SILVER SPRING, Md. (June 8, 2011) – The Ascend Collection  membership program from Choice Hotels International, Inc., (NYSE:CHH) announced today that it has increased its presence in New England with the addition of its first New Hampshire property, The Lane Hotel, in historic downtown Keene.

The 40-room boutique hotel is operated by Colwen Management, Inc., Nashua, N.H. Following a major renovation, the property reopened in May 2011, with a completely redesigned entrance and lobby featuring a new coffee bar and lounge serving light fare.

"We’re delighted to bring Ascend Collection to the beautiful state of New Hampshire,” says Stacy Ragland, vice president for Ascend Collection from Choice Hotels International. “Keene draws visitors year-round with its charming shops, restaurants and outdoor recreation. The Lane is the region’s premier downtown lodging. With its business amenities, stylish décor and great location, this hotel is ideal for both business and leisure travelers.”

The Ascend Collection membership program is an upscale network of historic, boutique or unique hotels in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. As a member of this elite program, The Lane Hotel maintains its independent identity, while gaining the support of one of the world’s largest hospitality companies. The lodging becomes part of the Choice Hotels global reservations and distribution systems. It gains visibility before an international network of more than 12 million Choice Privileges rewards members. Additionally, the property acquires marketing support and an online presence on ChoiceHotels.com, one of the industry’s most visited websites.

Modern Comforts, Historic Charm
Rates at The Lane Hotel range from $119 to $249 per night and vary by season and length of stay. This historic property is nestled in southwestern New Hampshire’s picturesque Monadnock Lake Region between the Green Mountains of Vermont and the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The Lane is Keene’s only lodging on broad, leafy Main Street, lined with locally owned restaurants, boutique shops, cafes and galleries, all within easy walking distance. Guests out for a stroll also will find Keene State College and its Redfern Arts Center as well as the historic Colonial Theatre for movies and concerts. Close to the hotel as well are businesses; Horatio Colony Museum; Granite Gorge; Rhododendron State Park; and Mount Monadnock, one of the most hiked mountains in the world.

The Lane is housed in a stately, 1891 brick building that has been a Keene landmark for more than a century, first as home to the Goodnow Department Store and then as a lodging. Last month, The Lane recently completed a major, million-dollar-plus renovation. The project, by ProCon Construction, Inc., Hooksett, N.H., added modern comforts and amenities, while carefully preserving the property’s historic charm.

Today, The Lane combines contemporary style with the striking high ceilings and exposed brick walls from its past. Each guestroom boasts a unique and sophisticated décor, offering features from oversized windows with charming Main Street views to two-level loft suites with spacious sitting rooms. All guestrooms and suites are outfitted with complimentary wired and wireless Internet access, large flat-screen televisions, iPod docks, Keurig coffee makers and plush beds with pillow-top mattresses and luxurious linens. Some rooms also have whirlpool baths, microwaves, refrigerators and pullout sofas for comfortable extended stays.

The redesigned lobby features a welcoming, new fireplace and new bar. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the historic buildings and shade trees of lively Central Square. Guests can relax in the lobby while checking email and Facebook, with free Wi-Fi now available throughout the hotel. For business travelers, the property also offers computer access as well as copy and fax services.

Additionally, The Lane houses 2,944 square feet of meeting and event space, offering a casually elegant ambiance. Meeting rooms are equipped with the latest audio-visual equipment and high-speed wired and wireless Internet access.

The 3,165-foot peak of Mount Monadnock provides a spectacular backdrop for Keene. In addition to the town’s shopping, dining and nightlife, the Monadnock Region is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With mountains, rivers and lakes, the area offers outstanding skiing and skating in the winter and hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, beaches and kayaking throughout the summer. For golfers, area courses serve up gorgeous vistas of rolling hills and rugged mountains.

About Ascend Collection
The Ascend Collection membership program made its debut in late 2008 and now has more than 70 hotels open and under development throughout the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. The network appeals to the growing number of travelers who like to discover upscale independent hotels with personalized service and local flair when traveling for business or leisure. Member hotels include The GEM Hotels with three boutique hotels 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.; 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 6,100 hotels, representing more than 490,000 rooms, in the United States and more than 30 other countries and territories. As of March 31, 2011, more than 500 hotels were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in the United States, representing more than 40,000 rooms, and approximately 100 hotels, representing approximately 8,400 rooms, were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in more than 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 http://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.