Choice adds Fortress Hotels to Ascend Hotel Collection

Choice Hotels EMEA has added four boutique Scandinavian hotels to its upscale Ascend Hotel Collection portfolio, as part of an agreement between Nordic Choice Hotels and The Fortress Hotels.

Of historic significance, the Fortress Hotels include Norway’s Oscarsborg Fortress, Kongsvinger Fortress and Reenskaug Hotel; as well as Sweden’s Torreby Castle.

The announcement comes as Choice Hotels EMEA commences the recent refresh of its Ascend Hotel Collection portfolio in EMEA, which currently comprises a network of more than 70 unique, independent hotels renowned for their unpretentious, charismatic environments.

The refreshed EMEA Ascend Hotel Collection proposition will see hotels offer a ‘Haven of Hygge’ in some of the region’s most captivating destinations with a design direction that balances striking character with convivial warmth, and contemporary freshness with authentic neighborhood touches.

“The Scandinavian market has played a pivotal role in shaping our Ascend Hotel Collection portfolio in EMEA, and we’re pleased to continue on this journey with Nordic Choice Hotels with the addition of these four unique properties across Norway and Sweden,” said Jonathan Mills, CEO, Choice Hotels EMEA. “The Fortress Hotels are steeped in history, and will no doubt bring a unique blend of character, warmth, and charm to our upscale Ascend portfolio in Scandinavia. Our refreshed Ascend Hotel Collection brand is designed to offer guests unparalleled, one-of-a-kind experiences with the assurance of a warm and welcoming community—and The Fortress Hotels embody that vision perfectly.”

The Oscarsborg Fortress in Norway is located near Oslo and offers 86 guestrooms, holiday homes, course and conference rooms, function rooms and restaurants—along with galleries, a museum and several hiking trails. The venue is known as one of the most important places in Norwegian history: ‘the place for important decisions.’

The Kongsvinger Fortress, located at the top of Kongsvinger with views of Kongsvinger town and Glomma, this fortress is one of Innlandet county’s most important cultural monuments. It was Napoleon’s northwest flank and played a crucial role in Norway’s independence.

Reenskaug Hotel is located in the town of Drøbak near the Oslofjord. It has been a favorite resort for more than 100 years and is a popular starting point for authentic experiences in romantic surroundings.

In Sweden, Torreby Castle, which was built by the Norwegian Georg Sørensen in 1886, is located a short drive away from both Oslo and Gothenburg in the middle of Bohuslän’s oldest golf course. It offers seven suites with a total of 26 beds and boasts views of Sweden’s largest and deepest fjord, Gullmarsfjorden.