Comfort Brand Announces More Extensive Hotel Renovations Across U.S.

System-wide transformation continues to achieve increased customer satisfaction

News provided by

Nov 14, 2016, 08:55 ET

ROCKVILLE, Md., Nov. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's leading hotel companies, unveiled the new look and feel of a two Comfort brand hotel properties in key destination markets – Kissimmee, Florida and Cleveland, Ohio. These are just the first of a series of upcoming renovations in top markets for the brand, including: Niagara Falls, N.Y.; Anchorage, Alaska; Tampa, Fla.; Scottsdale, Ariz.; Austin, Texas and San Francisco, Calif., as well as dozens of additional locations coast to coast in the U.S.

Comfort Inn & Suites new construction prototype

Additionally, Choice Hotels is taking strategic measures to help hotel developers determine the best places to build new prototype Comfort brand properties as well as open up the optimal markets for these projects. This is based on extensive research and analysis of consumer insights and business data. The strategic approach and strong performance fueling the brand have not gone unnoticed by the development community. Over the last two years Choice Hotels has executed more than double the number of new construction Comfort brand franchise agreements executed in the two year period prior.

"The appeal of the Comfort brand transcends style trends and market types. In a world where other brands are pursuing complex, edgy and loud designs, we want Comfort to be accessible to everyone – developers and travelers," said David Pepper, chief development officer for Choice Hotels. "The ongoing multi-year Comfort brand transformation continues to see solid gains across key performance metrics and that momentum is heightening developer interest and new construction agreements. As a result, we are continuing to drive consistency and quality across the brand, ensuring guest satisfaction as well as brand loyalty."

Owned by the SLB Hotel Group, the Comfort Inn Maingate is located in Kissimmee, Florida, mere minutes from the famed theme parks and attractions of Orlando. Just five years old, the property has already received an upgrade to its five floors and 197 guest rooms, which feature a contemporary yet classic design.

The Comfort Inn Cleveland is located in a prime location in downtown Cleveland's theater district located minutes from the Cleveland Clinic and such top local attractions as the Playhouse Square, the Jack Cleveland Casino, and the Quicken Loans Arena & FirstEnergy Stadium.

These latest renovations and guest enhancements are a result of Choice's ongoing, multi-faceted initiative to improve properties and refresh the Comfort system through significant investments as well as franchisee incentives that have led to higher than ever guest satisfaction scores, heightened developer interest and strong performance. In fact, the brand has now experienced 24 consecutive months of RevPAR index gains. Further, collectively Choice Hotels and Comfort brand franchisees have already committed more than one quarter-billion dollars toward the brand's transformation. And the work continues.

The Comfort brand has been undergoing an exciting and transformative time as it continues to redefine itself across the board with improved guest programs that follow the new brand promise to keep guest wellness top of mind. The new tagline – Rested. Set. Go® – assures that whether traveling for business or leisure, guests are promised a restful stay to feel refreshed and ready to take on the day. Enhancements have been made to the guest bath experience, including a new line of bath and hair products called RAIO® developed exclusively for the brand as well as more healthy free breakfast options such as wholesome cereals and Greek yogurt. To further support the brand promise of supporting guest wellness, as of January 2017, all Comfort properties will be 100-percent smoke-free, making Comfort the largest hotel brand in the country to provide a smoke-free environment, reinforcing the brand's commitment to wellness and helping travelers.

"Comfort has taken a series of bold steps to enhance the guest experience while anticipating the needs of today's business and leisure travelers," said Anne Smith, vice president of brand strategy for Choice Hotels. "From a service perspective, we are empowering franchisees to foster a great sense of pride in brand and teamwork at their hotels. And, guests are already enjoying updates such as enhancements to breakfast, lemon-infused ice water stations in all lobbies, and our upgraded bath experience as well as our smoke-free promise. We are working hard to exceed the expectations of the upper midscale guest."

Comfort Inn®: Rested. Set. Go.®
When you travel, what do you need to be ready for the day ahead? At Comfort Inn® hotels we think we've got a pretty good idea. Like friendly staff, comfortable rooms, and amenities you can count on, for a start. Can't decide if you want a soft or firm pillow? Don't worry—your bed has both. Our premium bedding will leave you rested and refreshed in the morning, just in time to enjoy our signature free hot breakfast. Now, if you can't decide which waffle to try first, we suggest flipping a coin—because both the original and flavored are delicious.

Comfort Suites®: Rested. Set. Go.®
Bigger really is better. And at Comfort Suites hotels, you'll find more of the space you need to spread out, relax or work—25% more space than a traditional room, to be exact. Stretch out on the sofa, be productive at the desk or kick back in our premium bedding. We've got all the essentials you need to stay on your game while you're away and be your best. Because behind every great day is a great night.

About Choice Hotels
Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) is one of the world's largest lodging companies. With more than 6,400 hotels franchised in more than 40 countries and territories, Choice Hotels International represents more than 500,000 rooms around the globe. As of September 30, 2016, 745 hotels were in our development pipeline. Our company's Ascend Hotel Collection®, Cambria® hotels & suites, Comfort Inn®, Comfort Suites®, Sleep Inn®, Quality®, Clarion®, MainStay Suites®, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel®, Econo Lodge®, Rodeway Inn®, and Vacation Rentals by Choice Hotels™ brands provide a spectrum of lodging choices to meet guests' needs. With more than 28 million members and counting, our Choice Privileges® rewards program enhances every trip a guest takes, with benefits ranging from instant, every day rewards to exceptional experiences, starting right when they join. All hotels and vacation rentals are independently owned and operated. Visit us at www.choicehotels.com for more information.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161114/438712
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161114/438713
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161114/438714
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131015/NE98133LOGO-l

SOURCE Choice Hotels International, Inc.