Country Inns & Suites by Carlson today changed its name to Country Inn & Suites by Radisson. According to a release from the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, the name change is allowing the brand and its individual hotels to "leverage the global recognition and strength of the Radisson brand."
In addition to the name change, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson will also receive a new visual identity, an updated logo, new hotel collateral and a new marketing campaign. These changes will be adopted by the brand in stages throughout the first half of 2018. Signature brand amenities will remain within the Country Inn experience, including free Wi-Fi, complimentary hot breakfast, fitness centers and a Read It & Return Lending Library. The brand has more than 480 hotels in the United States, Canada, Latin America and India. In certain circumstances, some hotels are expected to retain the brand's the former name, Country Inns & Suites by Carlson, past 2018.
“We are thrilled that Country Inn & Suites will have a new name aligning it more closely with our Radisson brands,” Ken Greene, president of the Americas at Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, said in a statement. “By aligning with our Radisson brands, Country Inn & Suites hotels will benefit from increased name awareness among new and prospective guests, while retaining its brand essence of modern country warmth enjoyed by our current guests.”
Country Inns & Suites By Carlson Announces Name Change to Country Inn & Suites by Radisson https://t.co/TWEuYR2Xzr pic.twitter.com/lD8SLqJLZz
— CARLSONREZIDOR (@CARLSONREZIDOR) January 17, 2018
Greene took the helm at Carlson Residor’s Americas region in November of 2017, amid several other changes within the company’s executive leadership. At the time, Greene said the Radisson brand was due for a refresh. For this reason, Country Inn’s name change is curious because it highlights the Radisson name, leading to some speculation that the company could be going through its own name change, or that Country Inn could be up for sale.
In a clarifying statement, the Carlson Resider Hotel Group stated that Country Inn & Suites is not for sale:
“Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group would like to address speculation that has been circulating about the potential sale of its Country Inn & Suites brand. The company has no intention to sell Country Inn & Suites nor have any discussions taken place to substantiate this speculation,” the statement reads. “Country Inn & Suites, along with all our brands, remain core growth vehicles for the company as part of its new strategic five-year plan.”
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson is a part of Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, which also encompasses the Quorvus Collection, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson Red, Park Plaza and Park Inn by Radisson brands.