SAGINAW, Mich., April 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Carlson, a global hospitality and travel company, today announced the further expansion of Country Inns & Suites By Carlson(SM) in the Midwestern United States. The opening of Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Saginaw, Mich. marks the brand's growth in the region as part of its Ambition 2015 strategy.

"With 14 Country Inns & Suites hotels in Michigan and more than 175 locations in the Midwest, this region is the strongest for the brand in the U.S.," said Steve Mogck, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Country Inns & Suites By Carlson. "We are focused on building momentum in North America and emerging markets as we increase our portfolio of hotels over the next four years."

Country Inns & Suites offers caring, consistent, comfortable hospitality with a touch of home. The brand offers an expanded complimentary hot breakfast, free high-speed Internet access and weekday newspaper– features especially attractive to business travelers.

"We are thrilled to be joining Country Inns & Suites, Carlson and their family of brands during these exciting times, given Carlson's strengths and momentum. We are confident that the consistency, value and leadership of this brand and the Carlson system will result in a successful future for this hotel," said Nilesh K Malaviya, general manager of the Country Inn & Suites, Saginaw, Mich. 

The hotel is ten minutes from Saginaw Airport and provides free daily shuttle service. The hotel offers a fitness center and outdoor pool, which is expected to be enclosed by this fall.  Meeting space is available for up to 30 people. The 104-room hotel also features whirlpool suites, one-bedroom suites and guest rooms with a microwave, a refrigerator and flat panel televisions among many other amenities.

For reservations and information, visit www.countryinns.com or call toll-free +1 (800) 456-4000.  

About Carlson

Carlson is a global hospitality and travel company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn. Carlson encompasses more than 1,070 hotels, including Radisson®, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson(SM), Park Inn by Radisson and Park Plaza®; more than 900 T.G.I. Friday's® restaurants; and a majority stake in Carlson Wagonlit Travel®, the global leader in business travel management. Carlson operates in more than 150 countries and its brands employ about 170,000 people.  http://www.carlson.com

SOURCE Carlson