Independent hotel collection opens 30 hotels in 2013
LOS ANGELES, May 15, 2013 /CNW/ - Ascend Hotel Collection® from Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest hotel companies, today announced the opening of its 100th hotel worldwide, a milestone for the portfolio of independent hotels launched in late 2008. The Hotel Elan in Calgary will join the Choice Hotels Canada family of more than 300 locations nationwide, and will be the 8th Ascend Hotel Collection property in the country.
The announcement was made at the company's annual convention in Los Angeles on the heels of a series of new property openings that marked the Collection's expansion into such top destinations as Las Vegas, Napa Valley, Sedona and Baltimore. Since the beginning of the year, Ascend Hotel Collection has opened 30 new hotels in North America, catapulting the portfolio to its landmark 100th hotel in less than five years.
Since its debut in 2008, Ascend Hotel Collection has quintupled in size, adding new properties on three continents and five countries, further establishing its position as a leader in the growing trend toward affiliation for independent hotels.
"We are so excited to add Elan, in beautiful Calgary, to our family of hotels," said Tim Oldfield, managing director, Choice Hotels Canada. "We're even more thrilled that this opening marks the 100th hotel in the Ascend Hotel Collection portfolio, which signifies an important step for us in expanding our upscale segment in Canada."
"Our hotels have always stood apart among travellers for our commitment to providing exceptional value," said Oldfield. "With the growing portfolio of Ascend properties, we are continuing to provide that value in a new way; delivering remarkable amenities and experiences in some of the country's most desirable vacation spots." said Oldfield.
Hundredth Hotel
Ascend Hotel Collection's 100th property, Hotel Elan, is the portfolio's first in Calgary. It joins seven other Canadian locations across the country, including Quebec City, Ottawa and Halifax. The hotel will celebrate its status as the landmark 100th hotel by rewarding 100 guests with Elite Gold Status in the Choice Privileges® rewards program.
Like its 99 sister properties, Hotel Elan makes it easy for guests to immerse themselves in the local culture. The contemporary boutique hotel occupies a prime spot in the bustling Beltline District, steps from "Uptown 17th Avenue", Calgary's shopping, dining and nightlife hub. Guests are within easy walking distance to scores of pubs and ethnic restaurants featuring cuisines from around the globe. Nearby landmarks include the Scotiabank Saddledome, home to world-class concerts and Calgary Flames hockey; Calgary Tower for spectacular views; University of Calgary and the Calgary Zoo. Hotel Elan is also minutes away from Calgary's downtown business district, making for an easy commute from hotel to office.
The property has 62 units including guest rooms, one-bedroom suites and two-bedroom suites. All units are richly appointed with sleek Italian furnishings, a mini-bar stocked with healthy snacks, 42- and 47-inch flat-screen televisions and double-thick walls with special soundproofing for a peaceful night's sleep. Beds are plush with pillow-top mattresses and headboards with multiple USB ports and internet jacks. Among the tech comforts, guests can play content from their smartphones and computers on television monitors. All suites come with conference tables for in-room meetings and balconies with striking city views. In two-bedroom suites, guests luxuriate in deep chromatherapy soaker tubs. The sprawling 974 sq. ft. executive two-bedroom suites also feature a private exercise room with stationary bike, yoga mat and television.
Additionally, Hotel Elan houses a fitness center, business kiosk in the lobby and two meeting rooms for gatherings of up to 15 people with state-of-the-art audio and video conferencing equipment. Just off the lobby, the Orchid Room transforms from a breakfast spot to gathering area, where guests can work, socialize and relax. Hotel Elan's special touches and free amenities add significant value. Each room has a 15-megabyte private/dedicated wired and wireless internet connection. Complimentary items include a daily fresh, healthy breakfast, heated walkways to the hotel, an underground heated parking garage and telephone calls throughout North America and 73 countries worldwide.
High Guest Satisfaction
The Collection's hotels garner consistently high guest satisfaction scores as well as high rankings on TripAdvisor lists in their respective markets. Several hotels also boast TripAdvisor Certificates of Excellence.
"Guests travelling to and around Canada are always looking for an authentic local experience," Oldfield said. "Our Ascend Hotel Collection hoteliers help provide an experience for guests that brings the destination to life, all by maintaining the highest standards of performance and guest services in some of the most aesthetically and geographically appealing properties in the country."
About Ascend Hotel Collection
The Ascend Hotel Collection membership program made its debut in late 2008 and now has 100 hotels open throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Central America and the Caribbean. This eclectic portfolio of upscale, independent hotels appeals to the growing number of people who like to immerse themselves in the destination and live like the locals when they travel. Member hotels include The GEM Hotels with three boutique hotels in New York City; Postcard Inn, on the white sands of St. Pete Beach, Fla. on the Gulf of Mexico; Grand Hotel Costa Rica, in downtown San Jose's Cultural Square; Hotel Royal William in the chic New Saint-Roch district of downtown Quebec City; Nordic Light Hotel, Stockholm. For more information, visit www.ascendcollection.com.
About Choice Hotels Canada:
From Victoria, B.C., to St. John's, N.L., more than five million guests each year stay with Choice Hotels Canada® (CHC). CHC is the nation's largest hotel franchisor, with 325 privately run properties currently open and under development, under seven brands: ComfortTM, Comfort Suites®, Quality®, Sleep Inn®, Clarion®, Econo Lodge® and Rodeway Inn®. In addition, via its Ascend Hotel CollectionTM membership program, Canadians have upscale lodging options at historic, boutique and unique hotels. Plus, extended stay options with MainStay Suites® and Suburban Extended Stay® brands. CHC properties are 100 per cent franchise owned and operated by individual hoteliers, entrepreneurs and lodging/hotel management companies. CHC offers comprehensive support services to its franchisees including sales, marketing, purchasing, reservations and other supportive services. CHC offers high-value lodging options ranging from limited to full service, in the economy to mid-scale markets. CHC is part of Choice Hotels International® which franchises 6,200 hotels in more than 30 countries and territories worldwide. CHC is represented in every major and most secondary markets across all provinces, conveniently located near major airports and highways, shopping centres, entertainment districts and tourist attractions. For reservations call 800.4CHOICE (800.424.6423) / 800.BO.RÊVES (800.267.3837) or visit ChoiceHotels.ca.
Choice Hotels, Choice Hotels Canada, Comfort, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn, Ascend Hotel Collection, 800.4CHOICE and 800.BO.RÊVES are proprietary trademarks and service marks of Choice Hotels International.
©2013 Choice Hotels Canada Inc. All rights reserved.
SOURCE: Choice Hotels Canada Inc.
energi PR: Naz Araghian
Tel: 416.425.9143 ext.14
E-mail: [email protected]
Diana Kuhnberg
Tel: 905.206.7343
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