NASHVILLE -- Choice
Hotels International revealed plans to put wireless hot spots in
all of its Econo Lodge hotels by the end of 2006.
Choice Hotels
officials, meeting here for the chains annual franchisee meeting,
said the installation of hot spots, areas where guests are able to
access the Internet with Wi-Fi enable computers and other devices,
is slated to begin on June 1 with installation completed by the end
of the year.
We believe this new
amenity offering will be a key factor in bringing new guests to our
Econo Lodge hotels, said Kevin Brandt, senior director brand
strategy for Choices economy brands.
Choice also rolled
out two online promotions during the convention, the first called
Key to a Million, where visitors to Choices Web site, www.choicehotels.com, choose from 20 room keys -- one
of which will open the door to the million dollar grand prize.
Consumers also will have an opportunity to win $50,000 under the
promotion. The sweepstakes will run from June 1 through Aug.
17.
In a separate
promotion, guests that apply for and receive a Choice Privileges
Visa Platinum Card will receive Choice Privileges bonus points good
for a three-night stay at such Choice branded properties as Comfort
Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion or MainStay
Suites.
To contact
reporter Michael Milligan, send e-mail to [email protected].