MINNEAPOLIS, MN, March 18, 2008. A new 81-room Country Inn & Suites By Carlson has opened its doors for business at 236 Old Epps Bridge Road in Athens, Ga.

"We're very excited to bring the Country Inns & Suites By Carlson concept to this region," said Steve Mogck, executive vice president and brand leader, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson. "All employees will participate in the Country Inns & Suites 'Be Our Guest' service training program, to ensure consistent delivery of quality customer service at our hotels."

"This new Country Inn & Suites By Carlson is a wonderful addition to our community. We are confident that this recognized brand and lodging concept will help us grow and prosper in the future," said Heather Howard, general manager of the Country Inn & Suites By Carlson in Athens.

The hotel features a heated indoor swimming pool, whirlpool and well-equipped fitness center. Other amenities include a complimentary deluxe breakfast and a 100 person capacity meeting room that provides fax and copy service. The hotel offers a variety of guest rooms including, one bedroom suites, studio suites and Jacuzzi suites. All rooms feature complimentary high-speed Internet access, microwave, refrigerator, and 32" Flat Screen TV. This Country Inn & Suites property is located near a variety of restaurants and just miles away from downtown Athens and the University of Georgia. The hotel is situated near two major airports and less than 80 miles from Hartsfield International Airport, with van service available for a small fee.

Country Inns & Suites offers locations that feature traditional architecture and sophisticated residential interior design with hardwood flooring, lobby fireplace and front porch. Each hotel welcomes guests with traditional furnishings that blend rich woods and a contemporary color palate throughout the hotel.

The rooms offer many amenities often found at higher-priced hotels such as complimentary hot breakfast, in-room coffee maker, in-room iron and ironing board, and weekday morning newspaper. Country Inns & Suites provides a Read It & Return Lending Library at its hotels in the U.S. and Canada which lends free books to guests based on the assurance they will return the book on their next visit. When guests return the books to any Country Inns & Suites hotel, a charitable donation is made by Country Inns & Suites to support literacy.