Comfort Brand Announces New Programs To Elevate The Guest Experience

Comfort brands' guest enhancements include uniquely developed brand of bath products, more breakfast options, robust recharge capabilities and overall wellness

News provided by

Choice Hotels International, Inc.

May 13, 2015, 03:00 ET

LAS VEGAS, May 13, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The sweet scent of waffles is no longer the only aroma to delight the senses at Comfort branded hotels. Guests will soon enjoy hints of citrus and mint as well, but not from the free breakfast offered at Comfort branded hotels. At parent company Choice Hotels' 61^st annual convention in Las Vegas, the Comfort brands unveiled "RAIO," the hotel brands' exclusive new line of bath products. These will come in addition to the roll out of other enhancements to the guest's bath experience, complimentary breakfast, and overall wellness initiatives.

New RAIO Bath products by Comfort Inn and Comfort Suites

"Through our extensive guest research we found that travelers want to be at their best while on the road – whether for business or for pleasure. So we decided to offer programs that support guests' lifestyles and would be easy for our hotel franchisees to implement at their individual properties," said Anne Smith, vice president of brand strategy for Choice Hotels. "We are transforming the Comfort Inn and Comfort Suites brands on multiple levels and we're excited that these particular changes will touch guests directly."

Bathroom Enhancements

Exhaustive research and sampling went into selecting bath products before a decision was made to create a new line exclusive to Comfort Inn and Comfort Suites hotels. RAIO aims to evoke a hip, retail-brand feel as well as deliver a refreshing experience with essences of citrus and mint, as well as a touch of shea butter. RAIO (pronounced Rye-Yo) will be produced exclusively for Comfort branded hotels and available to guests as shampoo, conditioner, body lotion and bar soap. Guest bathrooms will also feature larger, plusher towels and new shower curtains.

Wellness Enhancements

The Comfort brands' free breakfast offerings, which rate high in guest satisfaction already, are getting even better. In response to guest feedback, new items such as Greek yogurt with healthy toppings like nuts, dried fruits and granola are being added to the menu; enabling guests to create a mini yogurt parfait if they desire. The Comfort brands' signature guest welcome now includes a refreshing element as well, with new lemon-infused iced water stations in all hotel lobbies. Additional "wellness icons" on select items and amenities around the hotel will remind guests that the Comfort brands continue to support their wellness while they travel.

Recharged and Ready

The introduction of these latest brand programs are part of the Comfort brands' multi-year, multi-faceted sweeping brand improvement strategy. In recent months, all Comfort Inn and Comfort Suites properties added more bedside device recharge capabilities than ever as an added convenience for today's guests who are carrying multiple electronic devices. Guests now find recharge capability for their devices beside every bed. This is in addition to new bedding and soft and firm pillow options which help every guest find their own perfect pillow, allowing travelers to work on their laptops and tablets comfortably propped up in bed. Comfort Suites hotels are also enhancing their 24/7 business centers with remote printing capabilities and refreshing their Marketplace snack shops, all to meet the many needs of business travelers.

Brand Evolution

In coordination with the launch of the Choice Hotels overall corporate rebranding initiative, the Comfort brands have also evolved its voice. The new brand tagline – "Rested. Set. Go." -- evokes the Comfort brands' personality and promise to help guests feel refreshed, and ready to take on the day when staying at a Comfort Inn or Comfort Suites hotel, whether for business or leisure travel. To date, Choice Hotels (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's leading hotel companies, and its franchisees have already invested a sum of more than $250 million toward improving hotel properties to make the Comfort guest experience better than ever.

Let Comfort Inn and Comfort Suites hotels help you get rested and ready to take on the day by going to www.ChoiceHotels.com.

Comfort Inn®: Rested. Set. Go.™
When you travel, what do you need to be ready for the day ahead? At Comfort Inn® hotels we think we've got a pretty good idea. Like friendly staff, comfortable rooms, and amenities you can count on, for a start. Can't decide if you want a soft or firm pillow? Don't worry—your bed has both. Our premium bedding will leave you rested and refreshed in the morning, just in time to enjoy our signature free hot breakfast. Now, if you can't decide which waffle to try first, we suggest flipping a coin—because both the original and flavored are delicious.

With all the amenities you need, and hotels everywhere you want to be, Comfort Inn will get you rested and ready for anything. After all, behind every great day is a great night.

Comfort Suites®: Rested. Set. Go.™
Bigger really is better. And at Comfort Suites® hotels, you'll find more of the space you need to spread out, relax or work—25% more space than a traditional room, to be exact. Stretch out on the sofa, be productive at the desk or kick back in our premium bedding. We've got all the essentials you need to stay on your game while you're away and be your best. Because behind every great day is a great night.

About Choice Hotels
Choice Hotels International, Inc.® (NYSE: CHH) is one of the world's largest lodging companies. With more than 6,300 hotels franchised in more than 35 countries and territories, we represent more than 500,000 rooms around the globe. As of March 31, 2015, 615 hotels were in our development pipeline. Our company's Ascend Hotel Collection®, Cambria® hotels & suites, Comfort Inn®, Comfort Suites®, Sleep Inn®, Quality®, Clarion®, MainStay Suites®, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel®, Econo Lodge® and Rodeway Inn® brands provide a spectrum of lodging choices to meet our guests' needs. With more than 22 million members and counting, check out our Choice Privileges® rewards program to see how you can reap the benefits of being a member of the Choice Hotels® family. Visit us at www.choicehotels.com for more information.

Choice Hotels, Choice Hotels International, Choice Privileges, Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria hotels & suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn, and Ascend Hotel Collection are proprietary trademarks and service marks of Choice Hotels International, Inc.

Additional corporate information can be found on the Choice Hotels International, Inc. web site, which may be accessed at www.choicehotels.com.

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SOURCE Choice Hotels International, Inc.