Kevin J. Lewis Named President of Upscale and Extended Stay Brands

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Fri Jun 26, 2009 10:15am EDT

SILVER SPRING, Md., June 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Choice Hotels
International, Inc., (NYSE: CHH) today announced that it has appointed Kevin
Lewis as president, upscale and extended stay brands.  In this position, Lewis
will lead the operational strategies for Choice's Cambria Suites brand (the
upscale, select-service brand launched in 2005); Suburban Extended Stay Hotel
brand (the economy extended stay brand Choice acquired in September 2005) and
MainStay Suites brand (the midscale extended stay brand Choice launched in
1996).  In his new position, Lewis will continue to report to David A. Pepper,
senior vice president, franchise development and emerging markets.  

Lewis's appointment is precipitated by the combining of the Cambria Suites and
extended stay brands under one division.

"Combining the upscale and extended stay brand teams into a single division
under Kevin's leadership allows us to maximize our internal resources, talents
and available funding in support of these key brands," said Stephen P. Joyce,
president and CEO of Choice Hotels International.  "This enables us to put the
full power of Choice behind these three key brands, which we believe offers
tremendous growth opportunities for Choice and hotel developers."

Lewis joined Choice Hotels International in September 2005, as part of
Choice's acquisition of Suburban Franchise Holding Company, Inc., and its
subsidiary Suburban Franchise Systems, Inc.  At the time of the acquisition,
Lewis was president and chief executive officer of Suburban Franchise Systems,
a position he held from 2002 to 2005.  He has more than 25 years' experience
in the hospitality industry with a number of companies.  In his career, he has
also been responsible for brand strategy, franchise development, and hotel
operations and support.  He has a proven track record of driving strong RevPAR
results, elevating guest satisfaction, and increasing brand awareness.  

"Kevin Lewis is a seasoned professional with a strong track record leading
start-up companies and building brands," said Pepper.  "His keen understanding
of all aspects of the franchise system, hotel operations, and brand building
will be a major benefit to hotel developers -- particularly in this difficult
economic environment.  We are committed more than ever to both Cambria Suites
and the extended stay brand segment. I look forward to watching this division
grow and prosper in the years ahead."

"I would like to extend my appreciation to William Edmundson, a strong brand
leader who helped launch the brand and its culture, who unfortunately is
leaving the Choice organization," said Joyce.  "William provided dedicated
leadership to Cambria Suites over the past four years.  His efforts have
helped drive high awareness, excitement and credibility for Cambria Suites and
established the brand as a leader in its segment during a very critical time.
Today, the brand has an integrated marketing, development, operations and
training strategy, which has earned it numerous marketing, design and services
awards, as well as industry-leading customer satisfaction ratings." 

About Choice Hotels International
Choice Hotels International franchises more than 5,800 hotels, representing
more than 475,000 rooms, in the United States and more than 30 countries and
territories. As of March 31, 2009, 896 hotels are under construction, awaiting
conversion or approved for development in the United States, representing
70,381 rooms, and an additional 111 hotels, representing 9,114 rooms, are
under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in more
than 15 countries and territories. The company's Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites,
Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban
Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn brands serve guests
worldwide. In addition, via its Ascend Collection membership program,
travelers in the United States and the Caribbean have upscale lodging options
at historic, boutique and unique hotels. 

Specifically, within the new Upscale and Extended Stay Division, as of March
31, 2009, there were 64 Suburban Extended Stay Hotels open and operating, 37
MainStay Suites hotels open and operating, and 13 Cambria Suites hotels open
and operating.  As of March 31, 2009, the company's domestic hotel pipeline of
hotels in the new division under construction, awaiting conversion or approved
for development included 36 MainStay Suites hotels, 30 Suburban Extended Stay
Hotels, and 55 Cambria Suites hotels.

Additional corporate information may be found on the Choice Hotels Web site,
which may be accessed at www.choicehotels.com. 

Cambria Suites, Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Clarion, Sleep Inn,
MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn, and
Ascend Collection  are proprietary trademarks and service marks of Choice
Hotels International, Inc.

(c) 2009 Choice Hotels International, Inc.  All rights reserved.

SOURCE  Choice Hotels International, Inc.

David Peikin, Senior Director, Corporate Communications of Choice Hotels
International, +1-301-592-6361
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