Curious to know, Who Did Choice Hotels Merge With? Over the years, Choice Hotels has expanded through key mergers and acquisitions, most notably with Radisson Hotels Americas and WoodSpring Suites.
These strategic moves have boosted its presence in the upscale and extended-stay segments, expanded its global reach, and enhanced value for both franchisees and travelers. With tools like choiceADVANTAGE login, the company continues to support operational excellence while growing its diverse brand portfolio.
This page explores how Choice Hotels leverages M&A to stay competitive in the dynamic hospitality industry.
Choice Hotels Mergers and Acquisitions
This section explores the significant mergers and acquisitions undertaken by Choice Hotels International, Inc., detailing the companies involved, their impact on the company’s portfolio, and the benefits for both Choice Hotels and its customers.
Here, we address the question, “Who Did Choice Hotels Merge With?” by examining the most notable acquisition in Choice Hotels’ history and its implications.
Acquisition of Radisson Hotels Americas
In August 2022, Choice Hotels completed a significant acquisition of Radisson Hotels Americas, a major milestone in its growth strategy.
- Details of the Acquisition:
- Company Acquired: Radisson Hotels Americas, encompassing franchise agreements, operations, and intellectual property in the United States, Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
- Date: Completed on August 11, 2022.
- Brands Acquired: Nine brands, including Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Radisson RED, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Park Inn by Radisson, Radisson Inn & Suites, and Radisson Collection.
- Expansion of Portfolio and Market Reach:
- Portfolio Growth: The acquisition added approximately 67,000 rooms across the Americas, significantly boosting Choice Hotels’ presence in the upscale and midscale segments.
- Geographical Expansion: Strengthened Choice Hotels’ footprint in key markets, including the United States, Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean, allowing the company to tap into new customer bases and diversify revenue streams.
- Upscale Segment Growth: Post-acquisition, Choice Hotels’ upscale and above brands grew by 44% in room count in 2024, contributing to over 110,000 upscale rooms in its portfolio.
- Global Reach: Enhanced Choice Hotels’ ability to compete globally by integrating well-known brands like Radisson Blu and Radisson RED, which appeal to higher-income travelers.
- Benefits to Choice Hotels and Customers:
- For Choice Hotels:
- Increased Market Presence: The acquisition solidified Choice Hotels’ position as a leading franchisor in the hospitality industry, with nearly 7,500 hotels and 630,000 rooms across 46 countries by 2023.
- Enhanced Brand Portfolio: The addition of Radisson’s diverse brands enriched Choice Hotels’ offerings, catering to a broader range of traveler preferences, from upscale to economy.
- Operational Synergies: Access to Choice Hotels’ proprietary tools, such as choiceADVANTAGE and ChoiceMAX, allowed for improved operational efficiency and profitability for franchisees.
- For Customers:
- More Choices: Customers gained access to a wider variety of hotel brands and locations, enhancing travel options across different markets.
- Choice Privileges Loyalty Program: Guests at Radisson properties can now participate in Choice Hotels’ award-winning loyalty program, earning and redeeming points for reward nights at nearly 7,500 hotels worldwide.
- Unique Experiences: The integration of Radisson’s upscale brands, such as Radisson Blu, offers customers premium accommodations with local charm and modern amenities.
- For Choice Hotels:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Acquired Company | Radisson Hotels Americas |
| Date | August 11, 2022 |
| Brands Added | Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Radisson RED, etc. |
| Rooms Added | Approximately 67,000 |
| Regions Impacted | United States, Canada, Latin America, Caribbean |
| Customer Benefits | Access to Choice Privileges, more hotel options, premium accommodations |
This acquisition has significantly transformed Choice Hotels’ portfolio, greatly enhancing its market presence, brand diversity, and customer experience.
By integrating Radisson’s well-established brands, Choice Hotels continues to strengthen its competitive edge and deliver more premium options to travelers worldwide.
Acquisition of WoodSpring Suites
Another notable acquisition was Choice Hotels’ purchase of WoodSpring Suites in 2018, which significantly expanded its presence in the extended-stay segment.
Details of the Acquisition:
Below are the key facts outlining the acquisition of Radisson Hotels Americas:
- Company Acquired: WoodSpring Hotels Holdings, a portfolio company of Lindsay Goldberg.
- Date: Announced in December 2017, closed in the first quarter of 2018.
- Cost: Approximately $231 million.
Expansion of Portfolio and Market Reach:
The acquisition significantly enhanced Choice Hotels’ market position as detailed below:
- Portfolio Growth: Added nearly 240 extended-stay hotels across 35 states, increasing Choice Hotels’ extended-stay portfolio to over 350 properties.
- Market Reach: Strengthened Choice Hotels’ position in the fast-growing extended-stay segment, which is known for resilience through market cycles and strong revenue per available room (RevPAR) growth.
- Segment Focus: The acquisition aligned with Choice Hotels’ strategy to capitalize on the growing demand for extended-stay accommodations, complementing its existing brands like MainStay Suites and Suburban Extended Stay.
Benefits to Choice Hotels and Customers:
The following points highlight the major benefits stemming from this acquisition:
- For Choice Hotels:
- Segment Leadership: The acquisition boosted Choice Hotels’ extended-stay portfolio by over 200%, positioning it as a leader in this high-demand segment.
- Franchisee Support: Retained WoodSpring’s franchise business employees and strengthened relationships with multiunit developers, enhancing franchisee satisfaction and operational success.
- Financial Resilience: Extended-stay hotels provide stability during economic fluctuations, supporting Choice Hotels’ long-term growth strategy.
- For Customers:
- Affordable Long-Term Stays: WoodSpring Suites offers cost-effective, comfortable accommodations for extended stays, appealing to business travelers, relocators, and families.
- Consistency and Quality: Integration into Choice Hotels’ network ensures consistent service standards and access to the Choice Privileges loyalty program.
- Wider Availability: Customers benefit from more extended-stay options across the United States, meeting diverse travel needs.
The table below summarizes the key details and customer benefits of the Radisson Hotels Americas acquisition.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Acquired Company | WoodSpring Hotels Holdings |
| Date | Closed in Q1 2018 |
| Cost | Approximately $231 million |
| Properties Added | Nearly 240 extended-stay hotels |
| Regions Impacted | 35 states in the United States |
| Customer Benefits | Affordable extended-stay options, Choice Privileges access, consistent quality |
The addition of WoodSpring Suites has firmly established Choice Hotels as a leader in the extended-stay segment, providing greater stability and long-term growth potential.
This strategic move ensures customers have more affordable and reliable options for longer stays, meeting evolving traveler needs across the U.S.
Clarification on Ascend Hotel Collection
The Ascend Hotel Collection is often mentioned in the context of Choice Hotels’ growth, but it is not an acquisition or merger. Instead, it is a brand created by Choice Hotels in 2008.
- Overview:
- Launch: Introduced in 2008 as the industry’s first “soft brand,” focusing on upscale, independent boutique, historic, and resort hotels.
- Portfolio: As of 2025, it includes over 423 hotels globally, with more than 70 in the pipeline.
- Purpose: Allows independent hotels to maintain their unique identity while benefiting from Choice Hotels’ global distribution channels and loyalty program.
- Impact on Portfolio:
- Upscale Growth: The Ascend Collection has significantly contributed to Choice Hotels’ upscale segment, with over 400 properties worldwide by 2025, including unique properties like the Ice Hotel in Kiruna, Sweden, and Amberes 64 in Mexico City.
- Global Expansion: Expanded into markets like Europe, Australia, and the Caribbean, enhancing Choice Hotels’ international presence.
- Benefits:
While not an acquisition, the Ascend Hotel Collection plays a vital role in Choice Hotels’ growth strategy by offering unique, upscale properties that attract independent hotel owners.
This soft brand continues to diversify Choice Hotels’ portfolio, giving customers access to one-of-a-kind stays without sacrificing loyalty benefits or booking convenience.
The mergers and acquisitions of Radisson Hotels Americas and WoodSpring Suites have been pivotal in expanding Choice Hotels’ portfolio and market reach. These strategic moves have strengthened its position in the upscale and extended-stay segments, offering customers more choices and enhanced experiences through the Choice Privileges program.
The Ascend Hotel Collection, while not an acquisition, further complements Choice Hotels’ growth by providing unique, upscale options for travelers worldwide.
Major Mergers and Acquisitions of Choice Hotels
Choice Hotels International, Inc. is one of the largest hotel franchising companies in the world, with a portfolio spanning over 7,500 hotels across 46 countries. Its growth strategy has heavily relied on mergers and acquisitions to expand its brand portfolio, increase market presence, and enhance revenue streams.
This article outlines the significant mergers and acquisitions of Choice Hotels, provides a timeline of key deals, explains why companies in the hospitality sector pursue such strategies, and highlights the specific companies involved.
Timeline of Significant Choice Hotels Mergers and Acquisitions
The following timeline details the major mergers and acquisitions undertaken by Choice Hotels, showcasing its strategic efforts to grow its footprint in the hospitality industry.
Key Milestones in Choice Hotels’ M&A History
Below is a chronological overview of Choice Hotels’ significant acquisitions and attempted mergers, based on verified information.
| Year | Company Acquired/Merged | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Econo Lodge | Choice Hotels acquired the Econo Lodge brand, adding a budget-friendly hotel chain to its portfolio, strengthening its presence in the economy segment. |
| 1990 | Rodeway Inn | Acquired Rodeway Inn, another economy brand, to expand its offerings for cost-conscious travelers. |
| Between 1990-2000 | Friendship Inns | Choice Hotels purchased Friendship Inns, a small chain of budget hotels, to further bolster its economy segment. |
| 2005 | Suburban Extended Stay | Acquired Suburban Extended Stay, marking Choice Hotels’ entry into the extended-stay market, catering to long-term travelers. |
| 2008 | Ascend Hotel Collection | Choice Hotels was the first industry chain to establish a “soft brand”, Ascend Hotel Collection. The Ascend Hotel Collection includes upscale boutique and historic hotels whose owners are subject to fewer fixed brand standards compared with Choice’s other brands |
| 2018 | WoodSpring Suites | Purchased WoodSpring Suites for $231 million, significantly expanding its extended-stay portfolio with over 240 economy extended-stay hotels. |
| 2022 | Radisson Hotels Americas | Acquired Radisson Hotels Americas for $675 million, adding approximately 67,000 rooms and nine brands, including Radisson and Country Inn & Suites, to its portfolio. |
| 2023 | Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (Attempted) | Choice Hotels announced a proposal to purchase all outstanding shares of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts for $90 per share. That offer came after Wyndham declined a direct acquisition bid from Choice |
Why Companies Merge in the Hospitality Sector
Mergers and acquisitions in the hospitality sector are driven by strategic goals to enhance competitiveness and profitability. Below, we explore the key reasons behind these corporate strategies.
Companies in the hospitality industry, including Choice Hotels, pursue mergers and acquisitions for several reasons:
- Increased Market Presence: Acquiring or merging with other brands allows companies to expand their geographic reach and customer base, as seen in Choice Hotels’ acquisition of Radisson Hotels Americas to strengthen its presence in the West Coast and Midwest.
- Economies of Scale: Combining operations reduces costs through shared resources, such as reservation systems and loyalty programs, as evidenced by Choice Hotels’ integration of Radisson Hotels Americas loyalty programs.
- Brand Portfolio Diversification: Adding new brands, like WoodSpring Suites or Radisson, enables companies to cater to different market segments, from economy to upscale.
- Revenue Growth: Acquisitions in higher-revenue segments, such as Choice’s focus on upscale brands like Cambria, drive higher royalty revenues.
- Competitive Advantage: Mergers can create a stronger market position, though they may face regulatory scrutiny, as seen in the failed Wyndham Hotels & Resorts merger attempt due to antitrust concerns.
These strategies help companies like Choice Hotels remain competitive in a dynamic industry, though challenges like integration and regulatory hurdles must be navigated.
Specific Companies Involved in Choice Hotels’ Mergers and Acquisitions
Who Did Choice Hotels Merge With? Below is a detailed list of the specific companies that Choice Hotels has successfully acquired or attempted to merge with, highlighting their significance.
Companies Acquired or Targeted by Choice Hotels:
- Econo Lodge (1990): A budget hotel brand acquired to strengthen Choice Hotels’ economy segment, appealing to cost-conscious travelers.
- Rodeway Inn (1990): Another economy brand, acquired to expand Choice’s offerings in the budget hotel market.
- Friendship Inns (between 1990-2000): A small chain of budget hotels, acquired to further solidify Choice’s economy portfolio.
- Suburban Extended Stay (2005): Marked Choice’s entry into the extended-stay market, targeting long-term guests.
- The Ascend Hotel Collection (2008): Choice Hotels’ first soft brand of upscale boutique/historic hotels with flexible brand standards for owners.
- WoodSpring Suites (2018): Acquired for $231 million, adding over 240 economy extended-stay hotels to cater to budget-conscious, long-term travelers.
- Radisson Hotels Americas (2022): Purchased for $675 million, adding nine brands, including Radisson, Radisson Blu, and Country Inn & Suites, and 67,000 rooms across the U.S., Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
- Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (Attempted, 2023-2024): Choice Hotels proposed acquiring Wyndham Hotels & Resorts for $90/share after Wyndham rejected an earlier direct buyout offer.
These acquisitions and the attempted merger with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts reflect Choice Hotels’ strategy to diversify its portfolio and expand into higher-revenue segments.
Choice Hotels’ history of mergers and acquisitions demonstrates a strategic approach to growth, focusing on expanding its brand portfolio and market reach. While successful acquisitions like Radisson Hotels Americas and WoodSpring Suites have strengthened its position, the failed Wyndham merger highlights the challenges of regulatory scrutiny and stakeholder opposition.
By continuing to pursue strategic mergers and acquisitions, Choice Hotels aims to enhance its competitive edge in the global hospitality industry.
Impact of Mergers on Choice Hotels and the Hospitality Industry
Mergers and acquisitions have reshaped the hospitality landscape, with Choice Hotels leveraging strategic moves to strengthen its position. This article explores how these efforts have impacted the company and the broader industry.
Choice Hotels’ Competitive Edge Through Mergers
Mergers have significantly enhanced Choice Hotels’ market presence. A key question in recent years has been, “Who Did Choice Hotels Merge With?” The notable acquisition of Radisson Hotels Americas in 2022 expanded its portfolio by adding nine brands and over 600 hotels. This move broadened Choice Hotels’ geographic reach and diversified its offerings across economy, midscale, and upscale segments.
Key Benefits of the Radisson Acquisition
The Radisson merger strengthened Choice Hotels’ competitive position by:
- Portfolio Diversification: Added upscale brands like Radisson Blu, appealing to a wider customer base.
- Global Expansion: Increased presence in the Americas, enhancing market share.
- Operational Scale: Improved efficiency through shared resources and economies of scale.
The Radisson Hotels Americas acquisition gave Choice Hotels a competitive edge, expanding its reach and answering who it merged with recently.
Benefits for Franchisees and Guests
The Radisson acquisition and other strategic moves have delivered tangible benefits for franchisees and guests, enhancing operational efficiency and customer experiences.
Franchisee and Guest Advantages
- Enhanced Loyalty Programs: Integration of Radisson Rewards with Choice Privileges offers guests more redemption options and rewards.
- Technology Integration: Adoption of tools like Mews Cloud improves property management, streamlining operations for franchisees.
- Improved Guest Experience: Real-time data and AI-driven personalization create seamless, tailored stays for guests.
Franchisees and guests benefit through enhanced loyalty programs, seamless technology integration, and improved experiences driven by the Radisson acquisition and strategy.
Industry Trends: Consolidation in Hospitality
Consolidation is a defining trend in the hospitality sector, driven by the need for scale and efficiency. Mergers like Choice Hotels’ acquisition of Radisson reflect broader industry shifts.
Implications of Consolidation
- Increased Efficiency: Mergers reduce costs through shared resources and streamlined operations.
- Market Expansion: Companies gain access to new markets and customer segments.
- Challenges: Transitions may disrupt operations or affect employee satisfaction if not managed well.
Key effects of hospitality industry consolidation on growth, efficiency, and operations
| Trend | Impact on Industry |
|---|---|
| Economies of Scale | Lower costs, better supplier deals |
| Portfolio Diversification | Broader customer appeal |
| Operational Challenges | Potential disruptions during integration |
Consolidation in hospitality is reshaping the industry, with Choice Hotels’ merger activity reflecting larger trends toward growth, scale, and efficiency.
Future Outlook for Choice Hotels’ Growth
Choice Hotels is well-positioned for future growth, leveraging its merger-driven strengths. The company’s focus on technology and sustainability will drive its strategy.
Growth Strategies
- Brand Expansion: Continued growth in upscale and extended-stay segments, like the Ascend Collection, now over 400 hotels.
- Technology Investment: Emphasis on AI and cloud-based systems to enhance operations.
- Sustainability Focus: Commitment to eco-friendly practices to meet consumer demand.
Choice Hotels is poised to lead the hospitality industry by capitalizing on its merger-driven momentum and innovative strategies.
Strategic mergers, including the Radisson Hotels Americas acquisition, have positioned Choice Hotels for sustained success. With a focus on portfolio diversification, technology investment, and sustainability, the company is reshaping the hospitality industry and redefining growth through consolidation and innovation.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Who Did Choice Hotels Merge With? The answer showcases a series of strategic mergers and acquisitions, including Radisson Hotels Americas and WoodSpring Suites, that have expanded Choice Hotels’ brand portfolio, strengthened its presence in the upscale and extended-stay segments, and boosted its overall market reach.
These integrations, supported by tools like choiceADVANTAGE and the Choice Privileges loyalty program, deliver lasting value to both franchisees and guests. With a forward-looking strategy, Choice Hotels continues to shape the future of the hospitality industry through innovation and smart consolidation.
