Country Inns & Suites By Carlson Celebrates Grand Opening of First Property in New York City

November 5, 2009

Site Offers Dynamic Views of Manhattan Skyline And Fast Access to Manhattan

LONG ISLAND CITY, N.Y., Nov. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Country Inns & Suites By Carlson(SM) today celebrates the grand opening of its first property in New York City, the Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, New York City at Queens, NY. The addition of this new property in the key New York market represents a landmark in the continuing growth of Country Inns & Suites By Carlson, which is approaching 500 locations. The hotel is owned by Krishna Hospitality LLC.

The 133-room, Country Inn & Suites New York City at Queens is located minutes from Manhattan in the heart of Long Island City, an emerging cultural neighborhood with close proximity to New York City's major airports and notable arts, culinary and athletic attractions all its own. The location offers sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline from many rooms plus easy access to subway transportation into the heart of the city.

Thorsten Kirschke, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Carlson Hotels - The Americas, parent company of Country Inns & Suites By Carlson; Steve Mogck, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Country Inns & Suites By Carlson, and Kaushik Patel, general manager and managing partner, join Long Island City, Queens and New York City civic, community and corporate leaders to cut the ceremonial ribbon, officially celebrating the opening of the new property.

"The opening of this first location of Country Inns & Suites in the city of New York is an important strategic step in the continuing development of the highly popular Country Inns & Suites brand which is nearing 500 locations worldwide," said Kirschke. "We are pleased to now offer our customers exceptional value and convenient location for their leisure and business travel needs in New York," he added.

"Long Island City is one of New York's most convenient borough neighborhoods, and home to a variety of contemporary arts facilities and organizations along with popular restaurants and ethnic cuisine," said Mogck. "The welcoming atmosphere and comfortable accommodations of this Country Inn provide an important hospitality asset to the community," he added.

"We are pleased to be bringing Country Inns & Suites to the New York market," commented Patel. "The hotel offers warm, hospitable surroundings in a dynamic neighborhood minutes from midtown Manhattan, Times Square, and Central Park."

Country Inns & Suites New York City at Queens provides accommodations ranging from 252-square-foot guestrooms to 384-square foot one bedroom suites. All guestrooms and suites feature complimentary wired and wireless high-speed Internet access, 32-inch LCD television, microwave and refrigerator. Several floors of accommodations also offer panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline.

The hotel also features signature brand elements, including traditional architecture and a sophisticated residential interior design with iconic hardwood style plank lobby flooring and lobby fireplace. The property features the brand's new interior design concept, highlighted by fresh color palettes, increased workspace, bright lighting and attractive, comfortable furnishings reflecting current residential trends.

Situated less than five miles from Midtown Manhattan, the Country Inn & Suites New York City at Queens is minutes from major New York City attractions such as Central Park, Times Square, and the Empire State Building. Local Long Island City attractions include the award-winning modern art museum PS1, the new Socrates Sculpture Park, destination ethnic cuisine and the New York Mets' recently renovated Citi Field baseball stadium.

Country Inns & Suites By Carlson offer amenities such as complimentary hot breakfast, in-room coffee maker, in-room iron and ironing board, hair dryer, and weekday morning newspaper. Country Inns & Suites embraces the love of reading through its Read It & Return Lending Library. A variety of titles for all ages are available for guests to borrow and read at their leisure at more than 478 locations in the U.S. and Canada and the brand supports literacy efforts through charitable donations. For reservations and information, visit www.countryinns.com, call toll-free 1-800-456-4000 or contact a travel professional.

Country Inns & Suites By Carlson(SM) is part of Minneapolis, Minn.-based Carlson Hotels Worldwide, whose operations also include Regent® Hotels & Resorts; Radisson® Hotels & Resorts; Park Plaza® Hotels and Resorts and Park Inn®

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SOURCE Country Inns & Suites By Carlson