Choice Hotels Launches 2010 European Hotel Directory

Choice Hotels International (NYSE: CHH), the global hotel group behind the Comfort, Quality, Clarion and Sleep Inn brands and one of the largest and most successful lodging franchisors in the world, today announced the launch of its 2010 European Hotel Directory which includes details of nearly 500 hotels located in 16 European countries. New for 2010 are hotels located in Poland and Latvia.

The six Polish hotels are all recently built and enjoy the high quality standards of modern hotel properties. Located in cities such as Krakow and Wroclaw five hotels carry the Quality brand while the hotel located in the Baltic Sea resort of Dzwirzyno is a Clarion, known as Clarion Hotel™Grand Baltic Resort and Spa. In Latvia, the Clarion Collection Hotel Valdemars is located in the centre of Riga.

The directory, which includes information in 13 European languages including Czech, Danish, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish and Swedish also details information for each hotel property such as restaurant, business centre and parking facilities, air-conditioning in bedrooms and WiFi internet access. It also details nearby attractions for those planning leisure trips such as the hotel’s proximity to the sea, ski-resorts and amusement parks. Pet owners can also plan trips around those hotels that are marked as being pet friendly.

During 2009 Choice Hotels Europe launched new brand standards at all its Comfort and Quality properties throughout Europe which include free internet access or WiFi, upgraded bedding and a consistent breakfast offering. Part of a global initiative in order to ensure all hotels are relevant in their markets and well-positioned to compete within their competitive sets, standards have been customised for local market implementation in order to positively impact overall guest experience.

Choice Hotels International recently announced it had reached 6,000 franchised properties, with the opening of the Inn of Chicago Magnificent Mile in the US, an Ascend Collection Hotel. Here in Europe, Choice Hotels Europe has recently opened the Quality Hotel Maitrise Maida Vale, London, the Quality Hotel Reading, Quality Hotel Crewe Arms and the Clarion Collection Opéra Pavillon in Paris. The new hotel in Paris is the first Clarion property to open in the capital, and features rooms decorated by designer Joseph Karam, a Zen patio and an art gallery atmosphere.

Duncan Berry, Chief Operating Officer, Choice Hotels Europe, commented: “This directory puts nearly 500 hotels throughout Europe at the fingertips of travellers and agents and complements information found on our website and through our dedicated reservation centre. Furthermore, our portfolio of franchised hotels offers business and leisure travellers a full spectrum from economy to luxury hotels to choose from.”