In a continuing effort to increase its global presence, Choice Hotels International (NYSE:CHH) announced the launch of the Clarion Collection by Choice Hotels in Asia and Australia.

Through a global partnership between Australia based Flag Choice Hotels and Rendezvous Hotels International, operator of luxury hotels and resorts throughout Asia and Australia, the Rendezvous properties in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sidney and Singapore will be co-branded under the Clarion Collection by Choice Hotels brand.

The Clarion Collection is a brand extension of Choice Hotels lower-upscale Clarion brand that is tailored to accommodate unique, historic or boutique hotels that enjoy strong local identities but would benefit from the resources offered by one of the world`s largest lodging franchisors.

These co-branded properties will benefit from Flag Choice Hotels` global reservations system, GDS and other distribution channels as well as participation in the Choice Hotels` loyalty program, Choice Privileges and the highly popular international HotelPass product, which allows international travelers to the Asia Pacific region to stopover in Asia en route to Australia and New Zealand.

“The mutual benefits of this partnership are tremendous,” said Bruce Haase, Choice Hotels` senior vice-president of international. “With Rendezvous` rapid expansion throughout the region, Choice will be on course to grow our Clarion Collection brand in key gateway cities throughout the region, while providing Rendezvous with an extensive distribution model to market and sell their hotels.”

The initial properties under going the conversion are Rendezvous Allegra Hotel, Adelaide, Rendezvous Hotel, Brisbane, Rendezvous Marque Hotel, Melbourne, Rendezvous Observation City Hotel, Perth, Rendezvous Stafford Hotel, Sidney and the Rendezvous Hotel, Singapore. To reflect the partnership, “A Clarion Collection Hotel” will now follow the hotel names.

These stylish properties offer such amenities as deluxe guestrooms and suites, restaurant, meeting space, fitness center, swimming pool and the latest in-room technology (amenities may vary at each property).

Beginning November 1, 2003, Rendezvous` hotel inventory will be available through the Flag Choice reservations center, website and as part of the HotelPass program. The properties will convert to the Choice Hotels GDS system under access code EC on January 1, 2004.

Flag Choice Hotels representing Comfort Inn, Quality, Clarion and Flag offers more than 330 hotels, inns, suites, resorts and apartments located across Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, American Samoa and Singapore.

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, Rodeway Inn, Choice Privileges and Clarion Collection are the proprietary trademarks and service marks of Choice Hotels International Inc.

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