Craig Andersen and Dominion Lodging Honored with Prestigious Premier Hotelier Award

ROCKVILLE, Md., July 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE:CHH), one of the world's largest hotel companies, named Craig Andersen, vice president of Dominion Lodging recipient of the 2013 Premier Hotelier award. This elite distinction is in recognition of Andersen's company's commitment to the Choice Hotels family of brands. This prestigious honor was announced during the 59^th annual Choice Hotels International convention in Los Angeles.

"We deeply value our relationship with Dominion Lodging and honor Craig and his team for their achievements," said Stephen P. Joyce, president and CEO of Choice Hotels International.  "Dominion Lodging started as a family business and it is now in its second generation of success. Their level of excellence with Choice Hotels is a tradition that I am confident will continue pass through the family,"

Dominion Lodging grew from one man's vision when Norm Andersen, the owner and president, opened his first hotel in Lexington, Virginia more than 30 years ago. Today, Norm's two sons, Craig and David, provide leadership for the company which owns and operates 11 successful hotels in western Virginia. These include the Comfort Inn Virginia Horse Center in Lexington; the Sleep Inn hotel in Staunton; three Roanoke area hotels - the Comfort Inn Troutville, MainStay Suites Airport and Comfort Inn hotel in Roanoke; and the Comfort Inn hotel in Grundy. The company's commitment to the highest standards of property management and exceptional customer service are part of what makes Dominion hotels a customer favorite.

"We are deeply honored to receive the Premier Hotelier award because it acknowledges our passion for caring for our guests, as well as the long-term, productive and successful relationship we have enjoyed with Choice Hotels," said Mr. Andersen.

The Premier Hotelier award recognizes exceptional franchisees who develop properties with Choice Hotels, live up to the brand promise through excellent property performance, and are active in the franchise community. The award recognizes owners who are truly committed to the brand and who work closely with Choice Hotels to enhance the brand's success.

About Choice Hotels
Choice Hotels International, Inc. franchises over 6,200 hotels, representing more than 500,000 rooms, in the United States and more than 30 other countries and territories.  As of March 31, 2013, 395 hotels, representing more than 30,000 rooms, were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in the United States.  Additionally, 81 hotels, representing approximately 7,000 rooms, were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in more than 20 other 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, as well as its Ascend Hotel Collection membership program, serve guests worldwide.

Additional corporate information may be found on the Choice Hotels International, Inc. website, which may be accessed at www.choicehotels.com.

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

© 2013 Choice Hotels International, Inc.  All rights reserved.

SOURCE Choice Hotels International, Inc.