WINNIPEG, Manitoba and SILVER SPRING, Md., Oct. 29 /CNW/ --

The special ground breaking event included brief remarks, a sod-turning ceremony and reception with light refreshments. Those in attendance at the event included John Owens, president of King Edwards Extended Stay Group Ltd., owners and operators of the future MainStay Suites hotel; Kevin Lewis, president of upscale and extended stay brands for Choice Hotels; Scott Richer, director of franchise sales and development in Canada for Choice hotels; along with other local business leaders and dignitaries.

WINNIPEG, Manitoba and SILVER SPRING, Md., Oct. 29 /CNW/ --

The MainStay Suites Winnipeg Airport hotel will feature an expanded fitness facility with sauna and whirlpool, approximately 1,000-plus square feet of meeting space, on-site laundry facilities, free wireless high-speed Internet access and free grab-and-go breakfast. Guest suites will each feature a fully-equipped kitchen, large work area, bright task lighting, sleeper sofa, iron and ironing board. Guests will particularly enjoy the spaciousness of the deluxe queen guestrooms and one-bedroom suites. Select guest suites will also feature in-room wireless computers synced to flat screen TVs.

WINNIPEG, Manitoba and SILVER SPRING, Md., Oct. 29 /CNW/ --

The MainStay Suites hotel brand is franchised by Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest lodging franchisors. MainStay Suites properties are the mid-market extended stay brand from Choice Hotels that offer residential-style amenities with enough room for an extended stay including separate areas for dressing, relaxing, sleeping and eating. For more information on MainStay Suites, visit mainstaysuites.com.

About Choice Hotels

As of June 30, 2009, Choice Hotels International, Inc. franchised more than 5,900 hotels, representing more than 479,000 rooms, in the United States and more than 30 other countries and territories. On September 22, 2009, the company announced it had opened its 6,000th franchised property. As of June 30, 2009, more than 800 hotels are under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in the United States, representing more than 64,000 rooms, and an additional 110 hotels, representing approximately 8,700 rooms, are under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in more than 15 other countries and territories. The company's Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn brands serve guests worldwide. In addition, via its Ascend Collection membership program, travelers in the United States and the Caribbean have upscale lodging options at historic, boutique and unique hotels.

WINNIPEG, Manitoba and SILVER SPRING, Md., Oct. 29 /CNW/ --

Choice Hotels, Choice Hotels International, Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn and Ascend Collection are proprietary trademarks and service marks of Choice Hotels International.