The more than 35 million members of AARP are now eligible for a 15 percent discount off their room rates when staying at any Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Clarion, Quality, Sleep Inn, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn, or MainStay Suites brand hotel across the U.S.

Worldwide lodging franchisor Choice Hotels International (NYSE:CHH) has joined AARP Privileges, a program designed to provide benefits to AARP`s membership of individuals aged 50 and older. Through the program, AARP members will receive 15 percent off at any Choice brand hotel. Reservations may be made by calling 1-800-4-CHOICE or by visiting www.choicehotels.com; members should state ID # 00333300.

In addition to the discount, children 18 or under stay free at all Choice brand hotels when traveling with a parent or grandparent. And more than 2,400 Choice brand hotels offer complimentary breakfast with room rate and a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.
Choice`s participation in the AARP Privileges program will be promoted via AARP`s publications and its Web site, www.aarp.org.

“We are thrilled to join forces with AARP and its membership, which represents one of the fastest growing demographics in the U.S.,” said Wayne W. Wielgus, Choice`s senior vice president, marketing. “We have long catered to the 50-plus traveler, both through special rates and through innovations such as the Econo Lodge Senior Room and the Rodeway Choice Room, rooms designed to accommodate the particular needs of senior travelers. This new agreement, which offers one of the lowest AARP discounts in the industry, gives these valued guests yet another reason to stay with us.”

“We are very pleased that all eight of the brands in the Choice Hotels International system have joined the AARP Privileges program,” said Steve Zaleznick, CEO of AARP Services. Inc. “Their attractive 15 percent offer to AARP members, the amenities and features of their popular variety of products, combined with exciting and innovative promotions will certainly entice many guests 50 and older to their hotels.” AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people 50 and older. AARP provides information and resources; advocates on legislative, consumer and legal issues; assists members in serving their communities; and offers a wide range of unique benefits, special products and services for its members. These benefits include AARP Webplace at www.aarp.org, Modern Maturity and My Generation magazines, and the monthly AARP Bulletin. Active in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP celebrates the attitude that age is just a number and life is what you make it.

AARP Services Incorporated (ASI) is a wholly owned and independently operated subsidiary of the nonprofit organization, AARP. ASI provides many opportunities for AARP to better service its 35 million members through a wide range of new products and services, product management, marketing and the AARP Webplace, which integrates content, community and commerce. ASI makes available to AARP`s membership best in class products and services with competitive prices and excellent customer service - spanning health and financial products, travel and hotel discounts, educational opportunities, and life event services.

Choice Hotels International is one of the world`s largest lodging franchisors, with more than 5,000 hotels open or under development in 43 countries. Its Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Clarion, Sleep Inn, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn and MainStay Suites brand hotels serve guests worldwide. For more information, visit the company online at www.choicehotels.com.

——-