Choice Hotels International™, one of the world’s leading and most recognised accommodation franchisors, is continuing to expand its international footprint across Asia-Pac – announcing the opening of its 100th Choice Hotels-branded property in Japan, the Comfort Hotel Chitose on 15 June 2026.
A significant brand milestone for Choice Hotels™ Japan as well as Choice Hotels globally, the opening underscores the continued strength and scale of the Comfort™ brand in one of Choice Hotels’ most established international markets.
Located in Chitose City – known as the ‘gateway to the skies of Hokkaido’ – Choice Hotels’ newest property is just a six minute walk from JR Chitose Station and is conveniently serviced by New Chitose Airport, the second busiest airport in Japan.
As a growing economic and industrial hub largely thanks to the large-scale investments into next-gen semiconductor facilities and research institutions, Chitose is rapidly solidifying itself as a promising future growth market. These nationally significant investments are projected to not only boost local employment but also stimulate related industries and accelerate improvements to urban infrastructure and hospitality. Comfort Hotel Chitose strengthens Choice Hotels’ presence in a key gateway destination, providing an accommodation option that serves both domestic and international travellers seeking reliable hospitality.
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CEO of Choice Hotels Japan Takahiko Ito said Comfort Hotel Chitose strengthens Choice Hotels’ presence in a key gateway destination for both domestic and international travellers seeking value midscale accommodation and reliable hospitality.
“We are absolutely thrilled to bring Comfort Hotel Chitose into our network and are proud to welcome such an incredible property to mark our 100th hotel milestone,” said Mr Ito.
“This opening represents our growing long-term market commitment and brand maturity in Japan, while mirroring the growing presence of the Choice Hotels brands across Asia. We’ve consistently delivered on global brand standards, providing customers with a premium guest experience in each of our 99 other Choice Hotels-branded properties across Comfort and Ascend Collection, and we look forward to bringing this experience to more travellers with the signing of this hotel.”
With 142 guest rooms across four room types, the 12-storey hotel boasts a warm atmosphere that perfectly reflects the local region. Art panels made from Hokkaido-sourced wood adorn the walls in each room, combined with custom made, high-quality sleep amenities including pillows, bed pads and mattresses specifically engineered for optimal rest. After a good night’s sleep, guests are invited to a complimentary breakfast buffet, featuring the seasonal and local flavours of Hokkaido.
Chitose’s rich natural environment is another key drawcard for tourism. To the west lies Lake Shikotsu, part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park, where visitors can enjoy activities such as hot springs and sightseeing cruises. Within the city, attractions such as the Salmon Hometown Chitose Aquarium and factory tours allow visitors to experience seasonal highlights throughout the year.
“The past 12 months have been a strong period of growth for Choice Hotels across the Asia-Pacific region, and we are delighted to celebrate another great milestone achievement and welcome Comfort Hotel Chitose into our property portfolio, our 100th hotel in Japan,” said CEO of Choice Hotels Asia-Pac Trent Fraser. “With tourism in Japan seeing consistently strong growth, we are proud to be servicing more domestic and international travellers with the opening of our seventh Comfort Hotel in Hokkaido.”
Key markers of growth for Choice Hotels Asia-Pac over the past year included over 85 new hotels opening in the region, largely in part to the signing of 63 new Ascend Collection properties in China under the SSAW distribution agreement and the launch of extended stay brand, Mainstay Suites, with seven locations in Australia. The Choice Hotels network also welcomed three other new Comfort hotels to Japan, as well as six new hotels in India and 12 new hotels across Australia and New Zealand.
Choice Hotels
2026-06-16 01:13:00