ROCKVILLE, MD—The Ascend Hotel Collection soft brand from Choice Hotels International Inc. closed out 2018 by awarding the most franchise agreements in the brand’s history.
Seventy-three total franchise agreements, 43 domestic and 30 international were awarded, fueling the brand’s expansion in key markets across the globe, including Brooklyn, NY, Los Angeles, New Orleans, San Antonio, and Savannah, GA, and destinations in Canada, the Caribbean, Europe and Latin America.
“Since its inception, the Ascend Hotel Collection has been a leader in the soft-brand upscale segment,” said Mark Shalala, VP of franchise development for upscale brands with Choice Hotels. “The brand’s continued success is a result of our commitment to helping owners run profitable businesses with support from leading technology and robust distribution channels, and providing travelers with the authentic experiences they crave in an increasing number of top markets.”
Recent additions to the Ascend Hotel Collection include the following:
- The Inn at I’ON (Mount Pleasant, SC)—Situated in the tree-lined Mount Pleasant community just outside of Charleston, SC, the Inn at I’ON combines modern amenities with timeless Southern charm.
- Industry City Hotel (Brooklyn, NY)—Located in a formerly industrial neighborhood of South Brooklyn, the Industry City Hotel infuses colorful designs and modern Chinese decor throughout each touchpoint.
- Sunset Hotel (Brooklyn, NY)—The hotel is situated in the Sunset Park West neighborhood near the Brooklyn waterfront, the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets training facility, and more.
“Guests are increasingly seeking travel experiences that are reflective of their destination and with a robust portfolio of unique, boutique and historic upscale hotels, Ascend delivers on these expectations,” said Janis Cannon, SVP of upscale brands, Choice Hotels. “Our ongoing expansion creates new opportunities for these travelers—and our franchisees—and we look forward to even more growth in key destinations in the coming year.”
