Country Inns & Suites By Carlson(SM) Opens in Tampa, Fla.

TAMPA, Fla., March 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Carlson Hotels announced today that the new 65-room Country Inn & Suites By Carlson(SM), Tampa Airport North is open for business.  The opening supports Country Inns & Suites By Carlson's plan to add another 250 hotels in key target markets including the United States, Canada, Mexico and India over the next five years as part of Carlson's Ambition 2015 global growth strategy.

"Having recently announced the milestone of our 500th hotel, representing a remarkable success for the brand, the addition of our fourth Country Inns & Suites property in the greater Tampa/St. Petersburg contributes to our overall plans to accelerate the growth of the brand in North America and intensify our footprint in existing markets," said Steve Mogck, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Country Inns & Suites By Carlson.

"We are thrilled to be joining the Country Inns & Suites family and are confident that the consistency, value and leadership of this brand and the Carlson Hotels system will result in a successful future for this hotel," said Arvind Patel, owner of the Country Inn & Suites, Tampa Airport North.

Country Inns & Suites offers caring, comfortable hospitality with a touch of home along with many distinctive product and service innovations, such as the "Friends Hosting Friends" recognition program that has generated tremendous employee engagement scores and high overall guest satisfaction.  The 100 percent non-smoking hotel features an outdoor heated pool, whirlpool and fitness center and meeting space for up to 15 guests.  The hotel offers a variety of guest room styles including standard rooms, one bedroom suites and whirlpool rooms.  All rooms feature complimentary wired and wireless high-speed Internet access, microwave, refrigerator and 32-inch plasma TV's.

Conveniently located just minutes from Tampa International Airport, the hotel offers free shuttle service to Tampa International Airport daily and George M. Steinbrenner Field during the New York Yankee's spring training in March and April.  Additional attractions in close proximity to the hotel are Roland James Stadium, Busch Gardens, the Tampa Convention Center and International Plaza shopping district.  The hotel is just a short drive from St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport.

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

About Carlson Hotels

Carlson Hotels is a leading global hotel company with more than 1,060 locations in 77 countries. Its brands include: Radisson®, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson(SM), Park Inn®, Park Plaza® and Regent®. Carlson Hotels is part of Carlson, a global hospitality and travel company. For more information, please visit www.carlsonhotels.com.

SOURCE Country Inns & Suites By Carlson