The media is invited to attend a grand opening celebration for a new Comfort Inn & Suites hotel on Thursday, Oct. 24 from 5:30 - 7 p.m. at 1020 South White Sands Boulevard. A ribbon cutting, tours of the hotel and refreshments will be included in the celebration. Chamber of commerce members and local business leaders are expected to attend.

Formerly the White Sands Inn & Suites hotel, the Comfort Inn & Suites hotel is owned and operated by New Mexico Leisure Inc. of Lubbock, Texas.

“We are thrilled to be a part of the Choice family,” said Linda Elliott, the hotel`s general manger. “We have a great staff, excellent amenities, spacious guest rooms and suites and we are centrally located to all area businesses and attractions.”

The Comfort Inn & Suites hotel features rooms equipped with king- or queen-size beds, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, remote-controlled cable television, computer data port, iron, ironing board and hairdryer. Sixteen suites also feature a separate living room and kitchenette with cook-top stove, cookware, dishes and silverware. Handicapped and non-smoking rooms also are available.

Hotel features include an outdoor pool with sundeck and Jacuzzi; meeting room that can accommodate up to 50 people; exercise room; breakfast area that can seat up to 50 people; and guest laundry services.

Guests of the Comfort Inn & Suites hotel receive complimentary deluxe continental breakfasts consisting of sausage, biscuits, waffles, cereals, oatmeal, breads, pastries, bagels, muffins, fresh fruits, coffee, tea and juices; free local telephone calls; and 100 percent guest satisfaction guarantee.

Rates begin at $52.95. Children, ages 18 and under, stay free when accompanied by an adult.

Discounts are available when booked in advance for seniors, American Automobile Association members, government and military personnel, business travelers and groups.

The Comfort Inn & Suites hotel is conveniently located on U.S. Highway 70/54 and close to the Space Hall of Fame, White Sands National Park and Cloudcroft Ski Area.

The Comfort Inn & Suites hotel participates in Choice`s Choice PrivilegesSM frequent-traveler program where guests can earn points toward free stays, vacations and gifts when staying at U.S. Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Clarion and Sleep Inn brand hotels.

Members of American Airlines AAdvantage, Delta SkyMiles, Northwest Airlines WorldPerks and US Airways Dividend Miles will receive airline miles when staying at any Choice brand hotel in the U.S. and Caribbean.

Travelers can enter Choice`s Get Together Sweepstakes to win a trip for 10 for four nights at any Choice brand hotel within the continental U.S. and $500 in spending money per person. The sweepstakes runs through Jan. 31, 2003. Travelers can enter at www.choicehotels.com. No purchase is necessary to enter.

Comfort Inn & Suites hotels are franchised by Choice Hotels International (NYSE: CHH). There currently are 2,065 Comfort brand hotels open and 243 under development worldwide, representing 178,551 rooms.

For reservations at any Comfort brand hotel worldwide, contact Comfort`s toll-free reservation service at (800)-4CHOICE or visit www.comfortinn.com on the Internet. Rooms at the Comfort Inn & Suites hotel also can be booked by contacting the hotel directly at (505) 434-4200.

Choice Hotels International is one of the world`s largest lodging franchisors, marketing more than 5,000 hotels open or under development in 46 countries under the Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Clarion, Sleep Inn, Econo Lodge, MainStay Suites and Rodeway Inn brand names. For more information on Choice Hotels, visit the company`s web site at www.choicehotels.com.

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