A 53-unit Econo Lodge hotel, located at 1401 East Austin Blvd., and is now open.

The Econo Lodge hotel, which formerly operated as the Rambler Motel, is owned and operated by Rambler Motel of Nevada, Inc.

A recent renovation remodeled guest rooms with new carpeting, drapes, bedspreads, TV and lamps. Exterior renovation included painting the building, upgrading the porte cochere, resurfacing the pool and resealing the parking lot.

The Econo Lodge hotel features rooms with one queen or king-size bed or two double beds. Each guest room includes a microwave, refrigerator, 25-inch digital cable TV, telephone with data port, work desk, dressing table, coffee maker, and hair dryer.

Special senior rooms feature brighter lighting, large button telephones and television remote controls, lever handles on doors and faucets, alarm clocks with large, easy-to-read numbers, coffee makers and grab bars in the bathrooms. Non-smoking rooms and rooms for individuals with disabilities are also available.

Hotel features include an outdoor pool and parking. Also, Econo Lodge housekeepers participate in a training program that leads to certification by Procter & Gamble`s Mr. Clean brand.

Room rates currently begin at $39.99. Rates include free continental breakfast of doughnuts, cinnamon rolls, bagels, muffins, toast, juice, coffee, tea and milk; free local telephone calls and a 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.

Children, ages 18 and under, stay for free when staying in the room of a parent or grandparent.

Econo Lodge hotels participate in EA$Y CHOICE, a frequent traveler promotion that offers guests free lodging or frequent flier miles from participating airlines. Members of American Airlines AAdvantage, Delta SkyMiles, Northwest Airlines WorldPerks, US Airways Dividend Miles and United Mileage Plus can receive airline miles when staying at any Choice brand hotel in the U.S. and Caribbean.

The Econo Lodge hotel is minutes away from area attractions including Camp Clark National Guard Base, Bushwhacker Museum, Cottery College, Champion Diamonds and Frank E. Peters Golf Course.

For reservations at any Econo Lodge hotel worldwide, contact Choice Hotels` toll-free reservation service at 1-800-4CHOICE or visit www.choicehotels.com on the Internet. Rooms at the Econo Lodge may also be booked by contacting the hotel directly at (417) 667-3351.

The Econo Lodge hotel brand is franchised by Choice Hotels International (NYSE: CHH), one of the world`s largest lodging franchisors. Choice Hotels franchises more than 5,000 hotels under the Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, MainStay Suites, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn brands in 46 countries. For more information on Choice Hotels, visit the company`s Internet site at www.choicehotels.com.

Choice Hotels, Choice Hotels International, Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, MainStay Suites, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn, EA$Y CHOICE and 1-800-4CHOICE are proprietary trademarks and service marks of Choice Hotels International, Inc.

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