Ascend Hotel Collection expands U.S. footprint

The Ascend Hotel Collection, part of Choice Hotels International Inc., awarded six new agreements and added seven new properties to its domestic portfolio in the second quarter.

Recent signings include:

  • Three Bears Resort in Warren, WI. This is the second Ascend property developed by S&L Hospitality, joining The Harborview in Port Washington, WI, and the sixth Choice property under management by the group.
  • A 44-room property in Red River, NM, close to Red River Canyon and Old Town.
  • The Bradford Hotel in Springfield, MO. This 49-room property in the Medical Mile is developed by Elliot Lodging, adding to a lineup of five existing Choice properties.
  • La Créole Inn & Suites in Lafayette, LA, a new-construction property developed by Pride Opportunity Developers.
  • Black Bear Inn in Orono, ME. This 68-room property is the latest addition by New England Hospitality to the collection.

“In addition to continuing to welcome new franchisees to the collection, we are proud to see existing Choice owners increase their footprint following their continued success with Ascend and other Choice brands,” said Mark Shalala, SVP, franchise development, upscale brands, Choice Hotels. “Since the collection’s inception 15 years ago, we’ve been committed to helping owners run profitable businesses while maintaining operational independence, providing unmatched support from Choice’s industry-leading technology and robust distribution platform.”

Recent Ascend Hotel Collection openings include:

Graystone Lodge, Ascend Hotel Collection (Boone, NC): Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this 101-room hotel is located near attractions such as Appalachian Ski Mountain, Appalachian State University and Kidd Brewer Stadium. The property features a heated indoor pool, EV charging stations and bonfire pits.

CityFlats Hotel – Grand Rapids, Ascend Hotel Collection (Grand Rapids, MI) and CityFlats Hotel – Port Huron, Ascend Hotel Collection (Port Huron, MI): Located in the downtown areas of Grand Rapids and Port Huron, this pair of CityFlats properties recently opened as a part of the collection. The two hotels utilize eco-conscious design, featuring reclaimed wood, glass and plastics, as well as cork flooring and locally sourced furniture.

The Hotel Saratoga, Ascend Hotel Collection (Saratoga Springs, NY): Located about 30 miles north of Albany, this property is close to downtown Saratoga Springs, Saratoga Race Course and Casino and National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. The hotel features a fitness center, an outdoor pool and meeting rooms.

Inn on Maritime Bay, Ascend Hotel Collection (Manitowoc, WI): Located on the shores of Lake Michigan and the mouth of the Manitowoc River, this 109-room lakeside property offers water views in every direction, as well as an indoor heated swimming pool and spa and an on-site lounge.

The Gibson, Ascend Hotel Collection (Great Falls, MT): Named after Paris Gibson, the founder of Great Falls, this 44-room boutique hotel is located near Giant Spring State Park, River’s Edge Trail and Mansfield Center for Performing Arts. The hotel features a fitness center, complimentary continental breakfast and a business center.

“From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the scenic shores of Lake Michigan, these new hotels are a great representation of the unique offerings guests have come to expect and value from Ascend,” said Indy Adenaw, SVP/GM, upscale brands, Choice Hotels. “As we approach a curated collection of more than 360 unique hotels and resorts around the world, we look forward to welcoming even more guests, so they can experience our exceptional service and upscale offerings that enhance their exploration of the destination.”