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 New Econo Lodge Protoytpes a Vibrant Departure
from Traditional Economy Lodging Design
Design is Economical, Efficient and Innovative


Silver Spring, MD (November 4, 2002) � New prototypes for Econo Lodge brand hotels, one of eight brands franchised by Choice Hotels International (NYSE:CHH), include a first-ever �Inn & Suites� option for the brand as well as a non-traditional use of color, space and materials that sets a new standard in economy lodging. 

�We�ve created a new look for Econo Lodge that is a vibrant departure from traditional economy lodging design and costs, on average, 10 percent less to build than competitive economy lodging product,� said Tim Shuy, vice president and brand manager, economy brands for Choice Hotels.  �The �Inn & Suites� option is in direct response to demand from both developers and their guests.� 

The two new prototypes include an interior corridor, 64-room, three story Econo Lodge and a 69-room, three story Econo Lodge Inn & Suites.  Both prototypes are designed to be built on 1 to 1.2 acres, and construction efficiencies are designed to minimize costs. 

Guestrooms in the new Econo Lodge prototypes are 230 square feet, typical for the segment. Rooms, however, are uniquely configured to provide a sense of openness; one of the most striking elements of the new design is the use of bright blue and gold hues for guestroom walls.  Guest baths include either two separate compartments, designed to accommodate leisure travelers and group business, or a one-compartment bath option more suitable for markets catering to business travelers. 

The suite component features amenities such as a pull-out sleeper sofa, in-room coffee maker, microwave, refrigerator, iron and ironing board.  Suites must account for at least ten percent of total rooms for a hotel to qualify for the �Inn & Suites� designation. 

The Econo Lodge hotel brand is franchised by Choice Hotels International (NYSE: CHH), one of the world�s largest lodging franchisors.  There currently are 730 Econo Lodge hotels open and 66 under development worldwide. 

Choice Hotels International is one of the world�s largest lodging franchisors, marketing more than 5,000 hotels open or under development in 46 countries under the Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Clarion, Sleep Inn, Econo Lodge, MainStay Suites and Rodeway Inn brand names.

Contact:
Anne Papa Curtis 
Tel: (301) 592-5155 
Fax: (301) 592-6177 
[email protected]
www.choicehotels.com
Also See: Econo Lodge Offering Incentives of Up to $40,000 for Like New Conversions / May 2002
Generally a Conversion Brand, the Newest Econo Lodge in Canada Is New Construction / Nov 2001


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