Business Travel Tips

Choice Hotels International Inc., one of the nation’s most successful hotel franchisers, is set to launch an upscale brand called Cambria Suites.

That puts Choice in competition with the likes of Marriott International Inc., Hilton Hotels Corp, and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. .

Cambria Suites rooms will be 25 % larger than many of its competitors, with separate sleep and living/work areas, each with a flat-screen TV and free wireless Internet. The lobby will have club lounge seating.

Analysts said the brand is specifically focused on the traveler who wants the comforts of home, despite strict budgets at the office.

“Companies are traveling more, but they are being much more cognizant of costs, this fits in perfect. It’s still better than a mid-scale Comfort Inn, but it’s not that luxurious where it costs too much.” said Samir Jain, a hotel analyst with Jefferies & Co. ( source )

David Katz, a hotel industry analyst with CIBC World Markets said that Choice’s move into the upscale segment of the hotel industry is a good idea because that would be a fertile market.