Coon Rapids, Minn. - Carlson, a global hospitality and travel company, today announced the further expansion of Country Inns & Suites By CarlsonSM in the Midwestern United States. The opening of Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Coon Rapids, Minn. marks the brand's growth in the region as part of its Ambition 2015 strategy.

"The brand has established a strong footprint in the state where it was born with 35 Country Inns & Suites locations," said Steve Mogck, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Midscale Brands, Carlson Hotels, Americas. "The continued growth in this region is another step forward in our plan to expand the brand by an additional 250 hotels globally by 2015, primarily in the U.S., Canada, India and Mexico."

Country Inns & Suites offers caring, consistent, comfortable hospitality with a touch of home. The brand offers an expanded complimentary hot breakfast, free high-speed Internet access and weekday newspaper– features especially attractive to business travelers.

"We are thrilled to be joining Country Inns & Suites, Carlson and their family of brands during these exciting times, given Carlson's strengths and momentum. We are confident that the consistency, value and leadership of this brand and the Carlson system will result in a successful future for this hotel," said Jayshal Bhakta of JR Hospitality LLC, owning company of the Country Inn & Suites, Coon Rapids, Minn.

The hotel is located near the National Sports Complex. The hotel offers a business center, a fitness center and an indoor pool. Meeting space is available for up to 175 people. The 108-room hotel features whirlpool suites, one-bedroom suites and guest rooms with a microwave and refrigerator among many other amenities.

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

About Carlson
Carlson is a global hospitality and travel company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn. Carlson encompasses 1,071 hotels, including Radisson®, Country Inns & Suites By CarlsonSM, Park Inn by Radisson and Park Plaza®; more than 900 T.G.I. Friday's® restaurants; 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 170,000 people. http://www.carlson.com

About JR Hospitality LLC
JR Hospitality was established in 2008 by third generation hoteliers. The principals of the company own and operate two premier midscale properties in the Minneapolis area.

Contacts:
Jay Bhakta, Owner/General Manager | +1 (763) 780-3797 | jbhakta@jrhospitality.com Ben Gardeen, Carlson | +1 (763) 212-8129 | bgardeen@carlson.com