The Comfort Suites hotel, located at 10 South Hanover Street, recently received the Platinum Hospitality Award from Choice Hotels International (NYSE: CHH), franchisor of the Comfort Suites hotel brand.

The Platinum Hospitality Award honors the top 1 percent of hotels in the Choice system in terms of extraordinary service and facilities. To receive the award, a hotel must achieve at least a 98 percent on their quality assurance review from Choice in all departments in addition to a pass on brand identity, which grades franchisees on their compliance with their respective brand`s requirements.

The Comfort Suites hotel was evaluated on issues including staff professionalism and training, safety and security, work area conditions, retention policies, internal communications, knowledge of the property and area and food-and-beverage operations among others.

“By winning our most prestigious award, the Comfort Suites hotel has accomplished what only a few hotels in our system have done, ” said Chuck Ledsinger, Choice president and chief executive officer.

Constructed in 1999, the Comfort Suites hotel is owned by Carlisle Hospitality LP of West Chester, Pa. and managed by Ellis Management Co. of West Chester, Pa.

Prior to winning the 2003 Platinum Hospitality Award, the Comfort Suites hotel won Choice`s Gold Hospitality Award for two-consecutive years in 2001 and 2002.

Centrally located to many premier attractions and businesses, the Comfort Suites hotel features 105 suites, an onsite restaurant and lounge, meeting space that can accommodate up to 400 individuals, fitness center and gift shop.

All suites include a microwave, refrigerator, complimentary HBO, executive work desk, computer data port and an adjoining sitting room. Jacuzzi suites also are available.

Guests of the Comfort Suites hotel receive a complimentary deluxe continental breakfast and complimentary USA TODAY newspaper.

There currently are 369 Comfort Suites hotels open and 71 under development worldwide, representing 35,349 rooms.

For reservations at any Comfort Suites hotel worldwide, contact Choice`s toll-free reservation service at (800)-4CHOICE or visit www.choicehotels.com on the Internet. Reservations also can be made by contacting the Comfort Suites hotel directly at (717) 960-1000.

Choice Hotels International is one of the world`s largest lodging franchisors, marketing more than 5,000 hotels open or under development in 48 countries and territories under the Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, MainStay Suites, Econo Lodge, and Rodeway Inn brand names. For more information on Choice, visit the company`s web site at www.choicehotels.com.

Choice Hotels, Choice Hotels International, Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, MainStay Suites, Econo Lodge, and Rodeway Inn are the proprietary trademarks and service marks of Choice Hotels International Inc.

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