A Comfort Suites hotel recently opened here at 3115 Camino Del Rio Court.

The new Comfort Suites hotel, owned and operated by Dipmala Enterprises Inc. of Bakersfield, Calif., features 57 suites with king- or queen-size beds. All suites are equipped with a microwave, refrigerator, coffeemaker, pullout sofa bed, 27-inch remote-control cable television with free HBO, two two-line telephones, free high-speed Internet access, iron, ironing board and hairdryer. Some suites feature a whirlpool tub, two bedrooms and computer. Handicapped suites also are available.

The Comfort Suites hotel is a 100 percent non-smoking hotel and features a meeting room that can accommodate up to 30 individuals; heated outdoor pool and spa; business center equipped with a computer with free high-speed Internet access, printer, copier and facsimile machine; room service from nearby restaurants including Coco`s, Hungry Hunter`s Steakhouse and the Double Tree Club; breakfast area that seats up to 30 people; and valet laundry service.

Rates begin at $79. 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, business travelers, government and military personnel and groups.

Guests of the Comfort Suites hotel receive a complimentary deluxe continental breakfast consisting of cereals, pastries, breads, fresh fruit, coffee, tea and juices; complimentary USA TODAY newspaper; free local telephone calls; complimentary access to 24-Hour Fitness next to the hotel; and 100 percent guest satisfaction guarantee.

The Comfort Suites hotel is centrally located to several of Bakersfield`s premiere attractions including Buck Owens Crystal Palace, Bakersfield Museum of Art and Centennial Garden. Many restaurant and shops are within walking distance to the hotel.

The Comfort Suites hotel participates in Choice`s Choice Privileges 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.

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 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 Suites hotel worldwide, contact Comfort Suites toll-free reservation service at (800)-4CHOICE or visit www.comfortsuites.com on the Internet. Rooms at the Comfort Suites hotel also can be booked by contacting the hotel directly at (661) 325-8000.

Choice Hotels International is the world`s second largest lodging franchisor, 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.

American Airlines and AAdvantage are registered trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. All standard program rules and conditions apply. American Airlines reserves the right to change AAdvantage program at any time without notice. American Airlines is not responsible for products or services offered by other participating companies. For complete details about the AAdvantage program, visit www.aa.com. Delta SkyMiles is a registered trademark of Delta Air Lines. All standard program rules and conditions apply. Northwest Airlines WorldPerks is a registered trademark of Northwest Airlines. Participation in WorldPerks is subject to the terms and conditions of the WorldPerks Member`s Guide. Please allow 6-8 weeks for WorldPerks miles to be deposited into your account. United may find it necessary to change Mileage Plus rules, regulations, travel awards and special offers at any time without notice, impacting for example, participant affiliations, rules for earning mileage and blackout dates and limited seating for travel awards. United reserves the right to end the Mileage Plus program with six months notice. Mileage Plus travel awards, mileage accrual and special offers are subject to government regulations. United and Mileage Plus are registered trademarks of United Air Lines, Inc.

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