Choice Hotels International, Inc. is pleased to announce Distrikt Hotel in New York City has joined the company’s Ascend Collection, an elite network of Historic, Unique and Boutique hotels across North America and the Caribbean.
“We are delighted to welcome this wonderfully designed hotel to the Ascend Collection family,” says Kevin Lewis, president of upscale and extended stay brands for Choice Hotels International. “Ascend Collection continues its rapid expansion with exciting properties in top destinations, like Distrikt Hotel, which celebrates the spirit and style of New York.”
Ascend Collection answers the call from a growing number of travelers seeking unique and authentic travel experiences. As a member of this upscale network, Distrikt Hotel maintains its individuality in service and design, while also gaining access to the international resources of lodging powerhouse Choice Hotels. Among these resources, Distrikt Hotel has global distribution and reservation systems, as well as a robust online presence at ChoiceHotels.com. Additionally, guests can earn points towards free nights, flights and other rewards through the company’s Choice Privileges rewards program.
Through April 2010, Distrikt Hotel’s special opening rate starts at $169 per night. The newly constructed boutique hotel is located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan on West 40th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues, a brief stroll from such landmarks as Times Square, Broadway, Madison Square Garden and Rockefeller Center. This 32-story skyscraper hotel pays homage to Manhattan’s diverse “distrikts” with neighborhood-themed floors that go from the Financial District on the bottom of the building to Harlem at the top.
Distrikt Hotel’s design firm, New York-based OTTE Architecture, enlisted renowned local artist Chris Rubino to put New York style in the limelight with collages of the city’s storied neighborhoods on each floor. Composed from more than 10,000 photos, the giant, back-lit collages depict 10 iconic neighborhoods – Chelsea, The Village, Midtown West, Midtown East, Central Park, Soho, the Lower East Side, Tribeca, Harlem and the Financial District – to showcase the city’s rich diversity.
In the sleek, contemporary Distrikt lobby, a 14-foot “living wall” features green plants arranged in the shape of Central Park. Behind the reception desk, a hand-carved wooden wall installation with patterns recalling the city’s street grids makes a dramatic statement for guests upon arrival.
Each of hotel’s 155 guestrooms mixes comfort and luxury – with dark-wood furnishings and a soothing color palette of creams, browns and grays. There are plush Frette bedding and robes, as well as ECRU New York bath amenities. Among the tech-friendly comforts: free Wi-Fi, iHome docking stations and 37-inch flat-screen televisions. Upper floors showcase sweeping views of the New York skyline and Hudson River. Other pampering touches include turndown service with chocolate and weather card and a complimentary overnight shoeshine.
New York influences remain at the forefront in the stylish Collage restaurant, teaming farm-fresh, local produce with local microbrews, soft beverages and signature cocktails.
“A standout in style, service and location, Distrikt Hotel characterizes the distinguished lodgings that are the hallmark of Ascend Collection,” said Stacy Ragland, vice president of Ascend Collection for Choice Hotels International. “This hotel is an excellent choice for travelers, as well as locals looking for a great place to host out-of-town relatives and friends.”
Distrikt Hotel is operated by Mode Hospitality, a New York based management company specializing in hotels and restaurants. Mode was founded with the belief and commitment of providing four star amenities and five star services at affordable rates.
Theodore Koumelis - Wednesday, March 24, 2010