Carlson Hotels announced the further expansion of Country Inns & Suites By Carlson in Alabama. The opening of Country Inn & Suites Saraland, Ala. marks the brand’s accelerated expansion in the region as part of its Ambition 2015 growth strategy.

“With 12 Country Inns & Suites hotels in the state and more than 220 locations in the southern United States, the brand has established a strong footprint in the region,” said Steve Mogck, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Country Inns & Suites By Carlson. “We are focused on building momentum in North America and India as we increase our portfolio of hotels over the next five years.”

Country Inns & Suites offers caring, consistent, comfortable hospitality with a touch of home, and many distinctive product and service innovations, such as the Friends Hosting Friends employee training program that has generated tremendous employee engagement scores and high overall guest satisfaction.

“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 Larry Wright, owner of the Country Inn & Suites, Saraland, Ala.

The 100 percent non-smoking hotel features an outdoor pool and whirlpool, and a fitness center. The 60-room hotel features one-bedroom suites, extended stay suites and guest rooms featuring complimentary wired and wireless high-speed Internet access, microwave, refrigerator and flat screen televisions.

The hotel is located 10 miles from downtown Mobile.