Ascend Hotel collection a Choice Hotels International brand, is growing its global portfolio of resort, boutique and historic hotels once again. We take a closer look at the properties involved.
Even amid the Covid19 pandemic, Ascend Hotel Collection continues to attract interest from independent hotels, along with travellers looking to take to the road again to enjoy authentic local experiences. Indeed, after adding seven hotels to its portfolio in the first half of the year, the brand has added another ten to its pipeline.
“During the Great Recession, Choice grew at a faster pace than the overall industry supply through increased hotel conversions, which was especially true for Ascend. Since then, the brand has seen a 600% unit growth increase between 2010 and 2019 and continues to see consistent growth today as independent and boutique hotels owners look to Choice to improve their reservation delivery, reduce customer-acquisition costs and improve their revenue tools,” said mark Shalala, senior vice president of development, upscale brands, Choice Hotels.
“At the same time, Ascend outperformed the upscale segment in the first half of the year, proving its enduring staying power to both owners and guests.”
The latest additions to Ascend’s portfolio are all located in destinations that are ideal for US travellers wanting to begin exploring again without going abroad – New York, New Hampshire, Maine, Virginia and Florida.
Boutique Manhattan property The Carvi Hotel New York combines the appeal of its contemporary interiors and amenities, such as a rooftop terrace, with direct access to the Big Apple’s most iconic attractions. By contrast,The Chandler at white Mountains in Bethlehem, New Hampshire offers an attractive base for venturing outdoors, from hiking to skiing, and exploring points of interest such as Whale’s Tale Waterway.
Over in Freeport, Maine, The Freeport Hotel provides easy access to local attractions including Maine Maritime Museum, Freeport Main Street Historic District, Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park and Casco Bay. In Lexington, Virginia, meanwhile, The Gin Hotel places guests amid the Blue Ridge Mountains with mountain views from every window of the restored 1926-built property and an opportunity to discover prominent sights such as Virginia Horse Center.
The fifth property, The Port Inn and Cottages in Port St Joe, Florida, fuses modern decor with historic charm in the downtown area of this coastal town. It’s located within walking distance of local restaurants and shops, as well as the marina where guests can charter boats. From here, it’s a short drive to the shores of Port St Joe, Cape San Blas and Mexico Beach.
