Choice Hotels Europe adds hotel property videos to choicehotelsuk.co.uk

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 12:09:12 GMT

Choice Hotels Europe, the company behind the Comfort, Quality and Clarion brands in Europe, has announced that video footage on the majority of its UK properties has been posted on choicehotelsuk.co.uk, giving travellers a useful visual summary on each Choice-brand hotel and its amenities.

The videos are presented by each hotel's General Manager who introduces the property and outlines the hotel's features and services, as can be seen for Quality Hotels Maida Vale. The programme is part of a European-wide initiative to include video footage of all Choice-brand properties in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Czech Republic, Ireland, and Portugal on both the hotel's individual websites as well as the Choice websites including ChoiceHotelsUK.co.uk and ChoiceHotels.eu.

As well as being a valuable tool to showcase each hotel, the videos are helping to improve the visibility of the hotels within the search engines used by both business and leisure travellers when researching accommodation.

Duncan Berry, UK CEO, Choice Hotels Europe, commented: "We are delighted to offer travellers enhanced information on our UK network of hotels. These videos also help the owners of our hotels, which are owned and operated under franchise agreements, to convert more bookings and improve search engine optimisation."

Andrew Plimmer, Operations Director for SKC Group added: "We have had positive guest feedback at our three hotels located in Enfield, Reading, and Great Yarmouth. The videos act as a warm welcome for guests prior to arrival and since the video for the Comfort Hotel Enfield went live we have seen a positive increase in our search engine ranking."

The videos will soon be available to view on the recently launched Choice Hotels Europe YouTube channel.

- ENDS -

About Choice Hotels:
Choice Hotels International, Inc. franchises more than 6,100 hotels, representing more than 495,000 rooms, in the United States and more than 30 other countries and territories. As of December 31, 2011, more than 400 hotels were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in the United States, representing more than 30,000 rooms, and approximately 80 hotels, representing approximately 7,000 rooms, were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in 20 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 serve guests worldwide. In addition, via its Ascend Collection membership program, travelers in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean have upscale lodging options at historic, boutique and unique hotels.

About Choice Hotels Europe:
Choice Hotels Europe is the trading name of Quality Hotels Ltd., a subsidiary of Choice Hotels International, Inc. Choice Hotels Europe (Quality Hotels Ltd.) provides travellers with single access to a network of nearly 500 locations in Europe, including over 40 in the UK, under the Comfort, Quality and Clarion brands. Additional information may be found on the Choice Hotels Europe Web site, which may be accessed at choicehotelsuk.co.uk. Choice Hotels, Choice Hotels International, Choice Hotels Europe, Choice Privileges, Comfort, Quality, Sleep, Cambria Suites, Clarion, Clarion Collection and Ascend Collection are proprietary trademarks and service marks of Choice Hotels International, Inc.

Choice Hotels Europe launches free night promotion

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:31:01 GMT

Choice Hotels Europe, the company behind the Comfort, Quality and Clarion brands in Europe and part of Choice Hotels International, one of the largest and most successful lodging franchisors in the world, has launched a promotion enabling travellers to earn a free night after two separate stays at over 250 participating hotels in Europe when they become members of Choice Privileges, the award-winning rewards programme, which is free and easy to join.

Between March 8 and May 8 2012, any member who stays two separate times at a Choice brand property will earn enough Choice Privileges points to redeem a free night at over 250 European hotels that include amongst others, Clarion Grand Hotel Aston in Nice, Comfort Inn Hyde Park in London, Comfort Inn Bolivar in Rome and the Quality Hotel Ambassador in Hamburg.

In addition, until May 15 2012, participating European Choice brand properties* are substantially reducing the number of Choice Privileges rewards points required in order to stay for free. Usually redemption levels start at 16,000 points but during the period beginning on March 8 and ending on May 15 only 8,000 points need to be redeemed to stay at properties that include Clarion Collection Opera Pavillon in Paris, Clarion Hotel Prague Old Town, Clarion Hotel Dublin City and the Quality Hotel Maida Vale in London.

"We are delighted to offer this promotion to our guests who can enroll to become a Choice Privileges member when they stay at participating Comfort, Quality and Clarion branded properties", said Duncan Berry, the UK CEO of Choice Hotels Europe.

Originally launched in 1998, the Choice Privileges rewards programme has been available in Europe since 2008 and now has over 14 million members worldwide.

Members can earn points or miles at 5,500 locations around the world and also enjoy express check-in, extended check-out, and the opportunity to redeem points for free nights at thousands of properties throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Australasia, North America, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. Members can also redeem points at some of Choice Hotels' luxury partner hotels, such as Preferred Hotels & Resorts, through airline partners including airberlin, United Airlines, Qantas, Delta, and Czech Airlines, and for free car hires from Avis and Budget.

Full terms and conditions of the offer can be found at http://www.choicehotelsuk.co.uk/en/free-night/.

Notes to Editors:
*Excluding Scandinavia

About Choice Hotels Europe
Choice Hotels Europe is the trading name of Quality Hotels Ltd., a subsidiary of Choice Hotels International, Inc. It provides travellers with single access to a network of nearly 500 locations in Europe, including over 40 in the UK, under the Comfort, Quality and Clarion brands. Additional information may be found on the Choice Hotels Europe Web site, which may be accessed at choicehotelsuk.co.uk . Choice Hotels, Choice Hotels International, Choice Hotels Europe, Choice Privileges, Comfort, Quality, Sleep, Cambria Suites, Clarion, Clarion Collection and Ascend Collection are proprietary trademarks and service marks of Choice Hotels International, Inc.

Choice Hotels installs choiceADVANTAGE property management system in UK

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 11:52:34 GMT

Choice Hotels Europe, the company behind the Comfort, Quality and Clarion brands, has announced that it has deployed choiceADVANTAGE, its cloud-based hotel property management system (PMS), so far in 20% of its UK hotel network.

choiceADVANTAGE is available to hotel owners who own and operate Choice-branded hotels under franchise agreement. The user-friendly solution provides franchisees with unparalleled advanced hotel management functionality including efficient guest servicing and sophisticated revenue management. As cloud-based software, the system is also accessible from any computer that offers Internet access.

choiceADVANTAGE requires a minimal initial investment for franchisees, since it eliminates the need to purchase, store and maintain the costly infrastructure and hardware typically associated with traditional property management systems.

The lower total cost of ownership for choiceADVANTAGE continues to be an attractive element of the overall value proposition that Choice Hotels offers to its franchisees. Choice Hotels Europe holds full membership of the British Franchise Association and is a pure franchisor operating in the hotel sector.

Duncan Berry, CEO, UK, Choice Hotels Europe, said: "From the moment a reservation is made through check out and even after a stay, choiceADVANTAGE provides our franchisees with a fully integrated solution to manage guest interaction at every stage. General Managers using it tell us they like the ability to access it remotely so they know exactly what's going on at their hotel at all times. Given how it automates several hotel processes front office personnel are also being freed-up to provide additional customer service."

Garth Powell, General Manager, Quality Hotel Plymouth, said: "choiceADVANTAGE offers an hotelier superb value for money, minimal on-going maintenance costs, and most importantly, it’s fabulously simple to operate. It has been cleverly designed to do exactly what hoteliers need it to in order to run a hotel efficiently and productively."

Elsheikh Shein, General Manager, Comfort Inn Hyde Park, commented: "I really like that I can access choiceADVANTAGE remotely which means wherever I am I know exactly what's going on at the hotel."

choiceADVANTAGE has just been installed at its 5,000th hotel property the Comfort Hotel De L'Europe of Saint Nazaire, France and is currently in operation among properties in the U.K, including the Clarion Collection Hotel in Birmingham, and hotels in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, France, Australia, and New Zealand. Plans to continue to introduce the software in Choice Hotels brand properties across other European countries are in process.

- ENDS -

About Choice Hotels
Choice Hotels International, Inc. franchises more than 6,100 hotels, representing more than 490,000 rooms, in the United States and more than 30 other countries and territories. As of September 30, 2011, 430 hotels were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in the United States, representing more than 35,000 rooms, and 94 hotels, representing approximately 8,700 rooms, were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in more than 20 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 serve guests worldwide. In addition, via its Ascend Collection membership program, travellers in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean have upscale lodging options at historic, boutique and unique hotels.

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

Choice Hotels' survey reveals mixed views on whether hotels outside London will benefit from this summer’s events

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:23:05 GMT

Choice Hotels Europe, the company behind the Comfort, Quality and Clarion brands, has revealed the findings of its hotelier survey into which hotels are most likely to benefit from the games in London this summer.

The survey was conducted amongst 30 UK-based Choice Hotels owners, operators and general managers and just over half (51%) believe that all UK hotels will benefit from the increased inbound tourism expected in the summer. However, 29% think only hotels in London will benefit, while 18% believe that the games won't bring any benefits at all to hotels outside the M25.

Duncan Berry, UK CEO, Choice Hotels Europe commented: "Our survey reveals mixed views on whether hotels across the whole of the UK will see a benefit from the inbound tourism expected from the games."

Earlier this year Choice announced the opening of the Comfort Inn Hyde Park, bringing the number of Choice-branded hotels in London to eighteen. Other Choice-branded properties well-positioned for easy access to venues include Quality Hotel Coventry city centre (football) and Quality Hotel Reading (rowing).

Choice Hotels Europe franchises nearly 500 hotels across Europe alone. Brands operated by Choice Hotels in Europe include Clarion which could be described as four-star, Quality, which sits in the three-star bracket and provides a mid-scale full service offering and Comfort, the largest Choice Hotels brand worldwide, known for value and reliability.

ENDS

About Choice Hotels
Choice Hotels International, Inc. franchises more than 6,100 hotels, representing more than 490,000 rooms, in the United States and more than 30 other countries and territories. As of September 30, 2011, 430 hotels were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in the United States, representing more than 35,000 rooms, and 94 hotels, representing approximately 8,700 rooms, were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in more than 20 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 serve guests worldwide.

Choice Hotels, Choice Hotels International, Choice Hotels Europe, Choice Privileges, Comfort, Quality, Sleep, Cambria Suites, Clarion, Clarion Collection and Ascend Collection are proprietary trademarks and service marks of Choice Hotels International, Inc.

Choice Hotels International announces promotion for airberlin topbonus members

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:31:28 GMT

Choice Hotels International, Inc. the global hotel group behind the Comfort, Quality and Clarion brands and one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world, have announced a promotion enabling members of topbonus, airberlin's worldwide frequent flyer programme, to earn triple miles when they stay at Choice Hotels properties.

Until January 31, 2012, topbonus members can earn 1,500 topbonus award miles with every qualifying stay at all participating Choice Hotels properties in Europe, the U.S., Canada, Middle East, Mexico, Central America, Australasia and the Caribbean.

In order to participate, topbonus members must provide their topbunus member number upon check-in. The miles will then be posted into their account within 6-8 weeks. The standard amount of topbonus rewards miles is 500 per stay and a stay is defined as any number of consecutive nights at one hotel, regardless of check-ins or check-outs.

"We are delighted to offer topbonus members extra rewards when they stay at participating Comfort, Quality and Clarion branded properties," said Duncan Berry, UK CEO, Choice Hotels Europe.

The fact that airberlin is now flying to destinations such as Edinburgh and Heathrow, means that frequent flyers who take advantage of the scheme will be able to benefit if they stay at the Comfort Hotel Heathrow and the Quality Hotel Edinburgh Airport, as well as many other participating hotels under the Choice Hotels umbrella.

For hotel guests that want to benefit from an additional rewards programme, Choice Hotels' own award-winning rewards programme, originally launched in 1998, has been available in Europe since 2008. Becoming a Choice Privileges member is free and guests either register when staying at a Choice Hotels property or by logging on to the Choice Privileges website.

Choice Privileges members can earn Choice Privileges points or airline miles at 5,500 locations around the world and also benefit from express check-in, extended check-out, and the opportunity to redeem Choice Privileges points for free nights at over 6,000 properties throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Australasia, North America, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. Members can also redeem points for free nights at participating luxury hotels in the Preferred Hotels Group for airline miles from partners including airberlin, American Airlines, Qantas, Delta, and Czech Airlines, among others, and for free car hires from partners Avis and Budget.

- Ends -

Notes to Editors:
This promotion is available to members of the topbonus rewards program for airberlin airlines. They can earn triple topbonus miles with arrival between November 15, 2011 through January 31, 2012 when paying Best Available Rate, as defined at ChoiceHotels.com at any Choice Hotels franchised property in Europe (excluding Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden), the U.S., Canada, Middle East, Mexico, Central America, Australasia (including Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Papua New Guinea and Fiji) or the Caribbean.

About Choice Hotels:
Choice Hotels International, Inc. franchises more than 6,100 hotels, representing more than 490,000 rooms, in the United States and more than 30 other countries and territories As of September 30, 2011, 430 hotels were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in the United States, representing more than 35,000 rooms, and 94 hotels, representing approximately 8,700 rooms, were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in more than 20 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 serve guests, particularly those wanting to stay park and fly, worldwide. In addition, via its Ascend Collection membership program, travelers in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean have upscale lodging options at historic, boutique and unique hotels.

Choice Hotels recognises its best UK hotels

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:24:15 GMT

Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), the global hotel group behind the Comfort, Quality, and Clarion brands and one of the largest and most successful lodging franchisors in the world, has announced the winners of its various "Hotels of the Year" awards.

It has awarded Comfort Hotel Great Yarmouth the title of "UK Comfort Hotel of the Year", Quality Hotel Edinburgh Airport the "UK Quality Hotel of the Year" award and Clarion Hotel Carrickfergus the "UK Clarion Hotel of the Year" accolade.

The hotels were judged to be the best in their brand categories out of over 40 Choice Hotels brand properties operating throughout the UK and beat other short-listed properties located in Enfield, Reading and Central London. The winners were selected by reviewing each property's guest satisfaction and cleanliness scores and by demonstrating consistent brand performance.

Mark Pearce, Senior Vice President International Division of Choice Hotels International, commented: "Congratulations to the owners and staff at these hotels on this great accomplishment. They are excellent showcases for our network of franchised hotels throughout the UK."

Jason Dombrower, General Manager of the Quality Hotel Edinburgh Airport, said: "We are delighted to be recognised as the UK Quality Hotel of the Year for the third year running. This award endorses the quality and service we offer both leisure and business travellers."

The Choice Hotels Europe portfolio of franchised hotels offers business and leisure travellers a full spectrum from premium economy to luxury hotels. Choice Hotels Europe franchises nearly 500 hotels across Europe alone. Brands operated by Choice Hotels in Europe include Clarion, which offers four-star accommodation, Quality, which sits in the three-star bracket and provides a mid-scale full service offering and Comfort, the largest Choice Hotels brand worldwide, known for value and reliability.

Choice Hotels brand properties to open recently in the UK include Comfort Inn Hyde Park in London, Comfort Hotel Luton, Clarion Collection Croydon Park Hotel and Clarion Collection Birmingham.

About Choice Hotels International and Choice Hotels Europe:
Choice Hotels International, Inc. franchises more than 6,100 hotels, representing more than 490,000 rooms, in the United States and more than 30 other countries and territories. As of June 30, 2011, more than 450 hotels were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in the United States, representing more than 37,000 rooms, and approximately 100 hotels, representing approximately 8,700 rooms, were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in more than 20 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 serve guests worldwide.

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

Choice Hotels announces opening of new Comfort brand hotel in Luton

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 14:56:41 GMT

Choice Hotels has announced that the Royal Hotel Luton has been re-branded as Comfort Hotel Luton and is opening to its first guests this month.

Located on Mill Street, the Luton hotel is in the heart the town centre, ideally located for both the railway station and under three miles from Luton Airport providing both business and leisure travellers with excellent transport links.

The Comfort Hotel Luton is owned and operated by Mr Zaheed Nizar, Director for Landlet Hotel Group, under franchise agreement with Choice Hotels Europe. Previously independently run, the hotel has been re-furbished, doubling the number of bedrooms available. It now has 44 en-suite bedrooms and offers free wireless and internet access throughout. It also has 14 complimentary parking spaces for guests and the hotel bar is open to both guests and non-residents.

Maria Fazekas, General Manager, Comfort Hotel Luton, said: "We are pleased to be known as the Comfort Hotel Luton and to provide the town with an excellent three-star hotel."

Duncan Berry, CEO UK, Choice Hotels Europe, commented: "We are delighted to see the Comfort Hotel Luton join our global network of more than 6,100 hotels. Furthermore, we believe that the Comfort brand will attract more guests to the hotel and help drive local economic growth for Luton."

Choice Hotels Europe's portfolio of franchised hotels offers business and leisure travellers a full spectrum from premium economy to luxury hotels. Choice Hotels Europe franchises nearly 500 hotels across Europe alone, including the Comfort Inn Vauxhall in London. Brands operated by Choice Hotels in Europe include Clarion which could be described as four-star, Quality, which sits in the three-star bracket and provides a mid-scale full service offering and Comfort, the largest Choice Hotels brand worldwide, known for value and reliability.

ENDS

About Choice Hotels
Choice Hotels International, Inc. franchises more than 6,100 hotels, representing more than 490,000 rooms, in the United States and more than 30 other countries and territories. As of June 30, 2011, more than 450 hotels were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in the United States, representing more than 37,000 rooms, and approximately 100 hotels, representing approximately 8,700 rooms, were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in more than 20 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 serve guests worldwide. In addition, via its Ascend Collection membership program, travelers in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean have upscale lodging options at historic, boutique and unique hotels.

About Choice Hotels Europe
Choice Hotels Europe is the trading name of Quality Hotels Ltd., a subsidiary of Choice Hotels International, Inc. Choice Hotels Europe (Quality Hotels Ltd.) provides travellers with single access to a network of nearly 500 locations in Europe, including over 40 in the UK, under the Comfort, Quality and Clarion brands. Additional information may be found on the Choice Hotels Europe Web site, which may be accessed at choicehotelsuk.co.uk . Choice Hotels, Choice Hotels International, Choice Hotels Europe, Choice Privileges, Comfort, Quality, Sleep, Cambria Suites, Clarion, Clarion Collection and Ascend Collection are proprietary trademarks and service marks of Choice Hotels International, Inc.

Choice Hotels announces October half term offers

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 17:05:31 GMT

Choice Hotels Europe, the hotel group behind the Comfort, Quality and Clarion brands, is offering half term packages at a number of properties specially designed for families who want to make the most of the October break.

For those wanting to explore the midlands and the north west of England, Quality Hotel Stoke on Trent is offering a package including a one-day family pass to Alton Towers, when a family of two adults and two children stays in a family room at the hotel for two consecutive nights*. To qualify for the stay all children must be under 12 years of age. The hotel also offers its guests complimentary car parking, a newly refurbished restaurant and free access to the Quality Hotels health club and spa with indoor heated pool, massage therapist and sauna.

The Clarion Collection Croydon Park Hotel is offering a two-night stay for two adults and two children which includes a full English Breakfast each morning, a sumptuous five course dinner on one evening, and a one day family travel card to visit nearby London*. Recently re-branded, this award-winning hotel is located in the heart of Croydon town centre with easy access to Central London and the South East. Guests also benefit from free parking as well as access to a health and fitness centre that boasts a pool, separate children’s pool, hot tub, sauna, solarium, gym and squash court.

The Quality Hotel Birmingham is offering families an Activity Break. Families who stay one night in a family room also receive tickets to a selection of attractions that include Cadbury's World, West Midlands Safari Park, Dudley Zoological Garden and the Black Country Museum*. Breakfast is also included and guests can use the hotel's new leisure facilities including gym, sauna, spa, hot tub and indoor swimming pool.

Reservations for the family breaksmust be made on www.choicehotelsuk.co.uk, or by calling 0800 44 44 44. Offers are subject to availability, and are being offered for a limited time, so families interested in making it a special October half term should make their bookings as soon as possible on www.choicehotelsuk.co.uk.

Notes to Editors:
*All offers are subject to availability, and terms and conditions apply. Please visit www.choicehotelsuk.co.uk for more information.

About Choice Hotels International:
Choice Hotels International, Inc. franchises more than 6,100 hotels, representing more than 490,000 rooms, in the United States and more than 30 other countries and territories. As of June 30, 2011, more than 450 hotels were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in the United States, representing more than 37,000 rooms, and approximately 100 hotels, representing approximately 8,700 rooms, were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in more than 20 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 serve guests worldwide. In addition, via its Ascend Collection membership program, travelers in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean have upscale lodging options at historic, boutique and unique hotels.

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

About Choice Hotels Europe
Choice Hotels Europe is the trading name of Quality Hotels Ltd., a subsidiary of Choice Hotels International, Inc, providing travellers with single access to a network of nearly 500 locations in Europe, including over 40 in the UK, under the Comfort, Quality and Clarion brands. Additional information may be found on the Choice Hotels Europe Web site: choicehotelsuk.co.uk .

Choice Hotels announces opening of Clarion Collection Birmingham

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 16:49:27 GMT

Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), the global hotel group behind the Comfort, Quality and Clarion brands and one of the largest and most successful lodging franchisors in the world, has announced that the newly-branded Clarion Collection Birmingham hotel has joined its global network of 6,100-plus hotels.

Centrally located and with easy access to Birmingham City Centre and Edgbaston Cricket Ground, the Clarion Collection Birmingham hotel provides business and leisure travellers with a perfect base to conduct business in the Midlands and explore the many nearby tourist attractions.

The four-star hotel will initially offer 60 rooms, increasing to 73 later in the year when 13 suites will be added. Each room has been tastefully designed from bedroom furniture to bathroom tiles, and all feature LCD TV’s and iPod docking stations. In addition the suites will be decorated with a unique theme and feature a separate lounge area, and some will also have kitchenettes and larger bathrooms containing whirlpools complete with LCD TV's.

Guests also benefit from free parking as well as dining in Headingly restaurant, which specialises in grill cuisine. The Edgbaston bar offers a contemporary environment to relax, with a wide selection of hot and cold beverages. Room service is available 24 hours a day, and guests can enjoy a full buffet breakfast.

The hotel also offers four meeting room facilities and is extending its meeting and conference offering to cater for up to 1,000 people. Also expected to open in 2012, the hotel has submitted a planning application to open a leisure centre that will boast a small swimming pool, gym, sauna, steam room and hot tub.

Duncan Berry, UK CEO, Choice Hotels Europe commented: "We welcome the Clarion Collection Birmingham to our global network of more than 6,100 hotels and are delighted to now have four Choice Hotels properties in Birmingham."

Yasin Hussain, General Manager, Clarion Collection Birmingham, said: "We saw many benefits to working with Choice Hotels which provides such a strong global hotel franchise brand."

To celebrate its opening the Clarion Collection Birmingham is offering a special opening package of a two night stay for two people in a twin, queen, or king bed room including breakfast, champagne and a seasonal fruit platter on arrival.

The Clarion Collection Birmingham is the fourth Choice Hotels property to open in Birmingham. Most recently the Quality Hotel Birmingham Airport / NEC opened in Spring 2010 and other properties include the Comfort Inn Birmingham and the Quality Hotel Birmingham.

In the past three months Choice Hotels has also announced the opening of the Comfort Inn Hyde Park in London, Comfort Hotel Luton and the Clarion Collection Croydon Park Hotel. These new openings form part of the strategy of Choice Hotels to grow its business by entering into more third-party direct franchising agreements with UK-based independent hoteliers, companies and individuals.

ENDS

About Choice Hotels International and Choice Hotels Europe:
Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) franchises more than 6,100 hotels, representing more than 490,000 rooms, in the United States and more than 30 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 serve guests worldwide. In addition, via its Ascend Collection membership program, travelers in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean have upscale lodging options at historic, boutique and unique hotels.

Choice Hotels adds two new UK hotels in June

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 10:09:18 GMT

Choice Hotels International (NYSE: CHH), the global hotel group behind the Comfort, Quality and Clarion brands and one of the largest and most successful lodging franchisors in the world, has announced that two more independently-run UK hotels have joined its network; Comfort Hotel Luton and the Clarion Collection Croydon Park Hotel.

The award-winning Croydon Park Hotel has been re-branded as the Clarion Collection Croydon Park Hotel. Located in the heart of Croydon town centre and only a short walk from East Croydon Station, it provides both business and leisure travellers with excellent transport links to both Central London and Gatwick Airport. The four-star hotel has 211 rooms located over five floors that include executive rooms, club rooms with big seating areas and family rooms. Guests also benefit from free parking as well as access to a health and fitness centre that boasts a pool, separate children's pool, hot tub, sauna, solarium, gym and squash court. The hotel also offers conference and banqueting facilities for up to 220 people.

The Royal Hotel Luton, now the re-branded three-star Comfort Hotel Luton, has been re-furbished doubling the number of bedrooms available. Located in Luton's centre and close to Luton Airport, it now has 44 en-suite bedrooms and offers free wireless and internet access throughout as well as tea and coffee making facilities. 14 complimentary parking spaces are also available for guests' use.

Both previously run as independent hotels, they are now operated under franchise agreements with Choice Hotels Europe. The Clarion Collection Croydon Park Hotel is owned and operated by Kasterlee UK Ltd while Landlet Hotel Group owns and operates the Comfort Hotel Luton.

Duncan Berry, UK CEO, Choice Hotels Europe commented: "We are delighted to see the Clarion Collection Croydon Park Hotel and Comfort Hotel Luton join our global network of more than 6,100 hotels."

Zaheed Nizar, director, Landlet Hotel Group, who operate the Comfort Hotel Luton hotel under franchise agreement, said: "We wanted to work with a strong global franchise brand and Choice Hotels Europe was the organisation that best matched our needs."

In May 2011 Choice Hotels announced the opening of the Comfort Inn Hyde Park in London, the eighteenth Choice Hotels brand property to open in the capital. These new openings form part of the strategy of Choice Hotels to grow its business by entering into more third-party direct franchising agreements with UK-based independent hoteliers, companies and individuals.

Benefits to independent hoteliers of operating under a Comfort, Quality or Clarion brand include reservations delivered through a central online booking system and third-party travel websites, marketing support and powerful seasonal and national advertising campaigns, as well as a large and experienced sales force able to negotiate with major travel agents. The company also operates an award-winning global loyalty programme with more than 12 million members.

ENDS

About Choice Hotels International and Choice Hotels Europe:
Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) is one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world. Choice Hotels currently franchises more than 6,100 hotels globally, including Luton hotels and representing more than 490,000 rooms. Ranging from limited service to full service hotels in the economy, mid-scale and upscale segments, Choice Hotels franchised properties provide business and leisure travellers with a range of, high-value lodging options.

The Choice Hotels Europe portfolio of franchised hotels offers business and leisure travellers a full spectrum from premium economy to luxury hotels. Choice Hotels Europe franchises nearly 500 hotels across Europe alone. Brands operated by Choice Hotels in Europe include Clarion which could be described as four-star, Quality, which sits in the three-star bracket and provides a mid-scale full service offering and Comfort, the largest Choice Hotels brand worldwide, known for value and reliability.

Choice Hotels rewards loyal customers with free night's stay

Thu, 19 May 2011 09:42:12 GMT

Choice Hotels International, the global hotel group behind the Comfort, Quality and Clarion brands and one of the largest and most successful lodging franchisors in the world, has launched a promotion enabling members of Choice Privileges, the company's award-winning rewards programme, to earn a free night's stay at one of more than 200 of its European hotels.

From 19 May until 11 August 2011 when a Choice Privileges member stays two separate times at a Choice Hotels property they will earn enough points to redeem for a free night at over 200 participating hotels in Europe between 16 September and 30 November, including spa hotels in the South of France, rustic Italian retreats, and UK hotels such as the Quality Inn Plymouth, Quality Hotel Coventry, Comfort Inn King's Cross, Comfort Hotel St. Albans, Birmingham Hotels and Comfort Inn Hyde Park in London, UK.

Originally launched in 1998, the Choice Privileges rewards programme has been available in Europe since 2008 and recently surpassed the 12 million member threshold worldwide. Becoming a Choice Privileges member is free and easy as guests can either register when staying at a Choice Hotels property or by logging on to the Choice Privileges website.

Members can earn points at 5,500 locations around the world and also enjoy express check-in, extended check-out, and the opportunity to redeem points for free nights at thousands of properties throughout Europe, Africa, The Middle East, Australasia, North America, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. Members can also redeem points at luxury partner hotels, such as Preferred Hotels & Resorts, through airline partners including American Airlines, Qantas, Delta, Air Berlin and Czech Airlines, and car hire partners Avis and Budget.

"People are looking to make their travel and holiday budgets stretch further and we wanted to reward our most loyal customers by enabling them to earn a free night's stay in Europe," said Duncan Berry, CEO UK, Choice Hotels Europe."

ENDS

About Choice Hotels International and Choice Hotels Europe:
Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) is one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world.

Choice Hotels currently franchises more than 6,100 hotels globally, representing more than 490,000 rooms, including hotels near Wembley. Ranging from limited service to full service hotels in the economy, mid-scale and upscale segments, Choice Hotels franchised properties provide business and leisure travellers with a range of, high-value lodging options.

Choice Hotels opens new Comfort Hotel in London

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 10:05:21 GMT

Choice Hotels International, the global hotel group behind the Comfort, Quality and Clarion brands and one of the largest and most successful lodging franchisors in the world, has announced the opening of the Comfort Inn Hyde Park, bringing the number of Choice-branded hotels in London to eighteen.

Previously independently run as the Park Lodge Hotel, the re-branded Comfort Inn Hyde Park has 29 newly re-furbished guest bedrooms, all with modern en-suites and featuring flat screen LCD televisions, free wi-fi, and tea and coffee making facilities. Guests also benefit from the free full English breakfast served everyday in the breakfast room. Located 200 metres from Queensway and Bayswater tube stations with easy access to both Central London and London Heathrow, the hotel is an excellent base for both business and leisure travellers.

Last month Choice Hotels announced that it opened nearly 40 new Comfort, Quality or Clarion brand properties in Europe alone during 2010. The benefits to independent hoteliers of operating under these brands include increased reservations delivered through a central online booking system and third-party travel websites, marketing support and powerful seasonal and national advertising campaigns, as well as a large and experienced sales force able to negotiate with major travel agents. The company also operates an award-winning global loyalty programme with more than 12 million members.

Duncan Berry, UK CEO, Choice Hotels Europe commented: “We are delighted to open this new London Hotel which will serve both leisure and business travellers looking for a value-added competitively priced hotel. With the forthcoming 2012 Olympics we believe all our 18 London-based Choice-branded hotels are well-positioned to benefit from the inbound tourism expected next year.”

Sayeed Esmail, Director of Operations for SME Group Plc who operates the Comfort Inn Hyde Park hotel under a franchise agreement, commented: “We wanted to work with a strong global franchise brand and Choice Hotels Europe fitted the bill perfectly.”

Choice Hotels Europe’s portfolio of franchised hotels offers business and leisure travellers a full spectrum from premium economy to luxury hotels. Choice Hotels Europe franchises nearly 500 hotels across Europe alone. Brands operated by Choice in Europe include Clarion which could be described as four-star, Quality, which sits in the three-star bracket and provides a mid-scale full service offering and Comfort, Choice’s largest brand worldwide and known for value and reliability.

- ENDS -

About Choice Hotels International and Choice Hotels Europe
Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) is one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world.

Choice Hotels currently franchises more than 6,000 hotels globally, representing more than 485,000 rooms. Ranging from limited service to full service hotels in the economy, mid-scale and upscale segments, Choice Hotels franchised properties provide business and leisure travellers with a range of, high-value lodging options.

Choice Hotels Europe is the trading name of Quality Hotels Ltd., a subsidiary of Choice Hotels International, Inc. Choice Hotels Europe (Quality Hotels Ltd.) provides travellers with single access to a network of nearly 500 locations in Europe, including over 40 UK destinations, under the Comfort, Quality and Clarion brands. Choice Hotels, Choice Hotels International, Choice Hotels Europe, Choice Privileges, Comfort, Quality, Sleep Inn, Cambria Suites, Clarion, Clarion Collection and Ascend Collection are proprietary trademarks and service marks of Choice Hotels International, Inc.

Choice Hotels buys Copperhill Mountain Lodge in Are

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:58:54 GMT

Choice Hotels Scandinavia has signed an agreement for the acquisition of Copperhill Mountain Lodge in Are, Sweden. The 20,000 square metre facility includes a hotel, staff quarters and associated cabins, and the acquisition price has been set at SEK 200 million. The hotel was completed in December 2008, following SEK 800 million in investments.

Petter Stordalen, owner and chairman of the board at Choice Hotels Scandinavia said: "This is the first time that I have bought copper for the price of granite. But I am sure that this will turn into a gold mine for Choice." The hotel complex is to be purchased by Home Properties, the property company owned by Petter Stordalen. Choice Hotels will be responsible for its operation.

The five-star Copperhill Mountain Lodge was opened in December 2008 as one of six Swedish Design Hotels. The hotel comprises 112 suites and rooms with a total of 580 beds, in addition to conference facilities capable of hosting up to 600 people. Copperhill Mountain Lodge also offers a gourmet restaurant, champagne bar, apres ski bar and lounge bar, as well as a spa department inspired by Sami traditions. A private ski lift system – the Copperhill Express – links the hotel to the Are skiing resort, which includes 46 lifts and 102 pistes.

Torgeir Silseth, managing director of Choice Hotels Scandinavia said: "We believe strongly in the opportunities that the facility offers, and in Are as a destination. We hope that the snow comes early to Are this year so that we can get started as soon as possible."

In June this year, Choice purchased the Nordic Light Hotel and Nordic Sea Hotel in Stockholm. Comprising a total of 542 new rooms, these two acquisitions have made Choice the largest player in the city. Subsequently, on Thursday 27 August, Petter Stordalen and Torgeir Silseth signed the final contract for the construction of Clarion Hotel Arlanda Airport, an airport hotel offering 400 rooms spread across eight storeys. The airport hotel is scheduled to open in 2012 along with Sky City and the terminals, providing direct access to regional and international air traffic. In total, Choice is working on projects for 11 hotels with 3,031 rooms in the period up to 2014.

About Choice Hotels Scandinavia
Choice Hotels offers accommodation at hotels in cities throughout Scandinavia. You can find Choice Hotels in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Stockholm, Gothenburg and Copenhagen, among other cities. Choice hotels also offer several conference hotels for large and small conferences and events.

Choice Hotels Scandinavia is the largest hotel chain in Scandinavia, employing 9200 staff and operating more than 170 hotels. The group markets the Comfort, Quality Hotels, Quality Resort, Clarion Collection and Clarion Hotels brands on the Nordic and Baltic markets.

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