The Econo Lodge Inn & Suites hotel, of Southern Pines, was recently announced as a recipient of a prestigious 2010 Gold Hospitality Award from global lodging leader Choice Hotels International Inc.

"The Econo Lodge Inn & Suites award-winning hotel represents not only the best of the best, but also the tremendous value that a Choice brand hotel can offer to today's travelers," said Steve Joyce, president and CEO of Choice Hotels. "We're very proud to have the Econo Lodge Inn & Suites hotel as part of our Choice family and I congratulate the property on receiving this distinguished award."

As a top performing property among the company's more than 4,800 U.S. franchised hotels, the Econo Lodge Inn & Suites hotel is among the top 10 percent of properties within the Econo Lodge brand, and one of 13 hotels within the state of N.C. and one out of 45 hotels within the 844-strong Econo Lodge brand to receive "Gold Award" status, a news release said.

As one of the company's top franchised hotels operating under the Econo Lodge flag, the hotel has demonstrated an exceptional focus on guest satisfaction and dedication to providing superior service. Additional award criteria are evaluated by Choice Hotels through its official annual property ranking report.