Uniguest™ Signs Qualified Vendor Agreement With Choice Hotels

NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Uniguest™ is pleased to announce the signing of a three-year agreement with Choice Hotels International®,  naming Uniguest as the software and service qualified vendor for all franchised Comfort Suites business centers across the United States. This deal constitutes the continued dominance of Uniguest as the premier service supplier to the hotel industry.

Christina Williamson, senior director, brand planning, Comfort Inn & Comfort Suites, said Uniguest was selected after a comprehensive search for the ideal public PC company. With its excellent track record, number of customers in the hospitality industry, unique security software and 24/7/365 in-house technical support, Uniguest fit the bill.

"Research showed us that guests expect a business center to be available and reliable," Williamson said. "Uniguest was a natural fit to help us solve for this because they were delivering a high-quality managed solution to some of our franchisees already. By making this standard at all Comfort Suites properties, we can deliver a more uniform and improved experience."

"Uniguest has a large network of hotel customers," she added. "It is the most experienced with brand-wide rollouts similar to this one for Comfort Suites."

Each public computer is outfitted with Uniguest's SecuredAdvantage™ software, which protects users from identity theft, unsolicited downloads, viruses and unwanted exposure to adult content. To safeguard the PC, the software restores the system after each session, not just once a day.

In addition, 24/7/365 support from Uniguest's U-Crew, the company's in-house information technology help-desk team, is provided. U-Crew team members are experts at solving general computing issues and guiding customers through any concerns they might experience with custom systems.

As part of the agreement, Uniguest created a custom-branded software interface for the chain, as well. It allows users to easily check e-mail, print boarding passes, get directions, navigate to the most prevalent Websites or use Microsoft's most popular applications — all in just a few clicks of the mouse and 100 percent secure.

For ease of use, Uniguest also created a special Web site, where Comfort Suites franchisees can easily order their new hardware and software.

"We are thrilled to be working with Choice Hotels," said Shawn Thomas, CEO and co-founder of Uniguest. "The company's goal when searching for a technology provider for its franchisees was to offer consistent and safe guest computing and great services for its business travelers. Uniguest strives to make the lives of its clients and their customers easier and more productive by providing access to information in many unique and innovative ways.  Our partnership is a natural fit. Together, we can achieve that objective and beyond."

All Comfort Suites Hotels are required to purchase the software for their business centers by June 2011. The mandate is effective immediately for all new Comfort Suites properties.

About Uniguest

Based in Nashville, Tenn., Uniguest is a diversified company providing print, technology and specialized services globally for hospitality, healthcare and other industries. Products and services include custom-printed publications, security software solutions, self-serve kiosk solutions, digital signage, advertising sales and help-desk computer support. More information is available at www.uniguest.com or follow the company on facebook.com or twitter.com.

About Choice Hotels International

Choice Hotels franchises more than 6,000 hotels, representing more than 485,000 rooms, in the United States and more than 35 other countries and territories. As of March 31, 2010, more than 600 hotels were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in the United States, representing more than 52,000 rooms, and more than 100 hotels, representing approximately 8,200 rooms, are under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in more than 20 other countries and territories. The company's Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn brands serve guests worldwide. In addition, via its Ascend Collection membership program, travelers in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean have upscale lodging options at historic, boutique and unique hotels. Additional corporate information may be found on the Choice Hotels International, Inc. Web site, which may be accessed at www.choicehotels.com  

Choice Hotels, Choice Hotels International, Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn and Ascend Collection are proprietary trademarks and service marks of Choice Hotels International.

SOURCE Uniguest