The media is invited to attend a grand opening celebration today, Dec. 11 from 4:30 - 6 p.m. for a new Comfort Suites hotel here at 1055 McNee Road. A ribbon cutting, tours of the hotel, door prizes and refreshments will be included in the festivities. Chamber of Commerce members, civic leaders and local business members are expected to attend.

Owned and operated by Hare Ram LLC of Houston, the Comfort Suites Medical Center/Reliant Park features 50 one- and two-room suites with king- or queen-size beds. Suite amenities include a microwave, refrigerator, coffeemaker, 27-inch remote-controlled color television with HBO, workdesk with ergonomic chair, computer data port with high-speed Internet access, sofabed, iron, ironing board and hairdryer. Some suites feature a Jacuzzi and full kitchen. Handicapped and non-smoking rooms are available.

The four-story Comfort Suites Medical Center/Reliant Park features an outdoor pool; 700 square-foot meeting room; business center with computer with high-speed Internet access, copier and facsimile machine; exercise facility equipped with a treadmill and free weights; and breakfast area that seats up to 24 individuals.

Rates begin at $99 and includes a complimentary deluxe continental breakfast, free local telephone calls and 100 percent guest satisfaction guarantee.

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

The Comfort Suites Medical Center/Reliant Park is adjacent to the Texas Astrodome and within walking distance to many nearby businesses and attractions. Houston Zoo, Six Flags Astroworld, Museum of National Science and downtown Houston are just minutes away.

The Comfort Suites Medical Center/Reliant Park 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 family members and friends for four nights at any Choice brand hotel within the continental United States 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 342 Comfort Inn hotels open and 76 under development worldwide, representing 33,675 rooms.

For reservations at any Comfort Suites hotel worldwide, contact Comfort Suites` toll-free reservation service at (800)-4CHOICE or visit www.choicehotels.com on the Internet. Rooms at the Comfort Suites Medical Center/Reliant Park also can be booked by contacting the hotel directly at (713) 668-1436.

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.

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