Choice Hotels International`s Clarion Collection, an extension of the Clarion brand, is finding its niche outside the United States, resulting in significant brand growth.

This summer, Choice Hotels Scandinavia is converting more than 30 hotels to the Clarion Collection brand because it fits well with the style of hotels in the region. Sixteen Clarion Collection hotels throughout Sweden will join the system along with 13 in Norway and two in Denmark.

These international Clarion Collection hotels join eight Clarion Collection hotels open in Australia, and one each in Canada, China, France and Singapore. Five additional hotels are under development in Australia, Germany and Canada. The collection was established in May 2003 to attract hotels that have strong local recognition with unique designs or features that incorporate geographic, market-specific elements.

The brand was designed to offer travelers boutique-style hotels that maintain their unique characteristics while benefiting from a worldwide brand affiliation, said Bruce Haase, senior vice president of Choice Hotels` International division. It has enjoyed tremendous success in the U.S., with 15 Clarion Collection hotels open or under development domestically. Now we`re seeing similar success internationally, as hotels located in worldwide business and leisure travel destinations seek to align with the Clarion Collection brand.

The array of international Clarion Collection properties includes Les Etangs de Corot Hotel, Clarion Collection Paris West Versailles of Ville d`Avray, France, which is surrounded by ponds and gardens. The hotel`s d?cor adopts warm colors and each of the 49 rooms is furnished in a contemporary style and named after an important person known to the local area.

The Rendezvous Observation City, Clarion Collection hotel of Scarborough, Western Australia, is located on the edge of the Indian Ocean and features more than 300 rooms, three restaurants, extensive banquet and conference facilities including two large ballrooms and 12 meeting rooms with state-of-the-art audio-visual technology. Plaza Club Rooms are available on the top three floors of the hotel featuring a private lounge overlooking the ocean.

The Rendezvous Allegra Hotel, Clarion Collection hotel of Adelaide, South Australia, is elegantly appointed and combines a contemporary design with European style. The hotel features a hydrotherapy spa, sauna, fitness center, lap pool, and conference and meeting room space. Rooms include a marble bathroom with deep bath and separate shower and a signature picture window dividing the bathroom and bedroom.

With the addition of these new properties in Scandinavia, Clarion Collection hotels truly takes a prominent place in the worldwide boutique lodging market, Haase said. Travelers around the world will benefit from Choice Hotels` enhanced portfolio.