Walk into any Country Inn & Suites by Radisson and the first thing you'll probably notice isn't the decor. It's the smell. Usually, it's cookies. Specifically, those Otis Spunkmeyer chocolate chip ones that sit in a basket right by the check-in desk. It’s a small thing. But in a world where travel has become increasingly sterilized and corporate, that cookie represents a very specific brand of hospitality that Radisson—now under the Choice Hotels umbrella—has fought hard to keep alive.
The brand occupies a weirdly competitive space in the travel world. It's midscale. It's not a five-star luxury resort, but it isn't a budget motel where you question the cleanliness of the remote control either. It’s that sweet spot.
You’ve likely seen the classic architecture: the white porch railings, the stone accents, and the lobby fireplace that looks like it belongs in a suburban living room rather than a commercial building. It feels familiar. Honestly, that's the whole point. While brands like Moxy or Aloft are out here trying to be "edgy" with neon lights and concrete floors, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson is basically the weighted blanket of hotel chains.
The Choice Hotels Acquisition and What It Actually Changed
A lot of people don't realize that the brand went through a massive tectonic shift recently. In 2022, Choice Hotels International closed a deal to acquire Radisson Hotels Americas for about $675 million. This wasn't just corporate shuffling. It moved Country Inn & Suites into the same family as Comfort Inn and Quality Inn.
Some regulars worried the "Country" soul would get sucked out of the brand. Change is scary. Especially when you have a favorite stop on a road trip. However, the integration has mostly been about the backend—think loyalty points and booking systems. Choice Privileges members can now use points at these properties, which, frankly, was a huge win for value hunters. The actual experience on the ground hasn't turned into a generic Choice property yet. The porches are still there. The breakfast is still free.
Why the "Be Our Guest" Philosophy Isn't Just Marketing
Most hotel brands have a mission statement that sounds like it was written by a committee of people who hate vacations. Country Inn & Suites uses the "Be Our Guest" mantra. It sounds cheesy, sure. But look at the layout.
Most locations feature a "Read It & Return" lending library. You don't see that at a Marriott. It’s a small, old-school touch where guests can borrow a book and return it to any other location in the country. It’s analog. In 2026, when everything is digital and screened-in, having a physical book to read by a lobby fireplace is a legitimate vibe.
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The room design has also evolved. They’ve moved away from the heavy floral patterns of the 90s (thank god) toward a look they call "Generation 4." It’s cleaner. You get neutral tones, better lighting, and more outlets. Because let’s be real, if a hotel room doesn't have a USB port next to the bed in this day and age, it's basically a cave.
The Breakfast Factor: More Than Just Rubbery Eggs
We need to talk about the breakfast. It’s free, which is the baseline requirement for this tier of hotel, but the quality varies wildly across the industry. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson usually lands in the top tier for one reason: the waffles.
They use the classic rotating irons, but they often provide actual toppings like berries or chocolate chips rather than just syrup that’s mostly high-fructose corn oil. You also generally get a rotating selection of hot items—think breakfast burritos, scrambled eggs, and sausage.
Is it Michelin-star dining? No.
Is it better than a granola bar in your car? Absolutely.
The dining area is usually designed to feel like a kitchen. It encourages people to actually sit down. In a "business" hotel, people eat while staring at their phones in total silence. At a Country Inn, you’re more likely to see a youth soccer team or a retired couple chatting with the staff. It’s less "transactional."
Where They Fit: Business vs. Leisure
The brand is in a bit of a tug-of-war. On one hand, they want the business traveler who needs a reliable desk and fast Wi-Fi. On the other, they are the go-to for family reunions and road-tripping seniors.
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For the business set, the suites are the draw. Most Country Inn & Suites properties have a significant number of rooms with separate living areas. This is huge if you’re on a three-day stint in a city like Des Moines or Charlotte. You can work on the sofa without feeling like you’re trapped in a bedroom.
- Amenity Highlights:
- Free high-speed Wi-Fi (usually consistent, though older properties can lag).
- Fitness centers (typically small, but functional).
- Indoor or outdoor pools (a staple for the family market).
- Business centers with printing capabilities.
The "Suites" part of the name isn't just fluff. Even the standard rooms feel slightly larger than the industry average for midscale hotels. It’s about breathing room.
The Realistic Downside: Consistency Issues
No brand is perfect. The biggest gripe guests have with Country Inn & Suites by Radisson usually stems from age. Since many of these hotels are franchised, the gap between a brand-new "Gen 4" build and a 20-year-old converted property can be vast.
You might walk into one and find a sleek, modern lobby. You might walk into another and find 1998-era carpeting in the hallways. It’s the gamble of the franchise model. When booking, the pro tip is always to check the "last renovated" date or look specifically for photos of the bathrooms. If the tub is beige, it’s an old one.
Location Strategy: Why You Find Them Where You Do
You won't often find a Country Inn & Suites in the middle of Times Square or overlooking the Pacific in Malibu. That’s not their lane. They dominate the "second-tier" cities and suburban hubs.
They are strategically placed near airports, major highway interchanges, and corporate parks. Think places like Bloomington, MN (near the Mall of America), or suburban Nashville. They cater to the person who wants to be near the action but doesn't want to pay $50 for valet parking. Most locations offer free parking, which is a massive cost-saver that people often forget to factor into their travel budget.
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Sustainability and Modern Ethics
Choice Hotels has been pushing a "Room to be Green" program across its brands. It’s the standard stuff—low-flow showerheads, LED lighting, and the "don't wash my towels every day" signs. While it's not revolutionary, the brand has been better than most at eliminating single-use plastics in their breakfast areas, moving toward bulk dispensers for soap and shampoo in the bathrooms. It’s a move that saves them money, sure, but it also reduces the mountain of tiny plastic bottles that end up in landfills.
How to Get the Best Value
If you're going to stay here, don't just book the first rate you see on a travel site. Since the Choice acquisition, the Choice Privileges program is the way to go.
- Book Direct: Choice often guarantees the lowest price if you book through their app.
- AAA/AARP: These discounts are almost always available and usually shave off 10%.
- The Government Rate: Because many of these are near state capitals or military bases, their government rates are often some of the best in the industry.
The "Radisson" name still carries a bit of weight internationally, too. While the US properties are now Choice-managed, if you travel to Europe or Asia, the brand operates under Radisson Hotel Group (a separate entity now). The experience there is often more "upscale" than the domestic US version.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Stay
Don't just treat a hotel as a place to sleep. If you find yourself at a Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, maximize the experience by doing a few specific things.
Check the lobby for the local "flavor." Many general managers at these properties are locals who have permission to stock local snacks or maps to "hidden gem" diners that aren't on the first page of TripAdvisor. Ask about the cookies—sometimes they bake a fresh batch at 8:00 PM.
If you are traveling with a family, always call ahead to ask for a room away from the pool. Because these hotels are family favorites, the "pool noise" can echo through the atrium in certain floor plans. Getting a room on the top floor at the end of a hallway usually guarantees the quietest experience for those who actually need to get some work done.
Finally, leverage the Choice Privileges app to check in early. These properties are often very flexible with early arrivals if the room is ready, unlike the big city luxury hotels that try to upcharge you for every extra hour. It’s that "Country" hospitality—use it.
When you’re looking for a place that feels less like a sterile box and more like a functional home base, this brand remains one of the most reliable picks on the map. It isn't flashy. It isn't trendy. But it works. And sometimes, a warm cookie and a comfortable chair by a fireplace are exactly what a long day of travel requires.