The Claridge Hotel, a Clarion Collection, located at 3500 Collins Ave. near Miami`s popular South Beach area and across the street from the Atlantic Ocean and Boardwalk, is now open. Originally built in 1928, the hotel features old world charm, classic Mediterranean revival architecture and an in-lobby 12-person Jacuzzi splash spa.

The Clarion Collection is franchised by Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE:CHH), one of the world`s largest lodging franchisors. This brand extension of the upscale Clarion brand features unique, historic or boutique hotels that have strong local recognition and unique designs or features.

“The Claridge Hotel is a welcome addition to our system,” said Michael J. Ludden, senior director and brand manager, Clarion Brand Hotels. “This unique, historic hotel has upscale room amenities and hotel features and bears all the distinctive hallmarks of the Clarion Collection line.”

The Claridge Hotel, a Clarion Collection features 50 rooms and suites including a two-room penthouse suite with one king bed, a sofa bed and rooftop sundeck terrace, six junior alcove rooms with one queen bed and sofa bed, and ocean view rooms with a balcony. Each guestroom has a mini bar, cable TV with premium movie channels, Internet access, handmade ceramic bathroom features, plush bathrobes, two-line telephone with data port, voice mail, in-room safe, electronic locks and complimentary Financial Times. Hotel features include the indoor Jacuzzi splash spa, La Spiaggia Ristorante, a charming interior patio, and fitness center with gym, treadmill, weight trainer and bicycle. La Spiaggia Ristorante features Italian-Mediterranean cuisine for breakfast, dinner and room service. An a la carte continental breakfast is offered in the atrium patio.

The Claridge Hotel, a Clarion Collection is located near the Art Deco District, Lincoln Road, the Holocaust Memorial, Jackie Gleason Theater of the Performing Arts, Bass Museum and Bal Harbor Shops. Downtown Miami, the Port of Miami, Bayside Marketplace, AA Arena, Miami Arena, Viscaya Palace and Parrot Jungle are eight miles away.

The Claridge Hotel, a Clarion Collection is operated by Driftwood Hospitality Management in Jupiter, Fla. The hotel was a winner of the 2000 City of Miami Beach Beautification Award and the 2001 Miami Design Preservation League Restoration Award.

The Claridge Hotel, a Clarion Collection participates in Choice Privileges®, Choice Hotels` rewards program where guests can earn points toward free lodging or frequent flier miles with participating airlines when staying at U.S. Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion and MainStay Suites brand hotels.

For reservations at any Clarion brand hotel worldwide, contact Choice Hotels` toll-free reservation service at 1-800-4CHOICE or visit www.choicehotels.com on the Internet. Rooms at the Claridge Hotel, a Clarion Collection, may also be booked by contacting the hotel at the hotel`s toll-free number, 888-422-9111 or through its website, www.claridgefl.com.

Clarion brand hotels are franchised by Choice Hotels International (NYSE: CHH), one of the world`s largest lodging franchisors. Choice Hotels International franchises more than 5,000 hotels open or under development under the Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, MainStay Suites, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn brands in 48 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, Choice Privileges and 1-800-4CHOICE are proprietary trademarks and service marks of Choice Hotels International, Inc.

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