October 18, 2007 // Franchising.com // MINNEAPOLIS -- Country Inns & Suites By CarlsonSM, Inc. today announced a special strategic alliance with Borders, Inc. a leading global retailer of books, music and movies, that will offer guests the opportunity to earn a free $15 Borders gift card with any qualifying two-night or more stay at any Country Inn & Suites location in the U.S. now through March 15, 2008.
"Through the Read It & Return Lending Library available at more than 400 Country Inn & Suites locations, we have established a strong commitment to literacy and the joy of reading for all ages," said Steve Mogck, executive vice president and brand leader for Country Inns & Suites By Carlson. "In line with our 'Be Our Guest' service philosophy, this special offer in collaboration with Borders provides avid book lovers with the chance to purchase their favorite titles with a gift card at the nearest Borders or Waldenbooks store in addition to borrowing selections from the library during their stay."
Launched in 2001, the lending library provides free books to guests based on the assurance they will return the book on their next visit. The selection of books was recently expanded and features titles for all ages including many classics and best-sellers. The Read It & Return Lending Library is displayed in the lobby of every hotel on a specially designed bookshelf resembling a giant book. Since its inception, the lending library has donated nearly $350,000 to literacy organizations across the country, which help both children and adults improve their reading skills.
"At Borders, we're focused on helping people connect and select books in a relaxing, enjoyable atmosphere so working with Country Inns & Suites By Carlson provides another avenue where book lovers can get that experience," said Wellington Fonseca, director, loyalty & gift card marketing for Borders, Inc. "The free gift card is a great reward for guests and an excellent reason to experience the amazing selection of books, movies and music available at Borders."
In addition to the gift card, members of the goldpoints plusSM frequent guest program can earn 1,500 Gold Points for booking through the Borders "Get a Gift Card" promotion. Visit www.countryinns.com/borders for information. Reservations for all Country Inn & Suites locations can be made through the Web site at www.countryinns.com, by calling toll-free 800-456-4000, or contacting a travel professional.
Country Inns & Suites By CarlsonSM is part of Minneapolis, Minn.-based Carlson Hotels Worldwide, whose operations also include Regent® Hotels & Resorts; Radisson Hotels & Resorts®; Park Plaza® Hotels & Resorts and Park Inn®. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2007, Country Inns & Suites offers locations that feature traditional architecture and sophisticated residential interior design with hardwood flooring and decorative ceiling borders. Each hotel welcomes guests with traditional furnishings that blend rich woods and elegant floral-patterned fabrics. There are currently more than 420 Country Inn & Suites By Carlson locations worldwide.
About Borders, Inc.
Borders is a subsidiary of Borders Group, Inc. (NYSE: BGP) a $4.1 billion retailer of books, music, movies and stationery items that trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BGP. Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Mich., Borders Group, through its subsidiaries, operates more than 1,100 Borders and Waldenbooks stores worldwide. More information on the company is available at www.bordersgroupinc.com.
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson is an upper midscale hotel brand inspired by a sense of belonging, community and shared experiences.