MINNEAPOLIS, April 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- AmericInn®, one of the nation's leading midscale hotel companies, today announced a major new expansion with the addition of five franchised locations owned by Summit Hotel Properties of Sioux Falls, S.D.  The properties, all formerly branded as Comfort Inn® and Comfort Suites®, are managed by Interstate Hotels & Resorts. The hotels are located in Salina, Kansas; Missoula, Montana; Twin Falls Idaho; Ft. Smith, Arkansas and Golden, Colorado.

"We are very pleased to announce this significant new growth of the AmericInn brand as part of our continuing national expansion strategy," said Paul Kirwin, President and CEO of AmericInn. "Partnering with experienced developers and operators like Summit Hotel Properties and Interstate Hotels & Resorts further strengthens the value of the AmericInn brand, reinforcing our commitment to franchisees and offering our guests new locations across the country," he said.

Dan Hansen, President and CEO of Summit Hotel Properties, said the decision to franchise with AmericInn was based on the strong value proposition of the brand, its scale, its commitment to growing RevPAR, and the comprehensive support provided to the Summit organization. "We had several viable franchises to choose from and are very pleased to be partnering with such a well respected franchisor that is committed to growth and adding value. We look forward to generating new levels of success for these properties through this partnership," he added.  

Summit Hotel Properties (NYSE: INN) is a publically traded hotel group that owns 66 hotels in 19 states across the country, focusing exclusively on premium-branded limited-service and select-services hotels. Interstate Hotels & Resorts is the nation's largest independent hotel management company, owning and managing over 62,000 rooms in 39 states.

This announcement comes shortly after another multi-unit developer, Tharaldson Development, was awarded the new "Developer of the Year" award at the AmericInn National Convention which took place in Las Vegas in early April. Tharaldson recently converted one of its 220 properties to AmericInn in Topeka, Kansas. "We are pursuing an ambitious growth strategy focused on adding high–quality, multi-unit hotel developers to AmericInn," said Ron Burgett, executive vice president of development for AmericInn. "Adding these three well-respected developers and operators to AmericInn is a strong reinforcement to the brand value and organizational growth momentum," he said.  

AmericInn expects to announce additional new locations soon, including both new construction and conversion hotels.

About AmericInn

AmericInn® is a leading mid-scale lodging chain with over 250 locations currently open or under development in 31 states. The brand is dedicated to providing an exceptional lodging value for its guests by offering great rates and amenities such as free AmericInn Perk hot breakfast, free wireless high-speed Internet, swimming pools and Easy Rewards. AmericInn is part of Northcott Hospitality, owner and developer of successful franchised hospitality brands for more than 50 years. For more information or reservations visit www.AmericInn.com or call 1-800-634-3444.

SOURCE AmericInn