The seven-story historic Grand Royale Hotel, a Clarion Collection hotel, located at 80 State St. in the heart of downtown Binghamton, is now part of the Choice Hotels International system. Located in the center of government and corporate business near entertainment venues and within walking distances of shops and restaurants, the Grand Royale hotel is a member of the National Register of Historic Places.

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 Grand Royale Hotel, a Clarion Collection hotel is a welcome addition to our system,” said Alexandra Jaritz, senior director, brand strategy and corporate development for Choice Hotels. “This unique, historic hotel has upscale room amenities and hotel features and bears all the distinctive hallmarks of the Clarion Collection line.”

The Grand Royale Hotel was built in 1897 and once served as Binghamton’s City Hall. The hotel features Beaux Arts architecture, period charm and ambience. The lobby features a staircase flanked by two lions, matching crystal sconces and chandeliers and classic wall and window treatments. The Royale Room, one of the hotel’s meeting rooms, features a 30 foot domed granite ceiling and ornate stone carvings.

The hotel has 61 guest rooms that feature one or two queen or king size beds. Each guest room features microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, 25-inch color TV, VCR, clock radio, hair dryer, iron, ironing board, and telephone and voice mail. Some rooms also feature a desk and data port. Executive king rooms, two-person Whirlpool rooms, kitchenette suites and bi-level whirlpool suites are also available. The bi-level whirlpool suites feature a living room with Jacuzzi, full flight of stairs, and loft bedroom with skylight and ceiling fan. Guests of the Grand Royale, a Clarion Collection hotel, receive a complimentary continental breakfast, free copy of USA Today, and complimentary use of the hotel’s 24-hour business center and the local YMCA which is one block away. The hotel has three elegant banquet/meeting rooms capable of accommodating 140 people.

The Grand Royale, a Clarion Collection hotel, is convenient to Route 17, I-86, I-81 and I-88 and within walking distance of Forum Theater, Metro Center Mall, Roberson Museum and Broome County Veteran’s Memorial. The hotel is less than a mile from NYSEG Stadium and two miles from Ross Park Zoo. Broome Community College and Binghamton University are also nearby.

The Grand Royale, a Clarion Collection hotel, is owned by Binghamton Associates, LLC. Kalli Van Dyke is the general manager.

The Grand Royale, a Clarion Collection hotel, 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 Grand Royale, a Clarion Collection hotel, may also be booked by contacting the hotel directly at 607-722-0000. The hotel’s website is www.grandroyalehotel.com.

Beginning June 7, visitors to www.choicehotels.com may enter the “Wake Up a Winner” sweepstakes. Grand Prizes include trips for two to the events in Athens, Greece, as well as Rome and London, complete with airfare, hotel accommodations and $10,000 in spending money. Additional Grand Prize trips for two to National Park sites throughout the U.S., including airfare, hotel accommodations and $5,000 in spending money, will also be awarded. “Wake Up a Winner” Scratch and Win cards will be distributed at domestic hotels beginning June 7 and ending August 29 or while supplies last.

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 44 countries and territories. For more information on Choice Hotels, visit the company’s internet site at www.choicehotels.com.
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