Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE:CHH), one of the world's largest lodging franchisors, and Boykin Lodging, the owner of the Doubletree Hotel Yakima Valley, announce that the 208-room hotel, located at 1507 N. First Street here, is now operating as the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center. The hotel joined Choice Hotels' upscale Clarion brand on February 15.

"Guests of the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center are invited to enjoy the same comfortable accommodations, friendly personal service and warm ambiance that have been hallmarks of the hotel for many years," said Wanda Riel, general manager of the hotel. "We invite guests to come and see what's new and to more importantly see what is the same, the people."

The hotel continues to offer various dining options including the Vineyards Steak House, a fine-dining experience featuring wine from local area vineyards, hand-cut steaks and fresh seafood; Misty's Lounge which offers a relaxing after-work experience and the Coffee Garden which offers breakfast or lunch.

The Clarion Hotel and Conference Center features two outdoor swimming pools, an exercise room, hot tub, high-speed Internet and a business center. The hotel boasts 7,450 square feet of meeting/banquet space that can accommodate up to 700 people.

The hotel features rooms and suites with king, queen and double beds. Each room features 27-inch cable TV, in-room coffee maker, hair dryer, iron, ironing board, large work area, data port and high-speed internet access. Some rooms also feature a balcony. Four suites are available.

The hotel features rooms and suites with king, queen and double beds. Each room features 27-inch cable TV, in-room coffee maker, hair dryer, iron, ironing board, large work area, data port and high-speed internet access. Some rooms also feature a balcony. Four suites are available.

All rates include a complimentary USA TODAY newspaper and a 100 percent guest satisfaction guarantee.

Discounts are available when booked in advance on a space-available basis for seniors, American Automobile Association members, business travelers, government and military personnel and groups. Children, ages 18 and under, stay for free when accompanied by an adult.

Non-smoking rooms and rooms for individuals with disabilities are available.

The Clarion Hotel & Conference Center is less than a mile from downtown Yakima and the Yakima Convention Center. The hotel is near soccer, golf and shopping. The Clarion Hotel & Conference Center is less than two miles from the Sundome, Yakima Speedway and Yakima County Stadium, 15 miles from Yakima Valley Wineries and 20 miles from Yakima Legends Casino. Mount Rainer is 100 miles from the hotel.

The Clarion Hotel & Conference Center participates in Choice Privileges�, Choice Hotels' rewards program where guests can earn points toward free lodging or frequent flier miles with participating airlines when staying at U.S. Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion and MainStay Suites brand hotels.

From February 1 through April 30, guests who are members of Choice Privileges may participate in Choice Hotels' "Stay Twice, Earn a Free Night" promotion. Choice Privileges' members may receive a free night's lodging after every two separate stays at any Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion or MainStay Suites hotel. Travelers who prefer may instead collect airline miles/credits or points toward gift certificates from more than 100 national and 400 regional retailers and restaurants.

For reservations at any Clarion brand hotel worldwide, contact Choice Hotels' toll-free reservation service at (800)-4CHOICE or visit www.choicehotels.com on the Internet. Rooms at the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center also can be booked by contacting the hotel directly at (509) 248-7850.

Choice Hotels International franchises more than 5,000 hotels open or under development in 42 countries and territories under the Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, MainStay Suites, Econo Lodge, and Rodeway Inn brand names. For more information on Choice Hotels, visit the company's Web site at www.choicehotels.com.

Choice Hotels, Choice Hotels International, Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, MainStay Suites, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn, Choice Privileges and 1-800-4CHOICE are proprietary trademarks and service marks of Choice Hotels International, Inc.

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Media Contact: Dorothy Dee Tel: (301) 592-6197 Fax: (301) 592-6177 dorothy_dee@choicehotels.com