MainStay Suites Launches in Australia with Seven New Properties

Choice Hotels International has introduced its MainStay Suites brand to Australia, marking the brand’s first expansion outside North America with seven new properties.

Choice Hotels International has announced the launch of its MainStay Suites brand in Australia, marking the brand’s first expansion outside North America. The introduction includes seven new properties located in Melbourne, Whyalla, Mackay, and Townsville. This move is part of Choice Hotels’ strategy to strengthen its presence in the extended stay segment in international markets.

The addition of these properties increases Choice Hotels’ Australian portfolio to 163 hotels and 7,487 rooms. The Australian market is experiencing a rise in demand for extended stay accommodations, driven by sectors such as business, healthcare, government, and construction. MainStay Suites aims to meet this demand by providing apartment-style accommodations with hotel amenities, including fully equipped kitchens, spacious living areas, laundry facilities, and dedicated workspaces.

The launch is part of a direct franchising agreement with Extended STAY Australasia, a company that has been pivotal in developing the extended stay concept in the region. This collaboration allows Choice Hotels to leverage Extended STAY Australasia’s local expertise and operational capabilities.

All MainStay Suites properties in Australia will participate in the Choice Privileges loyalty program, which allows members to earn and redeem points at over 7,100 hotels worldwide. The brand’s entry into Australia is expected to provide opportunities for investors and developers interested in the growing extended stay sector, with options for both new builds and conversions.

This expansion into Australia is part of Choice Hotels’ broader international growth strategy, which includes recent developments in China, Japan, and Latin America. The company has entered into a long-term distribution and master franchise agreement with SSAW Hotels & Resorts in China, adding over 9,500 rooms to its Ascend Collection. In Japan, Choice Hotels has introduced 22 new Comfort properties, expanding its portfolio to 96 hotels across the country.

Choice Hotels has also expanded in the Caribbean and Latin America through strategic partnerships, including an agreement with Atlántica Hospitality International in Brazil. The company’s Canadian portfolio has grown to 350 hotels and 30,000 rooms, following the acquisition of the remaining stake in Choice Hotels Canada. In Europe, the company has nearly doubled its presence in France with 50 new hotels.