Roberts Group Grows Portfolio with Choice
Company's Largest African-American Franchisee Reflags 200-Room Hotel to Clarion Hotel & Suites
August 5, 2010 - Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) has announced the conversion of the Roberts Hotel Group's 200-room hotel, located at 9027 Fairforest Road, to a Clarion Hotel & Suites. The Clarion property is a full-service hotel that provides a quality of service, amenities and inviting atmosphere associated with fine hotels, but at an affordable price.
Roberts Hotel Group of St. Louis, Missouri is the largest African American-owned and -managed hotel group in the United States, and is Choice Hotels International's largest African American franchisee with six properties representing 1,085 rooms currently open and under development.
"Our company is delighted to team up again with the Clarion brand. Choice Hotels represents the best in hotel franchising agreements, offering a strong diversity program which provides unique incentives and support systems," said Michael V. Roberts, chairman and CEO of the Roberts Companies. He added, "Our management team, lead by 36 year veteran Curtis Dean, is excited about this new opportunity and is looking forward to introducing our property to the greater South Carolina community."
The new Clarion Hotel & Suites is centrally located between Charlotte and Atlanta, and provides easy access to local points of interest including the Carolina's beautiful beaches. The 200-room hotel includes 85 guest suites and offers spacious and comfortable accommodations for every event. Experienced catering professionals are available to host events in one of the 11 conference rooms featuring 13,000 square feet of banquet and meeting space that can accommodate up to 400 guests.
"This is a great milestone because it takes the Roberts Hotel Group's room supply with Choice Hotels over the 1,000 room mark," said Brian Parker, vice president of emerging markets and new business development for Choice Hotels. "We're extremely proud to have such accomplished businessmen and lodging industry pioneers like Mike and Steve Roberts as franchisees."
Oversized deluxe guestrooms feature two queen size beds, free high-speed Internet access, and complimentary coffee and tea. Suites contain a king size bed and sofa bed in a separate living area. The Clarion property includes a five-story atrium with heated indoor pool and a full bar and lounge, on-site fitness center, restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, and a complimentary shuttle to and from Greenville/Spartanburg International Airport.
"I've found the Choice family of brands to be very well received in large and small markets catering to both corporate and leisure travelers, which is why we will continue to expand our relationship as we grow our hotel portfolio," said Steven Roberts, President and COO of the Roberts Companies.
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