Choice's Ascend Collection Targets Historic, Boutique and Unique Independent Hotels
SILVER SPRING, MD, October 27, 2008. Worldwide lodging franchisor Choice Hotels International (NYSE: CHH) today announced the formal launch of its Ascend Collection program in the United States and the Caribbean.
Ascend Collection properties, all of which are historic, boutique, or unique hotels, must meet well-defined membership criteria and demonstrate a commitment to service excellence. Travelers have the peace of mind that comes with staying at hotels that offer authentic experiences and attentive guest care yet are still a part of one of the world's largest lodging companies.
"The Ascend Collection membership program is as unique as the hotels that are a part of this program, which retain their local identity and individuality," said Alexandra Jaritz, vice president, brand planning and management, Choice Hotels International. "Guests that are looking for something a little different in an upscale hotel, a more experiential travel experience that gives them a sense of local flair, should see what these historic, boutique, or unique hotels have to offer."
Among the Ascend Collection members are:
Three boutique Gem Hotels in New York City, located in the neighborhoods of SoHo, Midtown West and Chelsea. These 100% non-smoking hotels provide an intimate, boutique atmosphere and offer guests elegantly designed rooms with luxurious amenities. Each guest room features a flat-panel television and the hotels offer free high-speed Internet access.
The unique Golden Hotel in Golden, Colorado. This one-of-a-kind property offers guests the ambiance of a mountain lodge with views of the Clear Creek and nearby mountains. For travelers looking to transport themselves to a different place and time, the Golden Hotel offers a unique experience.
The historic Hotel Bothwell in Sedalia, Missouri. This stately hotel, recognized as a National Historic Landmark hotel, evokes the nostalgia of a bygone era of grace and charm reminiscent of when it opened its doors in the 1920s. The hotel features richly-appointed guestrooms, fine dining at the Ivory Grille, and historical d'ecor. Guests that have stayed at this historic property include President Harry Truman, Gene Autry and Bette Davis.
Ascend Collection hotels must embody one of three distinct categories - Historic, Boutique or Unique:
Historic Hotels - Steeped with Tradition
Our Historic hotels have been embracing the heritage of local communities for over 50 years.
Boutique Hotels - The Epitome of Modern Sophistication
Boutique hotels offer the latest d'ecor and amenities, which are enhanced by an impressive level of customer service.
Unique Hotels - A Themed Experience
For the distinctive traveler who is feeling more adventurous, our Unique hotels offer
"Ascend Collection members receive a wealth of services from a dedicated Ascend Collection team," said Stacy Ragland, vice president, Ascend Collection operations, Choice Hotels. "From opening services to brand performance to revenue management to an Ascend Collection-specific yearly meeting, Choice Hotels is offering targeted services to help these one-of-a-kind hotels maximize their potential."
The Ascend Collection membership program provides owners of independent hotels access to the robust reservations and distribution system of Choice Hotels, one which delivered nearly $2 billion per year in room revenues for its 5,600-plus hotels worldwide in 2007. Member hotels also retain their local identity and individuality. Ascend Collection hotels participate in the Choice Privileges rewards program, which has over 7 million members.
Consumers interested in reservations at an Ascend Collection property should visit ascendcollection.com. Hoteliers seeking to join the Ascend Collection program should visit www.choicehotelsfranchise.com
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
