Choice Hotels International’s 68th Annual Convention in Las Vegas marked a significant gathering for the hospitality chain. Over three dynamic days, the convention presented a strategic blueprint to its owners and operators, outlining collaborative approaches to capitalize on their competitive edge and meet the surging demand for travel. Notable announcements included the relaunch of Park Inn by Radisson, strategically positioning it in the premium value segment, offering guests upscale amenities at affordable prices. Additionally, Choice reintroduced the SOAR program, reaffirming its two-decade commitment to fostering hotel ownership opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs, promoting diversity and inclusion within the industry.
Choice Hotels President and CEO Patrick Pacious expressed optimism about the future, stating that the company and its franchisees have achieved a new level of success together and that he has never been more confident about their shared future. With brands well-positioned to capture an even greater share of the growing travel demand, Choice sees immense opportunities ahead.
Recognizing excellence within the Choice family was a central theme of the convention. President and CEO Patrick Pacious, along with Premier Legacy Award recipient Bob Patel of Omaha Hotels, Inc., and Chief Development Officer David Pepper, honored outstanding achievements. Premier Award Winners included:
* Kunal Dave of Laxmi Hotels Group (Premier Developer Award): With a proven track record of over a decade in the industry and a portfolio of more than 25 Choice hotels, Dave has demonstrated exceptional ability in revitalizing properties across various segments, driving both revenue and profitability.
* Bob Patel of Omaha Hotels, Inc. (Premier Legacy Award): Patel’s journey with Choice spans 15 years, beginning with the purchase of an Econo Lodge in Janesville, Wisconsin. Today, he owns 15 Choice hotels across multiple brands. He epitomizes the values of mentorship and dedication, inspiring aspiring entrepreneurs to succeed in the hospitality business.
The convention also celebrated the Best of Choice winners, recognizing their unwavering commitment to exceptional guest service and operational excellence. The finest international properties and the top-performing hotel per brand in the U.S. were recognized, showcasing the diversity and strength of Choice’s portfolio:
* Cambria Hotel Traverse City – Traverse City, Michigan
* Clarion Hotel Oslo – Oslo, Norway
* Clarion Inn Conference Center – Gonzales, Louisiana
* Clarion Pointe Sulphur Springs – Sulphur Springs, Texas
* Comfort Hotel Nagoya Meiekiminami – Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
* Comfort Inn & Suites Lakewood By JBLM – Lakewood, Washington
* Comfort Inn Blackshear Highway 84 – Blackshear, Georgia
* Comfort Suites near Penn State – State College, Pennsylvania
* Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Belleville, Ontario – Belleville, Ontario, Canada
* Country Inn & Suites By Radisson, State College (Penn State Area), PA – State College, PA
* Econo Lodge – Lenoir City, Tennessee
* MainStay Suites Carlisle-Harrisburg – Carlisle, Pennsylvania
* Park Inn by Radisson San Jose, Costa Rica – San Jose, Costa Rica
* Quality Hotel Blumenau – Blumenau, Santa Catarina, Brazil
* Quality Inn Ingleside-Corpus Christi – Ingleside, Texas
* Radisson Hotel Colorado Springs Airport – Colorado Springs, Colorado
* Radisson Individuals, the Hotel Casa Don Luis by Faranda Boutique – Cartagena, Colombia
* Radisson Montevideo Victoria Plaza Hotel – Montevideo, Uruguay
* Sleep Inn Winfield-Teays Valley – Hurricane, West Virginia
* Suburban Studios Washington, Pennsylvania – Washington, Pennsylvania
* The Halifax Tower Hotel & Conference Centre, Ascend Hotel Collection – Halifax, Nova Scotia
* The Ingot Hotel Perth, Ascend Hotel Collection – Belmont, Western Australia
* The Inn at I’On – Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina
* The Radisson Blu Aruba – Palm Beach, Aruba
* The Radisson Blu Toronto Downtown – Toronto, Canada
* The Rodeway Inn – Ainsworth, Nebraska
* Woodspring Suites San Antonio Stone Oak – San Antonio, Texas
