Choice Hotels International, the global hotel group behind the Comfort, Quality, Clarion and Sleep Inn brands and one of the largest and most successful lodging franchisors in the world, announced it has reached 6,000 franchised properties, with the opening of the Inn of Chicago Magnificent Mile in the US, an Ascend Collection Hotel.

Ascend Collection is an upscale network of historic, boutique and unique hotels in the United States and the Caribbean. This network enables properties to maintain their local identity and individuality while accessing the robust global reservations and distribution system of Choice Hotels International.

"We are extremely excited to reach the 6,000 property milestone," said Stephen P. Joyce, president and chief executive officer, Choice Hotels International. "Strong, well-known brands, a proven ability to drive reservations to our franchisees' hotels, and an unrelenting focus on our owners' return on investment and property-level performance continue to fuel our global growth."

According to Smith Travel Research, Choice Hotels International is the leading gainer of US domestic market share over the past five years, as measured by open branded hotels.

Here in Europe, Choice Hotels Europe has opened 31 new hotels since June, including the Quality Hotel Maitrise Maida Vale, London, the Quality Hotel Reading and the Clarion Collection Opera Pavillon in Paris.  The new hotel in Paris is the first Clarion property to open in the capital, and features rooms decorated by designer Joseph Karam, a Zen patio and an art gallery atmosphere.

The opening of the Quality Hotel Reading brings the number of Choice-branded properties in the UK to 46 and is located in the heart of Reading’s town centre. The hotel is also a showcase for Choice Hotels Europe newly-enhanced brand standards that include upgraded bedding including duvets, free high-speed internet access or wifi and a consistent breakfast offering.  Choice Hotels Europe has enhanced its brand standards to offer a more consistent, upmarket experience for its guests across all its franchised hotels.

Inline with the new brand standards many existing Choice-branded properties in Europe are undergoing extensive refurbishment programmes. In the last month Comfort Inn & Suites Kings Cross St Pancras has just completed a total refurbishment of all guest rooms and public spaces.

Duncan Berry, Chief Operating Officer, Choice Hotels Europe, commented, “We are delighted to open these new hotels in continental Europe and here in the UK. We are rolling out enhanced brand standards to ensure we offer even more outstanding service and facilities to both leisure and business travellers.”

The Choice Hotels Europe portfolio of franchised hotels offers business and leisure travellers a full spectrum from premium economy to luxury hotels. Choice Hotels Europe franchises nearly 500 hotels across Europe alone.