Suites Rapid City  SD                   97
    --------------- ----------  ---                 ---

    MainStay Suites Barnesville PA                   70
    --------------- ----------- ---                 ---

 

 

INTERNATIONAL
Ascend Hotel Collection

    Hotel Elan, An Ascend Hotel
     Collection Member              Calgary Canada     62
    ---------------------------     ------- ------    ---

    Lindenwarrah at Milawa, An
     Ascend Hotel Collection Member Milawa  Australia  40
    ------------------------------- ------  --------- ---

 

Clarion

    Clarion Hotel and Conference
     Centre                       Calgary     Canada         184
    ----------------------------  -------     ------         ---

    Clarion Victoria Hotel and
     Suites Panama                Panama City Panama         127
    --------------------------    ----------- ------         ---

    Clarion Collection Mackeney
     Hall Hotel                   Belper      United Kingdom  46
    ---------------------------   ------      -------------- ---

    Clarion Collection Hotel NO13 Bergen      Norway          34
    ----------------------------- ------      ------         ---

 

Comfort

    Comfort Hotel & Suites
     Osasco                  Osasco   Brazil    134
    ----------------------   ------   ------    ---

    Comfort Inn Parklands
     Calliope                Calliope Australia  51
    ---------------------    -------- --------- ---

    Comfort Hotel Urban City
     Le Havre                Le Havre France     37
    ------------------------ -------- ------    ---

 

Quality

    Quality Suites Boulevard
     On Beaumont             Newcastle    Australia    32
    ------------------------ ---------    ---------   ---

    Quality Inn VIHA         Kumbakonam   India        42
    ----------------         ----------   -----       ---

    Quality Hotel Elms       Christchurch New Zealand  95
    ------------------       ------------ ----------- ---

    Quality Inn              Merritt      Canada       56
    -----------              -------      ------      ---

    Quality Suites Lyon 7
     Lodge                   Lyon         France       97
    ---------------------    ----         ------      ---

 

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain matters discussed in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Generally, our use of words such as "expect," "estimate," "believe," "anticipate," "will," "forecast," "plan"," project," "assume" or similar words of futurity identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current beliefs, assumptions and expectations regarding future events, which in turn are based on information currently available to management. Such statements may relate to projections of the company's revenue, earnings and other financial and operational measures, company debt levels, ability to repay outstanding indebtedness, payment of dividends, and future operations, among other matters. We caution you not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements do not guarantee future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors.

Several factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements of the company to differ materially from those expressed in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Such risks include, but are not limited to, changes to general, domestic and foreign economic conditions; operating risks common in the lodging and franchising industries; changes to the desirability of our brands as viewed by hotel operators and customers; changes to the terms or termination of our contracts with franchisees; our ability to keep pace with improvements in technology utilized for reservations systems and other operating systems; fluctuations in the supply and demand for hotels rooms; and our ability to manage effectively our indebtedness. These and other risk factors are discussed in detail in the Risk Factors section of the company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2013 and our quarterly reports filed on Form 10-Q. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

About Choice Hotels

Choice Hotels International, Inc. franchises more than 6,200 hotels, representing more than 500,000 rooms, in the United States and more than 30 other countries and territories. As of June 30, 2013, 365 hotels, representing more than 29,000 rooms, were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in the United States. Additionally, 83 hotels, representing approximately 7,200 rooms, were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in more than 15 other countries and territories. The company's Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn brands, as well as its Ascend Hotel Collection membership program, serve guests worldwide.

Additional corporate information can be found on the Choice Hotels International, Inc. web site, which may be accessed at www.choicehotels.com.

Choice Hotels, Choice Hotels International, Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn, Ascend Hotel Collection and SkyTouch Technology are proprietary trademarks and service marks of Choice Hotels International.

© 2013 Choice Hotels International, Inc. All rights reserved.

SOURCE Choice Hotels International, Inc.

 

SOURCE: Choice Hotels International, Inc.

 

Choice Hotels International Opens 113 Hotels in Q2 2013

PR Newswire

ROCKVILLE, Md., July 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest hotel companies, announced robust system growth with the addition of 113 domestic and international newly opened franchised properties during the second quarter of 2013. Additionally, the company has executed a total of 187 new domestic franchise agreements during the first six months of 2013, a 10-percent increase over the same period last year.

The second quarter of 2013 saw the opening of hotels under the new generation Comfort Inn and Comfort Suites new construction prototypes. These design concepts for the company's largest and iconic brand were created in collaboration with Gensler, a leading design and strategy firm with world-renowned brand and hospitality practices. The overall aesthetic of the prototypes is contemporary while still maintaining the Comfort brand's warm and inviting signature look and feel.

In May 2013, the upscale Ascend Collection reached a milestone 100 properties. In total, the second quarter of 2013 welcomed the opening of 29 new Ascend Collection member hotels, including the newly constructed Hotel Florence in South Carolina, the first Ascend member hotel in Australia and the addition of 20 Bluegreen Vacations properties located in highly desirable destinations including Orlando, Florida; Savannah, Georgia; Cape Cod, Massachusetts; and New Orleans, Louisiana. Ascend Collection is made up of unique independent hotels and resort properties.

Choice Hotels International's emerging, all new-construction upscale brand, Cambria Suites, continues to make great strides. During May 2013, Choice Hotels reached an agreement in principle to create a joint venture with private investment firm Fillmore Capital Partners, LLC and its affiliates to develop multiple Cambria Suites hotels. This marks the brand's first institutional investor, underscoring the confidence developers have already expressed for the emerging brand's potential. During the second quarter of 2013, the brand also celebrated groundbreaking events in Plano, Texas and Fargo, North Dakota, propelling the portfolio to 30 hotels open or under development in 2013. 

During the second quarter of 2013, openings included hotels in 38 U.S. states and 9 countries, including the first Choice Hotels branded property in Panama. This development activity adds more than 8,000 guestrooms to the company's existing rooms, which now stand at more than half a million. The Choice Hotels International portfolio of franchised hotels offers leisure and business travelers a full spectrum of options from economy to upscale hotels and resorts.

"It has been a very exciting quarter, especially with the landmark growth of Ascend Collection and its continued expansion into key travel destinations. We are also extremely pleased with the positive response we are experiencing with our Comfort refresh strategy for the company's largest brand," said David Pepper, senior vice president of global development for Choice Hotels International. "Choice Hotels is fully committed to refreshing the Comfort brand through its investment of $40 million of incentive funds in the existing system of Comfort Inn and Comfort Suites hotels, as well as moving forward with a contemporary new look for new properties."

Select properties that opened during this year's second quarter include:

Comfort Suites & Conference Center Worthington, Minn. – This 75-suite, new construction hotel is among the first new generation prototype Comfort-branded hotels to showcase the brand's new, more contemporary look and feel. The Comfort Suites & Conference Center is attached to the new Worthington Conference Center, offering event space to groups and parties of up to 560 guests. This property offers guests free services and amenities, which include hot breakfast, a daily newspaper and wireless high speed internet access. The Comfort Suites & Conference center also features a heated indoor pool, state of the art fitness center, a 24/7 business center with access to printing, faxing and copying services. All guest rooms include a microwave, refrigerator and pull-out sofa. Guest laundry service is available as well as plenty of parking.

Hotel Florence, An Ascend Hotel Collection Member, Florence, S.C. – A multi-million dollar renovation preceded the grand re-opening of this historic hotel and restaurant/bar in May 2013. Located in the heart of the historic downtown, the new property serves as a hub for the city's revitalization efforts. Hotel Florence's contemporary new design pays homage to the hotel's historic roots with exposed brick walls, original hardwood floors and two 19th century writing tables in the lobby that serve as the front desk. Many rooms feature large windows with splendid city views. For on-property dining, Victor's Bistro is a full-service, upscale restaurant and bar consistently voted by local press as among the city's finest. The hotel is within easy walking distance of lively shops, galleries, restaurants, museums, businesses, Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center and the Florence City-County Complex.

Carnegie Inn and Spa, An Ascend Hotel Collection Member, State College, Pa. – Overlooking the 17th green of the Toftrees Golf Course, Carnegie Inn and Spa is Central Pennsylvania's first AAA Four-Diamond hotel. The 21-room lodging is home to the full-service Carnegie Inn Restaurant, Carnegie Library Lounge and the ESSpa Kozmetika Spa, which specializes in organic facials, massages, body wraps and more. With its award-winning 1,600- bottle wine cellar, Carnegie Inn Restaurant is consistently named as the area's best fine dining experience, as ranked by State College Magazine. Mornings at the inn begin with a complimentary made-to-order hot breakfast. Carnegie Inn and Spa is minutes from University Park Airport, Penn State University, Beaver Stadium and the Bryce Jordan Center arena for concerts and sporting events.

Sleep Inn & Suites, Moundsville, W.V. – Conveniently located to shopping centers and area attractions such as the Strand Theatre, Fostoria Glass Museum and the Historic Cocayne House this 69-room, new construction hotel showcases the brand's simply stylish Designed to Dream design concept, which was also developed in collaboration with leading design and strategy firm with world-renowned brand and hospitality practices, Gensler. Designed to Dream offers guests a welcoming and restful environment with warm colors, fresh graphics and soothing nature-oriented art. In Moundsville, W.V. travelers can expect a relaxing stay as well as the following free services and amenities: hot breakfast, wireless high-speed Internet access, daily newspaper and fitness center. Meeting space can accommodate groups of up to 50 people.

Clarion Collection Makeney Hall Hotel, Belper, United Kingdom

This magnificent 46-room Victorian country mansion is situated in the heart of Derbyshire and set in six acres of landscaped gardens with views across the Amber Valley. With the Derby train station and East Midlands airport nearby, it is ideally situated for local business destinations and the nearby Peak District, making it an attractive base for both business and leisure travelers. All public areas showcase a contemporary style but still reflect the historical character of the property while offering the standard of a four-star hotel. This includes the oak-paneled Conservatory Restaurant and Bar which is open to both guests and non-residents and is ideal for a romantic dinner, business meal, family get-together or large gathering.

Choice Hotels also introduced the following hotels during the second quarter of 2013:

DOMESTIC
Ascend Resort Collection and Ascend Hotel Collection

Hotel Name

City

Country/State

Rooms

Cibola Vista Resort and Spa, an Ascend Resort Collection Member

Peoria

AZ

59

Daytona Seabreeze, An Ascend Resort Collection Member

Daytona Beach Shores

FL

21

Hammocks at Marathon, An Ascend Resort Collection Member

Marathon

FL

20

Fountains, An Ascend Resort Collection Member

Orlando

FL

226

Grande Villas at World Golf Villas, An Ascend Resort Collection Member

St. Augustine

FL

40

Solara Surfside, An Ascend Resort Collection Member

Surfside

FL

20

Casa del Mar, An Ascend Resort Collection Member

Ormond Beach

FL

30

The Studio Homes, An Ascend Resort Collection Member

Savannah

GA

18

The Soundings, An Ascend Resort Collection Member

Dennis Port

MA

30

Mountain Run at Boyne, An Ascend Resort Collection Member

Boyne Falls

MI

77

Paradise Point, An Ascend Resort Collection Member

Hollister

MO

35

South Mountain, An Ascend Resort Collection Member

Lincoln

NH

24

Atlantic Palace, An Ascend Resort Collection Member

Atlantic City

NJ

145

Club 36, An Ascend Resort Collection Member

Las Vegas

NV

275

Suites at Hershey, An Ascend Resort Collection Member

Hershey

PA

43

Harbour Lights, An Ascend Resort Collection Member

Myrtle Beach

SC

210

Seaglass Tower, An Ascend Resort Collection Member

Myrtle Beach

SC

57

Mountain Loft, An Ascend Resort  Collection Member

Gatlinburg

TN

104

Christmas Mountain Village, An Ascend Resort Collection Member

Wisconsin Dells

WI

88

Club La Pension, An Ascend Resort Collection Member

New Orleans

LA

5

Hotel Seville, An Ascend Hotel Collection Member

Harrison

AR

57

Hotel Med Park, An Ascend Hotel Collection Member

Sacramento

CA

32

Hotel Florence, An Ascend Hotel Collection Member

Florence

SC

50

Riverside Hotel, An Ascend Hotel Collection Member

West Chesterfield

NH

34

Carnegie Inn & Spa, An Ascend Hotel Collection Member

State College

PA

20

Gaia Shasta Hotel, An Ascend Hotel Collection Member

Anderson

CA

120

The Port Inn, An Ascend Hotel Collection Member

Kennebunk

ME

46

 

Comfort Inn and Comfort Inn & Suites

Hotel Name

City

Country/State

Rooms

Comfort Inn

Chattanooga

TN

91

Comfort Inn & Suites

Sayre

PA

85

Comfort Inn

Shelby

NC

76

Comfort Inn

Black Mountain

NC

57

Comfort Inn

Huron

OH

65

Comfort Inn

Cohoes

NY

125

Comfort Inn

Harlan

KY

62

Comfort Inn

Lees Summit

MO

66

Comfort Inn

Lansing

MI

105

 

Comfort Suites

Comfort Suites

Farmington

NM

73

Comfort Suites & Conference Center

Worthington

MN

75

 

Sleep Inn and Sleep Inn & Suites

Hotel Name

City

Country/State

Rooms

Sleep Inn

Long Island City

NY

100

Sleep Inn & Suites

Fargo

ND

62

Sleep Inn & Suites

Elk City

OK

67

Sleep Inn & Suites

Moundsville

WV

69

 

Clarion

Hotel Name

City

Country/State

Rooms

Clarion Hotel Airport and Conference Center

Charlotte

NC

102

Clarion Inn & Suites

Knoxville

TN

98

Clarion Inn

North Brunswick

NJ

129

Clarion Inn

Depoe Bay

OR

54

Econo Lodge & Econo Lodge Inn & Suites

Hotel Name

City

Country/State

Rooms

Econo Lodge

Austin

MN

53

Econo Lodge Inn & Suites

Memphis

TN

31

Econo Lodge Inn & Suites

Blue Springs

MO

75

Econo Lodge

Springfield

MO

119

Econo Lodge Inn & Suites

Gilbertsville

KY

70

Econo Lodge

Atlantic City

NJ

74

Econo Lodge Inn & Suites

O'Fallon

IL

63

Econo Lodge Inn & Suites

Lafayette

LA

94

Econo Lodge

Somerset

PA

54

Econo Lodge

Thornton

CO

100

Econo Lodge Inn & Suites

Pensacola

FL

69

Econo Lodge

South Padre Island

TX

57

Econo Lodge

Wisconsin Dells

WI

98

Econo Lodge

Saint Louis

MO

95

Quality Inn and Quality Inn & Suites

Hotel Name

City

Country/State

Rooms

Quality Inn & Suites

Cincinnati

OH

81

Quality Inn

St. Mary's

OH

59

Quality Inn

St. Helena Island

SC

49

Quality Inn & Suites

Blanding

UT

52

Quality Inn

Plainfield

IN

58

Quality Inn & Suites

Arlington

TX

121

Quality Inn

Chesterton

IN

47

Quality Inn & Suites

Pacific

WA

114

Quality Inn & Suites

Austell

GA

71

Quality Inn

Richland

MS

44

Quality Inn & Suites

Groesbeck

TX

42

Quality Inn & Suites

Arden Hills

MN

62

Quality Inn

Green Bay

WI

77

Quality Suites

Kenosha

WI

72

Quality Inn

Kingsland

GA

78

Quality Inn

New Cumberland

PA

92

Quality Inn

Madera

CA

93

Quality Inn

Clovis

NM

55

Quality Inn

Eastman

GA

39

Quality Inn

Fitzgerald

GA

51

Quality Inn & Suites

Altoona

IA

47

Rodeway Inn & Rodeway Inn & Suites

Hotel Name

City

Country/State

Rooms

Rodeway Inn

Blue Springs

MO

50

Rodeway Inn & Suites

Greenville

NC

90

Rodeway Inn

Clarksdale

MS

60

Rodeway Inn

Merced

CA

30

Rodeway Inn

Lawrence

KS

110

Rodeway Inn

Girard

OH

150

Rodeway Inn

Yorktown

VA

44

Rodeway Inn

Rome

GA

35

Rodeway Inn

Eugene

OR

24

Rodeway Inn

Savannah

GA

90

Rodeway Inn

Bronx

NY

37

Rodeway Inn

Springfield

IL

72

Rodeway Inn

Hammonton

NJ

45

Rodeway Inn & Suites

Pendleton

OR

36

Rodeway Inn

Huntington Station

NY

56

Rodeway Inn

Calhoun

GA

32

MainStay Suites

Hotel Name

City

Country/State

Rooms

MainStay Suites

Rapid City

SD

97

MainStay Suites

Barnesville

PA

70

 

 

INTERNATIONAL
Ascend Hotel Collection

 

Clarion

 

Comfort

Comfort Hotel & Suites Osasco

Osasco

Brazil

134

Comfort Inn Parklands Calliope

Calliope

Australia

51

Comfort Hotel Urban City Le Havre

Le Havre

France

37

 

Quality

Quality Suites Boulevard On Beaumont

Newcastle

Australia

32

Quality Inn VIHA

Kumbakonam

India

42

Quality Hotel Elms

Christchurch

New Zealand

95

Quality Inn

Merritt

Canada

56

Quality Suites Lyon 7 Lodge

Lyon

France

97

 

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain matters discussed in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Generally, our use of words such as "expect," "estimate," "believe," "anticipate," "will," "forecast," "plan"," project," "assume" or similar words of futurity identify such forward-looking statements.  These forward-looking statements are based on management's current beliefs, assumptions and expectations regarding future events, which in turn are based on information currently available to management.  Such statements may relate to projections of the company's revenue, earnings and other financial and operational measures, company debt levels, ability to repay outstanding indebtedness, payment of dividends, and future operations, among other matters.   We caution you not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements do not guarantee future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors.

Several factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements of the company to differ materially from those expressed in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements.  Such risks include, but are not limited to, changes to general, domestic and foreign economic conditions;  operating risks common in the lodging and franchising industries; changes to the desirability of our brands as viewed by hotel operators and customers; changes to the terms or termination of our contracts with franchisees; our ability to keep pace with improvements in technology utilized for reservations systems and other operating systems; fluctuations in the supply and demand for hotels rooms; and our ability to manage effectively our indebtedness.  These and other risk factors are discussed in detail in the Risk Factors section of the company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2013 and our quarterly reports filed on Form 10-Q.  We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

About Choice Hotels

Choice Hotels International, Inc. franchises more than 6,200 hotels, representing more than 500,000 rooms, in the United States and more than 30 other countries and territories.  As of June 30, 2013, 365 hotels, representing more than 29,000 rooms, were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in the United States.  Additionally, 83 hotels, representing approximately 7,200 rooms, were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in more than 15 other countries and territories.  The company's Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn brands, as well as its Ascend Hotel Collection membership program, serve guests worldwide.

Additional corporate information can be found on the Choice Hotels International, Inc. web site, which may be accessed at www.choicehotels.com.

Choice Hotels, Choice Hotels International, Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn, Ascend Hotel Collection and SkyTouch Technology are proprietary trademarks and service marks of Choice Hotels International.

© 2013 Choice Hotels International, Inc.  All rights reserved.

SOURCE Choice Hotels International, Inc.

CONTACT: Sarah Lee, Choice Hotels: 301-628-4397, sarah_lee@choicehotels.com

Travel with More

Travel & Relax

Travel Longer

Travel Simply

The Radisson brands, including Park Plaza, Country Inn & Suites, and Park Inn by Radisson, are owned in the Americas regions by Choice Hotels.
Outside of the Americas, the brands are owned by Radisson Hotel Group, an unaffiliated company headquartered in Belgium.