Choice Hotels International, Inc, one of the world’s largest hotel franchisors, has officially announced the launch of new, value-engineered prototypes for Comfort and Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, prototypes that are designed to provide more revenue driving spaces for owners within the same footprint and achieve a 10 to 15 percent reduction in construction costs.
According to certain reports, the company now plans to test and roll out a series of new and evolved brand hallmarks, including an updated breakfast offering, furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) packages etc.
More on the given updates would reveal how they are based upon extensive owner feedback which, on its part, was acquired after conducting an in-depth study of what customers care about most in a hotel experience. The stated information was also achieved after leveraging Choice’s extensive knowledge of the upper midscale guest, thus identifying unmet opportunities within the competitive landscape.
Talk about the prototypes introduced for Comfort, they include reconfigured hotel lobby, breakfast, and flex room areas, each one now adapted to incorporate a more intuitive design which features refined furniture finishes, along with a cheerful, energizing space for guests to work, play, and enjoy their breakfast. Complementing that would be the introduction of bright and elevated colors.
Focused on increasing revenue-generating spaces, the prototypes in question make a point to reduce stock-keeping units (SKU) in the FF&E package by almost 30%. Such an alteration should tread up a long distance to simplify and accelerate the process of ordering and shipping materials. This, in turn, should speed up opening new or conversion of existing hotels.
Another detail worth a mention is rooted in an optimized Rise & Shine prototype at enhanced value. The said prototype will try and enhance using a fresh and contemporary design which resonates with guests of all ages.
Already adopted in more than 140 properties, including in Nashville, Huntsville, and Fort Myers, this new prototype will increase guest satisfaction scores, as compared to previous designs. All in all, the updates to the Rise & Shine FF&E design package will provide a cost optimization of 16 percent on average, achieved through smart, innovative design, detailing, and partnerships.
“Choice Hotels is committed to growing and strengthening both Comfort and Country Inn & Suites by Radisson by ensuring we are providing incredible value and return for both owners and guests,” said Judd Wadholm, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Choice Hotels’ Core Brands, which include upper midscale, midscale and economy brands. “With an average 90 percent brand recognition for both brands, deep expertise in the upper midscale segment, and newly refined brand identities, we’re creating an environment to help drive hotel performance.”
Turning our attention towards the prototypes introduced for Country Inn & Suites, they ensure that guest, upon arrival, are welcomed into a well scaled single-story connected lobby and dining space, which allows you to relax, meet, and enjoy the lobby and hearth. Guests can also unwind in a cozy chair by the fireplace or to enjoy a free homestyle breakfast or a curated snack in a modern country kitchenette and dining area.
Next up, we must dig into how these prototypes here geared towards optimization of the public space, gaining 18 keys and reducing the minimum land footprint required to develop.
There is also the potential for reduced FF&E implementation costs. This the development will achieve using a design evolution which maintains the rich legacy of Country Inn & Suites and offers solutions that build upon the experiences long associated with Country, available at lower implementation costs for owners.
“Comfort and Country Inn & Suites by Radisson share an inimitable legacy of hospitality and value done right and these updates position each brand for even greater success in today’s evolving business landscape,” said Jenny Aboudou, Head of Upper Midscale at Choice Hotels International. “Choice Hotels has given its brands an edge because we prioritize the voices of our franchisees and are obsessed with studying the dynamic preferences of today’s travelers. These insights have been crucial in shaping our next steps for our upper midscale brands.”
