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This month, two landmark Virginia properties join the Ascend Collection, an upscale network of Historic, Boutique and Unique hotels across the U.S. and Caribbean by Choice Hotels International, Inc.
Both lodgings – Tazewell Hotel & Suites in Norfolk and the Governor Dinwiddie Hotel & Suites, Portsmouth – are members of Historic Hotels of America. As part of Ascend Collection, they will preserve their rich cultural history and local charm, while also providing the easy booking and rewards program of one of the world’s largest hospitality companies.
The Tazewell Hotel & Suites captures the essence of the European boutique hotel. Located in the heart of Norfolk’s cultural and historic business districts, this intimate lodging is within walking distance of museums, parks, eateries and specialty shops and just a short drive from Virginia Beach.
The property was built in 1906 for Norfolk’s tri-centennial celebration of the founding of Jamestown. After a $7 million renovation, the Tazewell Hotel reopened in April 2000, with its facade restored to the original grandeur and its interior equipped with modern furnishings and technology.
Blending the old with the new, this pet-friendly hotel houses 58 elegant guestrooms and suites, some with pillow-top mattresses, refrigerators and wet bars. Guests can unwind over a savory meal at Snappers restaurant or with drinks at the Empire Lounge. Among the Tazewell’s other amenities: complimentary continental breakfast, free Wi-Fi, fitness center and business center. For small groups, weddings and banquets, the hotel offers the 315 square-foot Tazewell Room, for up to 30 people, and the 540 square-foot Wisconsin Room, accommodating groups of up to 60.
Not far away, across the Elizabeth River, The Governor Dinwiddie Hotel & Suites sits in the charming Olde Towne district of Portsmouth. The property provides boutique-style accommodations minutes from local landmarks, including the Royal Naval Museum at Portsmouth, the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and the Children’s Museum of Virginia. Guests enjoy touring historic sites and strolling along streets lined with restaurants, boutique shops and cultural attractions.
Built in 1945, the Governor Dinwiddie Hotel remained a beacon of social and civic life throughout the 1960s. The lodging underwent a complete renovation and reopened in September 2008 restored to its original luster.
Mixing classic elegance with modern convenience, the Governor Dinwiddie Hotel houses 60 stylish guestrooms and studio and one-bedroom suites, all with microwaves, refrigerators and wet bars. Select rooms also have kitchen facilities and sleeper sofas. After a day of sightseeing, guests can relax at the casual Bistro @ 506 restaurant. Among the other amenities, this pet-friendly hotel offers complimentary continental breakfast, free Wi-Fi, business center, exercise room and sauna. With two banquet rooms, the Governor Dinwiddie Hotel can accommodate up to 200 people with on-site catering and eclectic cuisine.
Ascend Collection answers the call from a growing number of consumers looking for unique and authentic travel experiences. More than one in four leisure travelers (28 percent) enjoy historic lodgings, according to the just-released Ypartnership/Yankelovich 2009 National Travel MONITOR(SM). A small boutique hotel, with unusual atmosphere and decor, appeals to nearly one in five travelers (17 percent), the survey found.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
