The Comfort Inn hotel of Albert Lea is a recipient of a prestigious 2014 Gold Hospitality Award from one of the world’s largest hotel companies, Choice Hotels International Inc., franchisor of the Comfort Inn brand.

“The Comfort Inn Albert Lea hotel’s commitment to excellence and outstanding guest service has earned it this well-deserved recognition as one of the best hotels among the Comfort Inn brand,” said Stephen P. Joyce, president and chief executive officer for Choice Hotels International. “We here at Choice Hotels are very proud to award this distinguished honor to the Comfort Inn Albert Lea hotel.”

Gold Award status represents a tremendous accomplishment for a hotel and its entire staff, according to a news release. Each year, only the very top hotels in each brand are eligible to receive this elite distinction. As a top performing property among the company’s more than 5,100 U.S. franchised hotels, the Comfort Inn Albert Lea hotel is among the top percentage of properties within the brand, the press release states.