GALVESTON, Texas, July 9, 2010-- Carlson, a privately-held, global hospitality and travel company, today announced the further expansion of Country Inns & Suites By Carlson(SM) in Texas. The opening of Country Inn & Suites, Galveston Beach, Texas marks the brand's accelerated expansion in the region as part of its Ambition 2015 growth strategy and is the brand's first beachfront location in the state.

"With 17 Country Inns & Suites hotels in the state and more than 220 locations in the southern United States, the brand has established a strong footprint in the region," said Steve Mogck, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Country Inns & Suites By Carlson. "We are focused on building momentum in North America and India as we increase our portfolio of hotels over the next five years."

Country Inns & Suites offers caring, consistent, comfortable hospitality with a touch of home, and many distinctive product and service innovations, such as the Friends Hosting Friends(SM) employee training program that has generated tremendous employee engagement scores and high guest satisfaction.  

"We are thrilled to be joining the Country Inns & Suites family and are confident that the consistency, value and leadership of this brand and the Carlson Hotels system will result in a successful future for this hotel," said Dimplejit Singh, owner and general manager of the Country Inn & Suites, Galveston, Texas.  

The 100 percent non-smoking hotel features an indoor pool and whirlpool, a fitness center and meeting space for up to 20 people.  The 60-room hotel features whirlpool suites, one-bedroom suites, studio suites and guest rooms featuring complimentary wired and wireless high-speed Internet access, microwave, refrigerator and flat panel televisions.  

Galveston is located 55 miles south of Houston. The hotel is on the famous Galveston Seawall Boulevard at 29th St.

For reservations and information, visit www.countryinns.com or call toll-free +1-800-456-4000.  

About Carlson
Carlson is a privately held, global hospitality and travel company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn. Carlson encompasses more than 1,080 hotels, including, Radisson®, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson(SM), Park Inn® and Park Plaza®; more than 1,000 restaurants, including T.G.I. Friday's® and Pick Up Stix®; and a majority stake in Carlson Wagonlit Travel®, the global leader in business travel management. Carlson operates in more than 150 countries and its brands employ about 150,000 people. http://www.carlson.com