Choice Hotels International reports developments across its global lodging franchise business, including brand growth, franchise agreements, hotel openings, revenue management, and performance across extended stay, midscale, upscale, and economy segments. Company updates frequently reference brands and platforms such as Sleep Inn, Ascend Collection, Radisson, Choice Privileges, and franchise-owner tools that support booking, distribution, and hotel operations.
Recurring news also covers technology deployment in hospitality, including AI-enabled solutions such as Choice Hotels Business Direct, EasyBid, CHARLIE, RAISE, AgentCore, and AgentForce. Other updates address international expansion, the Canadian direct franchising model, loyalty and traveler research, annual convention themes, and quarterly operating results for the franchise-driven hotel portfolio.
Choice Hotels International (NYSE: CHH) has introduced Lobby in a Box, a proprietary modular design package for its Suburban Studios and MainStay Suites brands. This innovation allows hoteliers to transform lobby spaces into multi-functional areas tailored for extended stay guests in as little as 120 days. The package complements the previously launched Kitchen in a Box, which enables the installation of fully equipped kitchens in guest rooms within 3-4 months.
These solutions aim to streamline hotel conversions, offering a faster and more cost-effective alternative to new construction in the growing extended stay market. Since its 2022 launch, Kitchen in a Box has been used in over 30 open hotels, with six more in the pipeline. Choice Hotels is on track to open its 500th extended stay property this year, demonstrating rapid growth in this segment.
Franchisees report significant benefits, with one Suburban Studios property noting a 43% increase in year-over-year RevPAR and a 10.2% improvement in guest satisfaction scores after conversion.
Choice Hotels International (NYSE: CHH) has relaunched Radisson Individuals in the Americas as an upper upscale soft brand for full-service, boutique, and independent hotels. This move strengthens Choice's portfolio in the upper upscale tier, capitalizing on rising consumer demand for unique hotel experiences. The brand focuses on three key areas: vivid settings, characterful encounters, and explorer's compass, offering distinctive local character and superior guest service.
Since 2020, over 30 Radisson Individuals properties have opened globally, with 15 franchised by Choice in the Americas. The relaunch is part of Choice's strategic expansion in the upscale and upper upscale segments, following its acquisition of Radisson Hotels Americas in 2022. Choice reports a 32% year-over-year increase in reservations through direct online channels for Radisson Americas brands since their digital integration in June 2023.
Choice Hotels International (NYSE: CHH) has opened 17 MainStay Suites and Suburban Studios between January 1 and September 17, 2024, demonstrating leadership in the extended stay segment. Key highlights include:
- Breaking into markets like Las Vegas, Moreno Valley, Orlando, and Tampa
- 16 out of 17 hotels are conversions, with an average of 120 days from contract to opening
- Half of the nearly 70 properties in the pipeline are conversions, expected to open by March 2025
- Utilizes the innovative 'Kitchen-in-a-Box' concept for quick conversions
- Offers fully equipped kitchens, spacious rooms, and amenities like free Wi-Fi
- Participates in the Choice Privileges rewards program
Choice Hotels emphasizes its franchise-first focus and industry-leading retention rate, providing cutting-edge solutions to support hotel owners.
Hotel Equities (HE) and Urban Investment Partners (UIP) have announced the opening of The Quincy, Ascend Hotel Collection, a new 99-room upscale boutique hotel in Washington, D.C. Located at 1823 L St. NW, the hotel is franchised by Choice Hotels International (NYSE: CHH) and operated by Hotel Equities. The Quincy offers spacious rooms with full kitchens, ideal for extended stays, and is situated in the heart of D.C.'s business district, close to major landmarks and attractions.
The hotel features a grab-and-go station in the lobby and has partnered with nearby restaurants for dining options. In the coming weeks, The Quincy will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a 'Sip & See' event to welcome the community and highlight local partnerships. With its prime location and modern amenities, The Quincy aims to cater to both business and leisure travelers visiting the nation's capital.
Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), a leading global lodging franchisor, has announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.2875 per share on its common stock. The dividend will be payable on October 16, 2024, to shareholders of record as of October 1, 2024. Choice Hotels boasts a diverse portfolio of 22 brands across various segments, with nearly 7,500 hotels representing over 630,000 rooms in 45 countries and territories. The company's range spans from full-service upper upscale properties to midscale, extended stay, and economy options, catering to a wide array of traveler needs while aiming to drive value for franchise owners and shareholders.
Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) has expanded its upscale portfolio with the opening of the Radisson Hotel Fairview Heights - St. Louis in Fairview Heights, Illinois. The four-story, 119-room hotel offers nearly 10,000 square feet of meeting spaces and amenities including a heated indoor pool, fitness center, and on-site bar and restaurant. Located near downtown St. Louis, the hotel provides easy access to popular attractions and airports.
The property features a modern nature-inspired design with guest rooms equipped with ergonomic work areas, free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and more. Radisson participates in the Choice Privileges rewards program, which allows members to earn and redeem points at over 7,000 hotels worldwide. Choice Hotels continues to support its franchisees with cutting-edge solutions and resources to maximize their return on investment.
Choice Hotels International (NYSE: CHH) has announced its first contract under the recently reintroduced SOAR program, aimed at creating hotel ownership opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs. Damon Healey of Eternal Companies has signed a contract to convert two hotels in Georgia to Suburban Studios, one of Choice's extended stay brands. The properties, located in Columbus and Macon, opened on May 30.
The SOAR program reaffirms Choice's commitment to supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs in hotel ownership. In 2023, Choice's Emerging Markets program executed 28 new franchise contracts with diverse entrepreneurs, including 9 with African American owners and 17 with women owners through the HERtels by Choice program. The company has awarded and financially supported over 370 franchise agreements with underrepresented minority and veteran entrepreneurs since the program's inception.
Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) is expanding its Everhome Suites brand with three new locations breaking ground in San Antonio, Texas; Bowling Green, Kentucky; and Wichita, Kansas. These developments, in collaboration with Highside Companies, reinforce Choice's leadership in the extended stay segment. Currently, Choice has 4 Everhome Suites open, 65 in the pipeline, over 20 under construction, and more than 15 expected to open within the next 12 months. The new properties will offer 115-123 rooms each, featuring fully equipped kitchens, spa-style bathrooms, and various amenities. Choice Hotels continues to capitalize on the growing extended stay demand, which is currently double the supply.
Choice Hotels International (NYSE: CHH) has installed three beehives at its North Bethesda headquarters in collaboration with Bee Downtown to promote sustainability and local biodiversity. The estimated 150,000 honeybees can pollinate a 3-mile radius, potentially impacting 18,000 acres of surrounding land.
Choice associates selected a 'Bee Hotel' design for the hives, which are expected to produce over 100 pounds of honey in just months. The initiative is part of Choice's Room to Be Green program, focusing on energy, water, waste, biodiversity, and engagement across all Choice Hotels brands worldwide.
The collaboration offers educational opportunities for Choice associates, including honey tastings and hive tours. This project aligns with Choice's commitment to environmental stewardship, as their office building in Pike & Rose is pursuing LEED Gold Certification and is WiredScore Gold Certified.
Choice Hotels International (NYSE: CHH) has named 72andSunny New York as its new creative agency and dentsu X as its digital media agency of record. This strategic collaboration aims to increase awareness and drive direct bookings for Choice's 22 hotel brands, including Radisson, Cambria Hotels, and Comfort Hotels. The partnership will leverage cultural trends and cutting-edge technology to reach guests effectively.
Choice Hotels has expanded to eight upscale and full-service hotel brands globally, introduced new designs for select-service brands, and is transforming its rewards program. dentsu X has already implemented a media strategy for 2024, while 72andSunny is developing the 2025 marketing campaign. The collaboration also includes Havas Media, which will continue to lead media planning and buying for TV.