TORONTO, ONTARIO--( Feb. 22, 2011) - Choice Hotels Canada has honoured its top performing hotels with 2011 Gold and Platinum Hospitality Awards. A total of 9 hotels received Platinum awards and 19 received Gold awards. Over 290 Canadian hotels were eligible for the awards.

"These hotels demonstrate an exceptional focus on guest satisfaction and dedication to providing superior service," says Tim Oldfield, managing director, franchise performance for Choice Hotels Canada. "Gold Award winners are amongst the 10 per cent best-performing hotels within our system. Platinum winners are the best in the system, reflecting the top three percent of hotels throughout Canada. To receive a hospitality award is a clear example of hotel's dedication to operational excellence and their commitment to an exceptional guest experience."

Recipients were judged upon results of Choice Hotels Canada's comprehensive selection criteria, which included an evaluation of guest surveys (and their likelihood to recommend the property to friends and family), third-party quality assurance audits and their desire to meet guest needs.

2011 Platinum Hospitality Award Winners

Comfort
Comfort Inn, Halifax, NS
Comfort Inn, Bridgewater, NS
Comfort Inn, New Glasgow, NS
Comfort Inn, Brockville, ON
Comfort Inn & Suites, Medicine Hat, AB
Comfort Inn & Suites, Airdrie, AB

Quality
Quality Suites, Drummondville, QC
Quality Inn, Sarnia, ON

Econo Lodge
Econo Lodge Canmore, Canmore, AB

2011 Gold Hospitality Award Winners

Comfort & Comfort Suites
Comfort Inn, Yarmouth, NS
Comfort Inn & Suites, Shawinigan, QC
Comfort Inn & Suites, Lévis, QC
Comfort Inn, Chatham, ON
Comfort Inn, Kapuskasing, ON
Comfort Inn, Leamington, ON
Comfort Inn Toronto Northeast, Markham, ON
Comfort Inn, Sturgeon Falls, ON
Comfort Inn & Suites, Moose Jaw, SK

Comfort Suites
Comfort Suites, Kelowna, BC

Quality
Quality Inn, Matane, QC
Quality Inn, Rivière-du-Loup, QC
Quality Suites, Oakville, ON
Quality Suites, Whitby, ON
Quality Inn & Suites, Petawawa, ON
Quality Hotel, Burlington, ON
Quality Inn & Suites, Lethbridge, AB
Quality Inn Northern Grand, Fort St. John, BC

Econo Lodge
Econo Lodge Montmorency Falls, Boischatel, QC

For individual hotel details, please visit choicehotels.ca or call 800.4CHOICE.

About Choice Hotels Canada:

From Victoria, B.C., to St. John's, N.L., more than five million guests each year stay with Choice Hotels Canada™ (CHC). CHC is the nation's largest hotel franchisor, with 300 privately run properties currently open and under development, under seven brands: Comfort™, Comfort Suites^®, Quality^®, Sleep Inn^®, Clarion^®, Econo Lodge^® and Rodeway Inn^®. In addition, via its Ascend Collection™ membership program, Canadians have upscale lodging options at historic, boutique and unique hotels. CHC properties are 100 per cent franchise owned and operated by individual hoteliers, entrepreneurs and lodging/hotel management companies. CHC offers comprehensive support services to its franchisees including sales, marketing, purchasing, reservations and other supportive services. CHC offers high-value lodging options ranging from limited to full service, in the economy to mid-scale markets. CHC is part of Choice Hotels International^® which franchises 6,000 hotels in more than 35 countries and territories worldwide. CHC is represented in every major and most secondary markets across all provinces, conveniently located near major airports and highways, shopping centres, entertainment districts and tourist attractions. For reservations call 800.4CHOICE (800.424.6423) / 800.BO.RÊVES (800.267.3837) or visit choicehotels.ca.

Choice Hotels, Choice Hotels Canada, Comfort, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn, Ascend Collection, 800.4CHOICE and 800.BO.RÊVES are proprietary trademarks and service marks of Choice Hotels International, Inc.

©2011 Choice Hotels Canada Inc. All rights reserved.