ROCKVILLE, MD—Choice Hotels International has seen significant growth, with economy brand Rodeway Inn hitting a major milestone and Comfort Inn opening more than one hotel per week in 2017.
Rodeway Inn has opened its 600th hotel in Osceola, AR. The Rodeway Inn Osceola offers free wireless internet, premium movie channels and flat-screen televisions. The property is located near the Mississippi River, Arkansas Northeastern College and many historical sites. The hotel is owned by Yogesh and Leena Shah and is their third franchised property with Choice Hotels.
“The opening of the 600th Rodeway Inn hotel reflects a continues commitment to offer both guests and our franchisees an affordable lodging option in key locations across the country,” said Craig Mustard, head of economy brands at Choice Hotels. “The Rodeway Inn brand is designed to provide guests and owners with exceptional value and a simple stay. Like our guests who stay with us, our franchisees benefit from access to our award-winning loyalty program, Choice Privileges, and from the backing and support of a global hotel company.”
Furthermore, the Comfort Hotel brand finished 2017 by opening 58 hotels and increasing the pipeline to nearly 300, one of the largest in its history.
“Opening more than one Comfort hotel per week in 2017 speaks to the demand and leadership of the brand in the upper midscale category,” said Brian Quinn, VP, franchise development, Choice Hotels. “Both developers and guests are seeing the impact of the recent improvements we have made to the Comfort brand, and we’re excited to continue to take the brand to the next level.”
In 2016, the Comfort brand launched the multi-phased “Move to Modern” initiative to enhance all hotels in the portfolio and deliver a better, more consistent experience for guests. The brand’s transformation strategy has resulted in an increased pipeline, with more than 140 franchise agreements executed in 2017. There are more than 1,800 Comfort hotels open across North America.