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Choice Hotels International Opens 113 Hotels in Q2 2013

By: Choice Hotels |  1,014 Shares     134 Reads

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 CollegeMagazine. 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.

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