Strong 2017 highlighted by robust growth, pipeline and brand evolution.
ROCKVILLE, MD. – A proven leader in the upper midscale lodging segment, the iconic Comfort Hotel brand finished 2017 by opening 58 hotels and increasing the pipeline to nearly 300, one of the largest in its history. Franchised by Choice Hotels International, Inc., one of the world's largest hotel companies, the new Comfort hotels reflect the brand's transformation and new design, which includes a refreshed, modern look and feel.
"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, vice president, 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. Encompassing public spaces and guest rooms, Move to Modern has resulted in hundreds of renovations nationwide and affirms the brand's commitment to ensuring that every Comfort hotel has an up-to-date, refreshed look and feel. The brand's transformation strategy has resulted in an increased pipeline, with more than 140 franchise agreements executed in 2017.
"The Comfort transformation has positioned the brand for continued growth, and the guest response to everything we're doing – from welcome to goodbye – has been overwhelmingly positive," said Anne Smith, vice president, brand management and design. "We started 2017 by offering guests 100-percent smoke-free rooms at all Comfort hotels across the country, worked hard with our franchisees on our Move to Modern initiative, and ended the year with 58 new hotels opening."
The most recent additions to the Comfort Hotel portfolio can be found across the United States and are comprised of new construction, rebranding and conversion projects, including:
- Comfort Inn in Greenville, SC – 120 guest rooms
- Comfort Inn in Matteson, IL – 108 guest rooms
- Comfort Suites in Oklahoma City, OK – 67 guest rooms
- Comfort Suites in North Charleston, SC – 98 guest rooms
- Comfort Suites in St. George, UT – 91 guest rooms
- Comfort Inn & Suites in Houston, TX – 80 guest rooms
- Comfort Inn & Suites at Salt Lake City Airport, UT – 110 guest rooms
- Comfort Inn & Suites in Baton Rouge, LA – 77 guest rooms
- Comfort Inn & Suites in Metairie, LA – 151 guest rooms
- Comfort Inn & Suites in Wichita, KS – 99 guest rooms
- Comfort Inn & Suites in Tavares, FL – 80 guest rooms
- Comfort Inn & Suites in Wilder, KY – 74 guest rooms
There are more than 1,800 Comfort hotels open across North America in popular travel destinations, everywhere travelers want to stay.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
