Franchise Directory

This company offers a lot of hospitality choices. Choice Hotels is a leading hotel franchisor with more than 5,500 locations in the US and about 40 other countries. Its flagship brands include Comfort Inn, one of the largest limited-service brands with about 2,400 properties; and Quality Inn, which serves the midscale hotel segment through more than 1,200 locations. Its Econo Lodge chain offers lodging primarily for budget-minded travelers. Other brands include the full-service Clarion chain, Rodeway Inn budget hotels, and Sleep Inn. Chairman Stewart Bainum and his family own nearly 50% of the company.

Choice Hotels experienced strong growth in 2009, moving from a growth ranking of #67 last year to #39. The company also boasts standout longevity (#2), Web visibility (#4) and brand awareness (#14). Choice moved down slightly on our AllStar list this year because its financial strength ranking dropped from #67 to #222. Choice is #1 on our Top 10 list of Franchising Pioneers.

Longtime Marriott CEO Steve Joyce took over as CEO of Choice Hotels International last year; the company plans to acquire new brands this year.

At a time when many franchisees are cutting back on minority outreach, Choice Hotels is still committed to offering financial assistance and support programs for minority entrepreneurs. Choice Hotels is also giving back by partnering with Rebuilding Together, a project that repairs homes for low-income families.

Last Year's AllStar Rank: 3

Full Disclosure Award
This company gets a nod for disclosing financial performance representations in Item 19 of its Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). For an explanation of why this is important, read The Importance of Item 19 in the Franchise Disclosure Document.