Choice Announces Low-Cost Signage Leasing Program to Back Brand Re-Imaging

SILVER SPRING, Md. Nov. 7, 2001 Choice Hotels International, Inc., CHH today announced a new low-cost, signage leasing program to assist franchisees with signage costs related to the re-imaging of the Quality, Comfort Suites and Sleep brands.

Under the provisions of the program, franchisees will be able to acquire their new signage through leasing options that offer little or no up front cost, leasing terms of up to 60 months and attractive purchase options.

"The slower economy in 2001, coupled with the negative impacts of the events of September 11, have created a significant challenge for some of our franchisees," said Charles A. Ledsinger, Jr., president and chief executive officer. "As a result, we decided that we should further assist franchisees by providing a leasing option for the signage."

He added, "Already more than half of the affected franchisees have ordered their signage surveys and they are clearly eager to move forward with the program. This new leasing program will help add to that momentum."

Choice has designated two options for the leasing program: Highline Capital of Boulder, Col., and LinkCrest Capital of Addison, Tex. Both will offer 100% financing for the costs of the signage and installation.

Interested franchisees should contact the leasing companies directly for full information on their respective programs. Highline Capital can be reached by calling 1-877-422-4100. LinkCrest Capital can be reached at 1-972-818-8610.

In addition, Choice announced that franchisees selecting the signage leasing option remain eligible for further financial assistance under the Guaranteed Return program, which rebates a percentage of the signage costs to franchisees if they proceed with installation before December 31, 2001 or March 31, 2002.

Choice Hotels International CHH, the world's second largest lodging franchisor, franchises more than 5,000 hotels in 43 countries under the Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Clarion, Sleep Inn, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn and MainStay Suites brand names.

Certain matters discussed in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities law. Such statements are based on management's beliefs, assumptions and expectations, which in turn are based on information currently available to management. Actual performance and results could differ from those expressed in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements due to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond Choice's ability to predict or control. For further information on factors that could impact Choice and the statements contained therein, we refer you to the filings made by Choice with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its registration statement on Form S-4 and report on Form 10_Q for the period ended June 30, 1999.

Additional corporate information may be found on the company's Internet site, which may be accessed at www,choicehotels.com.

Comfort, Quality, Clarion, Sleep Inn, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn, MainStay Suites, Guest Privileges and are registered trademarks, service marks and trade names of Choice Hotels International, Inc. Choice Hotels also owns and uses common law marks, including Profit Manager.