The Ascend Hotel Collection, part of Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), opened 2023 with an impressive first quarter, further solidifying its status as the industry's largest upscale soft brand collection with over 330 hotels open or in development worldwide. The Collection awarded seven new agreements and added four new properties to its global portfolio in the first quarter of 2023, fueling Ascend Hotel Collection's continued growth.
Recent signings include properties from coast to coast in the United States, including:
- Mayfair Hotel in New York, New York. Joining the nearby Blue Angel Hotel NYC, this is the second Ascend Hotel Collection to be developed by Henry Zheng and Mark Arend.
- CityFlats Hotel properties in Grand Rapids and Port Huron, Michigan.
- An 84-room property in Ellicottville, New York developed by William Paladino of 1378 Group LLC. This is Mr. Paladino's second property in the Collection, also owning and operating The Giacomo in nearby Niagara Falls.
- Multiple locations in California, including San Francisco and Livermore.
"Choice Hotels pioneered the soft brand concept in the upscale segment with the launch of Ascend Hotel Collection 15 years ago and continues to redefine how hotel companies operate and drive value for owners through our legacy of operational excellence," said Mark Shalala, senior vice president, franchise development, upscale brands, Choice Hotels. "It's the value we deliver for our franchisees and the operational flexibility that helps drive profitability and continued interest in the brand. In the first quarter of 2023 we had the most deal signings in that quarter in the brand's history. As we continue to grow the portfolio, Jamey Cua joins Pete Metzger and the rest of our development team as we build on this momentum throughout the year and beyond."
Recent openings to the Ascend Hotel Collection include unique locations, from apple orchards to wineries including:
- The Inn at Apple Valley, Ascend Hotel Collection (Sevierville, TN)
- Located on the outskirts of Pigeon Forge in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, the boutique, 111-room hotel provides visitors with convenient access to Sevierville's premiere attractions, including Dollywood and NASCAR. Originally a cattle ranch, then an apple orchard, The Inn at Apple Valley pays homage to its unique history while providing guests with upscale amenities and indulgences. The hotel features an onsite restaurant – Apple Valley Café – and indoor/outdoor heated pools. The Inn at Apple Valley was developed by TWRS Apple Inc.
- Abitta Boutique Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection (San Juan, Puerto Rico)
- Located within walking distance of Condado Beach, Plaza Ventana del Mar, Casino del Mar, and several bars and restaurants, the unique, art-deco style hotel – featuring artwork from local artists – places guests at the heart of Condado near Historic Old San Juan. The 56-room hotel features an onsite restaurant, beach club with outdoor pool and hot tub, and bay view rooms. The Abitta Boutique Hotel was developed by Lagoon Vista Hotel LLC.
- Casas de Suenos Old Town Historic Inn, Ascend Hotel Collection (Albuquerque, NM)
- Originally built in 1937, the 24-room adobe style compound is nationally recognized by the National Register of Historic Places and the New Mexico "State Register of Cultural Properties" for its historic casitas, hidden courtyards, beautiful gardens, and authentic design. Situated near the University of New Mexico and museums including International Balloon Museum, Casas de Suenos Old Town Historic Inn is inspired by the culture and fabric of the Albuquerque community and features a 5,000-square-foot banquet hall. The Casas de Suenos Old Town Historic Inn was developed by Mark Cumbrow with Genesis Worldwide Resorts LLC.
- Inn on the Square, Ascend Hotel Collection (Greenwood, SC)
- Originally built in the early twentieth century and transformed into a hotel in 1985, the historic Inn on the Square is located in the heart of Greenwood, just minutes from the city's famed historic attractions. The 49-room hotel features two onsite restaurants – Carriage House Restaurant and Fox & Hound Lounge – and a 3,000-square-foot meeting space. The Inn on the Square is the second Ascend Hotel Collection property that Edgewater Group, LLC, has added to the Ascend Hotel Collection in 2023, marking its fifth Ascend overall.
"The Ascend Hotel Collection provides travelers with the opportunity to experience some of the world's most in-demand destinations while delivering the upscale experience our guests expect," said Janis Cannon, senior vice president, upscale brands, Choice Hotels. "We look forward to continuing to build on the Ascend Hotel Collection's success this year as we welcome more one-of-a-kind properties to our collection and provide guests with even more options coast to coast."