22 Choice Hotel Brands: Economy, Midscale, and Upscale Properties [In-Depth Guide]

Key Takeaways

• Choice Hotels includes a wide range of brands, from budget-friendly options like Comfort and Quality Inn to more upscale choices like Cambria Hotels and Radisson.
• Econo Lodge focuses on no-frills, budget-friendly stays, ideal for short trips and overnight stays.
• Ascend Hotel Collection features boutique-style hotels with unique, local experiences.

Choice Hotels International is one of the largest hospitality companies in the world. Choice Hotels is one of the bigger competitors to mainstay hotel chains like Hilton, Marriott, and IHG. With headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, Choice Hotels has 7,000+ hotels in its portfolio, spread out across more than 40 countries.

Although the parent company may not be well-known, its constituent properties enjoy an unexpectedly high level of brand recognition, offering names including Comfort Inn, Radisson, Sleep Inn, and Rodeway Inn.

Although Choice Hotels’ focus has always been on the midscale/economy traveler, it is possible to stay at upscale properties. Best of all, there are many ways to redeem Choice Privileges points.

Let’s examine Choice Hotels’ 22 brands. As you’ll find out, there are economy lodging accommodations, spacious midscale choices, and even boutique upscale properties.

Choice Hotels Brand Overview

Choice Hotels’ massive portfolio makes it a larger company than IHG and Hilton by number of properties, which is a feat that is certainly difficult to surpass!

Choice Hotels separates each brand and buckets it into economy, midscale, or upscale accommodations.

Choice Hotels focuses on offering affordable rooms, as evidenced by its 6 economy brands and 9 midscale brands. Meanwhile, there are several formidable upscale names spanning several brands, including the Ascend Hotel Collection, Cambria Hotels, and Radisson.

Choice Privileges Credit Cards

Wells Fargo is the exclusive credit card issuer for Choice Hotels.

Choice Privileges® Mastercard®

The Choice Privileges card comes with $0 annual fee, complimentary Gold Elite status, cell phone protection, a welcome point offer, and the ability to earn Choice Privileges points with regular spending.

When you have the Choice Privileges card, you can earn 5x points at eligible Choice Hotels, 3 points at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores, and landline/cell phone providers, and 1x points on all other purchases.

The biggest benefits of Choice Privileges Gold Elite status over entry-level Member status are early check-in, late checkout, elite reserved parking, a dedicated customer hotline, and even an elite welcome gift!

Lastly, you will receive a 10% elite bonus on points accrued during your Choice Hotels stays, and spending on the card helps you achieve a higher status level, like Platinum, faster.

Choice Privileges^® Select Mastercard^®

The Choice Privileges Select card comes with a $95. This card is ideal for Choice loyalists with its 10x points on Choice stays and automatic Platinum Elite status. You’ll earn 5x points at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores, and phone plan services, and 1x points on all other purchases. Making everyday purchases on the card also assists in reaching a higher status level.

Hot Tip:

You can also transfer from American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles at a1:1 ratio; Citi ThankYou Rewards at a 1:1.5 ratio (1:1.05 for cards with no annual fee), Wells Fargo Rewards at a 1:2 ratio; and Diners Club at a 1,250:2,400 ratio.

Choice Privileges Loyalty Program

The points you earn in Choice Privileges, Choice Hotels’ loyalty program, can be redeemed for hotel stays (or transferred to airline partners). Note that you can only book stays up to 100 days in advance.

Award prices range from 8,000 points to 75,000 points per night. You’ll only experience pricing between 35,000 and 75,000 points per night at Choice Hotels or Preferred Hotels & Resorts locations in the Asia-Pacific region.

You won’t experience any variable pricing structures — your property will either be available with points at a set price or it will not be available.

To figure out how much your stay will cost using points, you’ll want to:

1. Visit the Choice Privileges’ Redeem Points page.
2. Enter your destination and travel information in the search box. Make sure the special rate field says Reward Points.
3. Click Find Hotels.
4. You will see the points cost for each available hotel on the right-hand side.
5. Click Check Availability to proceed with your booking.

Hot Tip:

Choice Hotels acquired Radisson Hotels Americas and its Radisson Rewards Americas loyalty program in July 2023. The Radisson Rewards loyalty program still exists for Radisson Hotels in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific.

22 Choice Hotel Brands

Choice Hotels’ 22 brands are heavily weighted towards the affordable or value end of the spectrum. With seminal brands like Sleep Inn, Quality Inn, Park Inn, Rodeway Inn, and Comfort, it’s easy to see why Choice Hotels enjoys incredible brand recognition.

However, this isn’t the end because Ascend Hotels Collection, Cambria Hotels, and several Radisson brands offer a hint of luxury with their position as upscale brands in Choice Hotels’ portfolio.

1. Ascend Hotel Collection

Ascend Hotel Collection is one of several Choice Hotels brands in the upscale bucket. Ascend Hotel Collection is Choice Hotels’ boutique brand focusing on historic and culturally rich accommodations.

Each property is unique, but expect to find the most technologically advanced amenities, excellent service, unique food and beverage choices, and many historical artifacts at each Ascend Hotel Collection property. Pick between nature adventures, sprawling resorts with golf courses, or even artsy city properties with unbeatable locations.

Hot Tip:

An alliance with Penn National Gaming, Inc. offers reciprocal earning and redemption benefits for Choice Privileges members and Penn’s mychoice loyalty program members.

2. Cambria Hotels

Cambria Hotels, another Choice Hotels upscale brand, has a focus on business travelers, but it will also appeal to leisure travelers.

You’ll find free Wi-Fi, tech-friendly rooms, plenty of meeting spaces, full-service dining, bars featuring local craft beer selections, and even Cambria’s Contactless Concierge Service within each property.

You’ll get a Diamond Elite Status Jump, which offers Choice Privileges Diamond Elite status at Cambria stays, provided you have elite status at another hotel brand.

Overall, Cambria Hotels offers a mix of business travel utilitarianism and casual leisure indulgences at each of its properties.

3. Clarion

Clarion prides itself on accommodating different customer/traveler archetypes under 1 roof, whether business travel, special events, celebrations, vacations, or just a simple weekend staycation.

Ultimately, Clarion helps business and leisure guests mingle by providing meeting/banquet facilities, hot breakfast, a simplified menu, free Wi-Fi, a pool, a fitness center, and a 24-hour business center. Amenities may vary at each location, so keep that in mind.

4. Clarion Pointe

Clarion Pointe is the sister brand of Clarion and is positioned as a convenient and affordable brand with premium touches in just the right places.

Hotel essentials like contemporary design, crisp bedding, free Wi-Fi, on-demand streaming connectivity, a modern fitness center, and free breakfast with premium coffee every morning are among the perks of staying at Clarion Pointe properties.

5. Comfort

Comfort is Choice Hotels’ largest brand. Positioned as a midscale limited-service brand, Comfort is designed to offer consistent, high-value accommodations for both leisure and business travelers.

With 3 distinct sub-brands — Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, and Comfort Inn & Suites — Choice Hotels has gone to great lengths to revamp and revitalize the Comfort brand, previously associated with tired, no-frills motels.

Each oversized room has separate areas for working and relaxing, and some rooms are equipped with a sleeper sofa, refrigerator, microwave, and high-speed internet. Comfort properties have also been upgraded with new design elements, free Wi-Fi, refreshed bedding, a hot and hearty breakfast, and improved fitness centers.

6. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson is known for having spaces set up for work and play. While it’s not a fancy chain, it’s easily one of the most recognizable.

Many Country Inn & Suites properties have a fitness center and pool. You’ll also have access to a complimentary daily breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and free coffee in your room.

7. Econo Lodge

Econo Lodge is Choice Hotels’ flagship economy brand. By providing an “easy stop on the road,” this value-oriented brand is a favorite for travelers seeking affordable accommodations.

Econo Lodge competes with brands like Days Inn, Super 8, and Red Roof Inn to give you an idea of what it might offer.

At Econo Lodge, you’ll find clean rooms equipped with free Wi-Fi, premium movie channels, bedside electrical outlets, and, most importantly, free continental breakfast. Many of these properties are pet-friendly, as well.

8. Everhome Suites

Everhome Suites is one of Choice Hotels’ newest brands, offering midscale extended-stay comforts. This brand offers a refreshed perspective on value-oriented efficiency tailored to long-staying guests. For discerning travelers, its 3 pillars are convenient amenities, modern spaces, and flexible design.

You’ll discover contemporary, locally-inspired gathering areas in the main lobby area to blend work and play. You’ll find smart, apartment-style suite layouts in each room featuring separate work and living spaces, including a fully-equipped kitchen with a dishwasher.

The first location for this new brand is in Corona, California. Additional locations planned include Georgia, Montana, Idaho, and New Jersey.

9. MainStay Suites

MainStay Suites is one of Comfort Hotels’ midscale brands, specifically for extended-stay travelers. MainStay Suites emphasizes a homey experience by delivering on the “Live Like Home” motto.

Typical customers include those who are relocating, leisure travelers, employees attending training, or even temporary job assignments.

Each of these all-suite rooms contains free Wi-Fi, a sleeper sofa or lounge chair, a fully-equipped kitchen with a 2-burner cooktop, dishes, utensils, a dishwasher, a sink with disposal, a microwave, and a full-size refrigerator, an ergonomic chair, and comfortable work areas.

On-site amenities include a well-equipped fitness center, a business center with a computer and printer, and complimentary access to small kitchen appliances, including blenders, toasters, and slow cookers, via the Things I Use at Home program.

You’ll enjoy a free continental breakfast, including a hot oatmeal station at each property, on-site laundry rooms, regular housekeeping, and a marketplace to pick up snacks.

10. Park Inn by Radisson

The Park Inn by Radisson brand emphasizes fresh, colorful design and friendly service from staff. At Park Inn properties, you’ll find shared spaces to work and play and high-tech features in each room.

You’ll find Park Inn in locations across North and South America.

11. Park Plaza by Radisson

Park Plaza by Radisson is a high-end brand known worldwide for offering swanky hotel rooms, fine dining, and superior service.

Located in cultural hubs, Park Plaza hotels offer something for both leisure and business travelers. No matter the property, you’ll experience “authentic service, contemporary spirit, and local knowledge.”

12. Quality Inn

Quality Inn is another one of Choice Hotels’ midscale properties. As the second-largest brand in Choice Hotels’ portfolio, Quality Inn helps both guests “get your money’s worth.”

By delivering value on both sides of the equation, Quality Inn has cemented itself as one of the best go-to midscale brands, particularly in the U.S. Whether you’re a business traveler, looking for a vacation, or just desperate for a weekend getaway, Quality Inn will deliver excellent value.

Quality Inn features hot, complimentary breakfasts, free Wi-Fi, an in-room fridge, a coffee and tea facilities.

13. Radisson

You’ll find Radisson hotels under the Choice Hotels umbrella across the U.S., Canada, Latin America, South America, and the Caribbean, and the brand puts an emphasis on amenities. Most Radisson hotels feature fitness facilities, free Wi-Fi, and more.

14. Radisson Blu

Radisson Blu is known for having upscale amenities and full-service dining. Many Radisson Blu hotels are located in beach destinations in the Caribbean, so they’re a great option if you want to spend time in the sun.

Most Radisson Blu properties offer free Wi-Fi and work spaces with smart TVs, device chargers, adapters, and ports. You’ll also find USB ports in your room, located next to the bed and desk.

15. Radisson Collection

Choice Hotels acquired the Radisson Collection brand but has no properties at this time.

At non-Choice locations, the brand represents a premium, upscale portfolio of properties. These hotels typically draw on the local community around them, utilizing authentic local influences and living design throughout the property.

16. Radisson Individuals

Radisson Individuals hotels are just that — individual and unique. This brand emphasizes taking “advantage of distinct features of their destinations,” so no 2 hotels are alike. At a Radisson Individuals property, you could stay at a unique Spanish-style colonial landmark or near attractions unique to the local community.

Radisson Individuals hotels can be found in Colombia, Panama, and the U.S.

17. Radisson Inn & Suites

Choice Hotels acquired the Radisson Inn & Suites brand but has no properties at this time.

At non-Choice locations, Radisson Inn & Suites hotels utilize modern design, stylish but functional rooms, and good service.

18. Radisson RED

Most Radisson RED rooms are studio-style, with art found throughout. Radisson RED hotels offer open spaces and are convenient enough to immerse yourself in the destination’s culture.

You’ll find a handful of Radisson RED hotels in popular cities like Miami and Minneapolis.

19. Rodeway Inn

Rodeway Inn is one of Choice Hotels’ economy brands. Perhaps the most “no-frills” brand, Rodeway Inn, offers the basics competitively.

Rodeway Inn is for those needing a bed to sleep on and a refreshing shower. The 3 main amenities you’ll find are free coffee every morning, free Wi-Fi, and a free premium movie channel.

This sensible lodging option is great for travelers on a budget, so you can get rest and use the room as a launchpad for your area excursions. “Good night. Great savings” is the motto here, making Rodeway Inn one of the best deals on a simple stay.

20. Sleep Inn

It’s easy to see why Sleep Inn is so popular — getting a good night’s rest is the focus here, so these stylish hotels are designed as a sanctuary for your wellness.

Sleep Inn’s midscale position offers plush bedding, relaxing design elements, calming colors, and thoughtful lighting to optimize your sleep in a spa-like atmosphere. Also, free amenities include a hot breakfast and high-speed Wi-Fi. You’ll find facilities such as a fitness room and/or a pool on-site.

Furthermore, Sleep Inn has partnered with Better Sleep, a renowned mobile app, to help you maximize your sleep even more with gentle sounds, meditations, and bedtime stories. Sleep Inn will offer guests complimentary premium, ad-free access to this app.

21. Suburban Studios

Suburban Studios is in the economy category, offering extended-stay lodging for travelers.

With value-conscious guests in mind, all of the apartment-style suites offer in-room kitchens. This includes a full-sized fridge, a 2-burner cooktop, a microwave, a kitchen sink, free Wi-Fi, and 24/7 on-site laundry facilities. Common amenities include a basic exercise room, free local calls, a business center, free coffee, and even truck parking! Plus, you’ll get a free hot breakfast at each of these properties.

Offering primarily weekly and multi-week pricing with bi-weekly housekeeping, you can see how Suburban Studios can offer some of the most competitive extended-stay pricing by removing the services guests don’t need.

22. WoodSpring Suites

WoodSpring Suites is one of Choice Hotels’ most exciting brands, aiming to maximize guest comfort via a welcoming environment, friendly staff, clean practices, and more.

You can book nightly, weekly, and monthly stays at WoodSpring Suites. The longer you stay, the cheaper the nightly rates you’ll receive. Typical guests include those who are relocating, those on traveling medical assignments or crew projects, and those experiencing life changes. Housekeeping is done bi-weekly, and you can purchase additional bedding replacement/housekeeping services as needed.

Each pet-friendly room (exclusions apply) is a suite with separate sofas and chairs, a free premium movie channel, and well-designed kitchens, including a full-size fridge, a 2-burner stove, and a microwave oven. You’ll enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking, 24/7 laundry room access, vending machines, and additional kitchen items. Some locations also offer lobby coffee service, dishwashers, and fitness centers.

Final Thoughts

Choice Hotels is one of the world’s largest hotel chains, managing more than 7,000 properties across 40+ countries. By the number of properties, Choice Hotels is larger than Hilton and Marriott!

As a general rule of thumb, Choice Hotels skews much more towards the economy/midscale traveler with brands like Rodeway Inn, Quality Inn, and Comfort. However, it does have a position in the upscale hotel market, thanks to the Ascend Hotel Collection, Cambria Hotels, and several of the Radisson-related brands.

Choice Hotels’ rewards program, Choice Privileges, offers opportunities to earn and redeem points for free hotel stays. Still, paying cash for Choice Hotels properties is not a bad deal, considering how value-packed each stay can be.