Carlson Continues Expansion of Country Inns & Suites By Carlson(SM) With Opening of 13th Hotel in Kentucky

GEORGETOWN, Ky., March 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --  Carlson, a family-owned, global hospitality and travel company, today announced the further expansion of Country Inns & Suites By Carlson(SM) in Kentucky. The opening of Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Georgetown, Ky. marks the brand's strong growth in the region as part of its Ambition 2015 strategy.

"With 13 Country Inns & Suites hotels in the state and more than 220 locations in the southern United States, the brand is establishing a strong footprint in the region," 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 Kanu Patel, owner of the Country Inn & Suites, Georgetown, Ky.

The hotel is located just two miles from Georgetown College and offers an indoor pool, whirlpool and fitness center.  Meeting space is available for up to 12 people. The 65-room hotel also features one-bedroom suites, studio suites and guest rooms with microwave, refrigerator and flat panel televisions.

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

About Carlson

Carlson is a family-owned, 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® 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 150,000 people.  http://www.carlson.com

SOURCE Carlson