Clarion Inn Pigeon Forge Soars with Guests

SILVER SPRING, Md., Feb. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Once again, owners and staff at the Clarion Inn Pigeon Forge are proud as peacocks after receiving top annual honors from delighted guests.  The hotel, which is franchised by Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest lodging companies, has just been named number four in the Best Service in America category and 23^rd for Best Service worldwide by TripAdvisor in its 2013 Travelers' Choice® awards.

Now in its eleventh year, the annual TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards honor the world's best hotels, earning their distinction from those who know them best – real travelers. Unlike any other hotel honors, TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice winners are based on millions of valuable reviews and opinions from travelers around the world.

"We have always felt great about our hotel and staff, but this award is truly a crowning achievement for us because it is guest-generated," says Scott Ellis, General Manager of Clarion Inn Pigeon Forge. "Everyone on the Clarion Inn Pigeon Forge team works hard to ensure travelers have an excellent stay.  We are thrilled to know the positive impact we're having on our guests and we can't thank them enough."

"TripAdvisor is once again thrilled to recognize the world's most outstanding hotels with the help of more than 75 million reviews and opinions from travelers around the globe," said Christine Petersen, president, TripAdvisor for Business. "From the best bargain hotels to top luxury properties, outstanding service, value and quality are the hallmarks of our Travelers' Choice winners."

Within the Choice Hotels International portfolio of hotels, the Clarion Inn Pigeon Forge has received the company's elite distinction of being honored with the 2013 Platinum Award and the 2011 Rookie of the Year Award for Property Excellence (APEX). The hotel is also currently nominated as a finalist for the Clarion brand's 2013 Hotel of the Year and is currently ranked number one in the Clarion Brand.

This award-winning hotel is located by Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Dollywood & Dolly's Splash Country and other popular attractions. Shopping and restaurants are also an easy walk or trolley ride away. On property, guests can dine in their rooms with one-touch star service which connects them to a nearby restaurant that delivers to guest rooms. The Clarion Inn Pigeon Forge offers concierge services to help guests with attraction and show tickets, restaurant recommendations and reservations or help with the details of a vacation or business trip. 

The property also boasts a swimming pool, hot tub, spa, game room with complimentary massage chairs and meeting space. Clarion properties are the ideal place to host small weddings, business seminars and family reunions. The Clarion brand makes it easy for people to Get Together. Constructed in 2010, the Clarion Inn Pigeon Forge features spacious guestrooms, some with 9' and 10' ceilings. And, as with most Clarion properties, guests have access to free local calls, a free fitness center, a free business center, free Wi-Fi high speed internet, free daily newspapers and free parking. The Clarion Inn Pigeon Forge's free hot breakfast buffet features 48 selections and has a chef on hand to prepare made-to-order omelets, waffles and pancakes.

"Clarion Inn Pigeon Forge has fast become a popular destination and gathering place for travelers, especially groups. This hotel's excellence in service goes hand in hand with the Clarion brand tag line which encourages folks to Get Together," says Dan Sweiger, Senior Director and Head of Domestic Brand Management for Clarion. "We are extremely proud the team's hard work and attention to detail is being recognized by those who matter most, our guests."

Here is a complete list of the 2013 TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Best in Service Top Ten in the United States:

1. Hotel California (Palm Springs, Calif.)
2. SeaCoast Inn (Hyannis, Mass.)
3. Desert Riviera Hotel (Palm Springs, Calif.)
4. Clarion Inn (Pigeon Forge, Tenn.)
5. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai (Hawaii)
6. Blue Swallow Motel (Tucumcari, N.M.)
7. Holiday Inn Express Hotel Marble (Falls Marble Falls, Tex.)
8. Inn of the Five Graces (Santa Fe, N.M.)
9. Wentworth Mansion (Charleston, S.C.)
10. Four Seasons Hotel Seattle (Wash.)

*Source:  comScore Meda Metrix for TripAdvisor Sites, Worldwide, July 2012

About Choice Hotels
Choice Hotels International, Inc. franchises approximately 6,200 hotels, representing more than 499,000 rooms, in the United States and more than 30 other countries and territories.  As of December 31, 2012, 394 hotels, representing more than 31,000 rooms, were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in the United States.  Additionally, 88 hotels, representing approximately 7,800 rooms, were 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, as well at its Ascend Hotel Collection membership program, serve guests worldwide.

Additional corporate information may be found on the Choice Hotels International, Inc. website, 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 Hotel Collection are proprietary trademarks and service marks of Choice Hotels International.

© 2013 Choice Hotels International, Inc.  All rights reserved.

SOURCE Choice Hotels International, Inc.