Carlson Hotels, one of the world's leading hotel companies, today announced the further expansion of Country Inns & Suites By Carlson^SM in Alabama. The opening of Country Inn & Suites Saraland, Ala. marks the brand's accelerated expansion in the region as part of its Ambition 2015 growth strategy.

"With 12 Country Inns & Suites hotels in the state and more than 220 locations in the southern United States, the brand has established a strong footprint in the region," said Steve Mogck, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Country Inns & Suites By Carlson. "We are focused on building momentum in North America and India as we increase our portfolio of hotels over the next five years."

Country Inns & Suites offers caring, consistent, comfortable hospitality with a touch of home, and many distinctive product and service innovations, such as the Friends Hosting Friends^SM employee training program that has generated tremendous employee engagement scores and high overall guest satisfaction.

"We are thrilled to be joining the Country Inns & Suites family and are confident that the consistency, value and leadership of this brand and the Carlson Hotels system will result in a successful future for this hotel," said Larry Wright, owner of the Country Inn & Suites, Saraland, Ala.

The 100 percent non-smoking hotel features an outdoor pool and whirlpool, and a fitness center. The 60-room hotel features one-bedroom suites, extended stay suites and guest rooms featuring complimentary wired and wireless high-speed Internet access, microwave, refrigerator and flat screen televisions.

The hotel is located 10 miles from downtown Mobile.

For reservations and information, visit www.countryinns.com or call toll-free 1-800-456-4000.

About Carlson
Carlson is a privately held, global hospitality and travel company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Carlson encompasses more than 1,080 hotels, including, Radisson®, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson^SM, Park Inn® and Park Plaza®; more than 1,000 restaurants, including T.G.I. Friday's® and Pick Up Stix®; and a majority stake in Carlson Wagonlit Travel®, the global leader in business travel management. Carlson operates in more than 150 countries and its brands employ about 150,000 people. http://www.carlson.com

###

John Reynolds, General Manager | 1 251-575-3580 | john.reynolds@countryinns.com

Ben Gardeen, Carlson Hotels | 1 763-212-8129 | bgardeen@carlson.com