America's Best Reports Solid Growth
JANUARY 16, 200788. Two of the country's favorite economy brand hotel brands reconfirmed their popularity with both franchisees and the traveling public by posting impressive growth statistics for 2007 in number of new properties opened and in number of total reservations fulfilled.
America's Best grew by 23% as it opened 18 new properties with a total of 1,649 rooms and Country Hearth grew by 32% as it opened 22 new properties with a total of 1,421 rooms, according to Doug Collins, chairman and CEO of Atlanta-based America's Best Franchising Incorporated, which operates both brands.
With these additions, America's Best now operates 98 properties which have a total of 6,722 rooms while Country Hearth now operates 90 properties which have a total of 5,592 rooms.
In addition, America's Best Franchising achieved significant increases in reservations - 45% on its two brand websites and 11% through all sources combined. Average daily rates (ADR) for its properties system-wide grew by $5, or 8%, to $74 for reservations through its brand websites and by $3.89, or 6%, to $72.90 for reservations through all sources combined.
"These numbers are dramatic, but especially satisfying is the overwhelming vote of confidence represented by these figures," added Collins. "In today's crowded marketplace, both hoteliers and travelers have many choices about who they wish to do business with - and we're very honored that resoundingly during 2007, they selected our brands.
"That makes us even more committed to continuing during 2008 in the directions which have made us successful - namely, providing the highest levels of service for our guests and the best possible profitability for our franchisees."
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
