No. 16 of the UK's Top 100 in 2022
In 1939 seven motel owners in Florida set up Quality Courts, which was an informal group of motels that set high service and quality standards. Quality Courts published the names of motels that complied with the standards and referred business to each other, increasing profits and growing the group's membership quickly. Quality Courts were the first to introduce innovations in industry service such as wall-to-wall carpeting, daily changing of bed clothes and 24-hour reception service.
Choice Hotels is now one of the largest hotel franchisors in the world, with over 7,000 hotels in over 40 countries.
Year established | 1939 |
Year franchise established in Europe | 1972 |
Number of units in the UK | 19 |
Number of units worldwide (excluding UK) | 7,079 |
Number of countries where company operates | 32 |
Training and support
Choice Hotels offer franchisees many benefits including flexibility in the franchisee agreement (allowing hotels to retain their own brand name), innovative operational systems and support, one of the world’s leading customer loyalty programmes, global sales and marketing support, cost saving. According to Choice Hotels CEO Andrew O'Neill, Choice Hotel Group have the ability and capacity to maximise the financial return from hotels through their professional and experienced team.Hotel reservations are driven by the Choice Hotels Central Reservation system, which is multi-channel, works in real time and is tied to marketing and promotions. Choice Privileges is rated as one of the top hotel loyalty programmes with over 22 millions members, driving repeat business to franchisees’ hotels. Online channels, call centres and a global sales team also drive business in the direction of franchisees. ChoiceU.com provides franchisees with learning resources, including over 100 regional workshops annually. A dedicated Area Director is also available to provide support and guidance to franchisees at any time.
Corporate Responsibility
Charities, sponsorship
Choice Hotels International Foundation matches tax-deductible donations made by eligible associates, up to $1,500 per year, to eligible non-profit organisations. The Giving Time programme encourages associates to volunteer, and the foundation makes a $500 donation to the eligible organisation after 100 hours of volunteer service. The Choice Hotels International Foundation also help local communities by providing food, clothing and shelter to those in need, workforce entry programmes and tourism growth and development.
The Room to Rebuild Programme was launched in 2009 in partnership with Rebuilding Together. Choice Hotel associates and franchisees improve the home for vulnerable people including low-income elderly, disabled veterans and families in need. Volunteers have spent more than 12,000 hours on rebuilding projects to date.
Environment
Choice Hotels promotes environmentally sustainable practices in its more than 7,000 hotels and in its corporate locations through the Room to be Green Programme. The programme focuses on energy conservation, water conservation, recycling and waste reduction, employee engagement and sustainable product usage.