Silver Spring, Md. (Jan., 2011) – Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE:CHH) increases its international presence, with its announcement today of three new boutique hotels in Canada for the company’s Ascend Collection membership program. These properties are Château Moncton and Château Saint John, New Brunswick, and Hotel Royal William, Québec. They join the network’s other Atlantic Canada hotel, Inn on the Lake, Fall River, close to historic downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Ascend Collection is an elite network of Historic, Boutique and Unique hotels in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. Members maintain their distinctive design and identity, backed by the resources of a world hospitality leader. Through their membership in Ascend Collection, the Canadian properties become part of the Choice Hotels global distribution and reservations systems. They gain visibility before a global network of more than 12 million Choice Privileges rewards members. Additionally, they acquire marketing support and an online presence on ChoiceHotels.com, one of the industry’s largest websites.

Ascend Collection made its debut in the fall of 2008 and now has more than 40 member lodgings. The network appeals to a growing number of travelers who like to discover upscale indie hotels with distinctive personalities and local flair when visiting new cities.

“We’re delighted to welcome Château Moncton, Château Saint John and Hotel Royal William,” says Stacy Ragland, vice president of Ascend Collection for Choice Hotels International. “Despite the challenging economy, Ascend Collection is enjoying rapid growth, thanks to its proven record in driving business to member properties. Our new Canadian hotels are representative of the network. Rich in history and local character, they provide the type of authentic, high-service experience travelers are looking for today.”

Château Moncton and Château Saint John are owned by Bernard Cyr of Château Saint John, Inc. & Château Moncton, Inc. The Lambert/Beliveau family of Québec owns the Hotel Royal William.

Château Moncton

Located on the thriving historic Moncton Riverfront, Château Moncton is close to businesses, the airport, Capitol Theatre and Centennial Park. Guests find shopping, dining, nightlife, cultural attractions and entertainment venues right outside the door.

Set on the banks of the scenic Petitcodiac River, Château Moncton houses 106 guestrooms and suites, a lounge, business center, fitness center, and meeting and event space for gatherings of up to 90 people. Blending modern comforts with Old World charm, guestrooms feature European décor, large flat-screen televisions, free Wi-Fi and spacious working desks. Honeymoon and Presidential Suites are roomy with separate living areas, fireplaces and Jacuzzis. The stylish Le Galion lounge serves up signature drinks, complimentary continental breakfast and spectacular river views from giant windows and an open-air deck.

Château Saint John

Sister property Château Saint John is located in the lively Port City of Saint John on the Bay of Fundy. The hotel’s downtown location puts it within easy reach of major points of interest, including: Saint John’s Trade and Convention Center; Rockwood Provincial Park; Lord Beaverbrook Arena; the famous Reversing Falls; and City Market, known for unique shopping and dining.

The European-inspired hotel houses 112 guestrooms, a business center, fitness center, lounge, lobby market and meeting rooms accommodating up to 75 people. Richly appointed guestrooms come with handcrafted furnishings, granite countertops, free Wi-Fi, 42-inch flat-screen televisions and iPod docks. Suites are ultra comfortable with living rooms, fireplaces, whirlpool baths and wet bars. This smoke-free hotel treads lightly on the planet with environmentally friendly cleaning and bath products; low-flow, dual-flush toilets; and energy-saving lighting. In addition to free Internet access, complimentary extras include continental breakfast, parking and local phone calls.

Hotel Royal William Hotel

Set in the heart of downtown Québec’s trendy New St-Roch district, Hotel Royal William is steps away from boutiques, art galleries, entertainment, nightlife, restaurants and gardens. Also nearby are businesses and many Québec star attractions: Cirque du Soleil, the Colisee Pepsi Arena, Le Moulin à Images and ExpoCite convention center.

This 44-room lodging takes its name from the Royal William steamship launched in 1831 from a nearby shipyard to become the first vessel to cross the Atlantic on its own propulsion. Spacious guestrooms and suites are chic retreats with oversized windows, contemporary furnishings, mini-bars, desks, plush seating and high-speed Internet access. Each floor has an office and conference room. The Royal William also houses a restaurant and coffee shop, meeting rooms, a fitness center and a ground-floor business center with faxing and copying services.

For more information on Choice Hotels and its Ascend Collection hotel membership program, please visit choicehotels.com.

About Ascend Collection
Ascend Collection made its debut in late 2008 and now has more than 40 hotels throughout the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. Members include The GEM Hotels with three properties in New York City; Inn of Chicago, one-half block from The Magnificent Mile; O’Brien Historic Hotel in Texas, one block from the lively San Antonio River Walk; the historic Hotel Bothwell, Sedalia, Mo.; Le Consulat, within walking distance from Condado Beach, San Juan, P.R.; and Inn on the Lake, just outside Halifax, N.S. For more information on this collection of Historic, Boutique and Unique and hotels, visit www.ascendcollection.com.
 
About Choice Hotels
Choice Hotels International, Inc. franchises more than 6,000 hotels, representing more than 490,000 rooms, in the United States and more than 35 other countries and territories.  As of September 30, 2010, more than 540 hotels were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in the United States, representing more than 44,000 rooms, and approximately 90 hotels, representing approximately 8,000 rooms, were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in 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 serve guests worldwide.  In addition, via its Ascend Collection membership program, travelers in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean have upscale lodging options at historic, boutique and unique hotels.

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

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

2011 Choice Hotels International, Inc. All rights reserved.