During the first three months of 2013, openings include hotels in 28 U.S. states and 11 countries, adding more than 6,500 guestrooms to the company's existing rooms which stand at more than half a million.
ROCKVILLE, MD. – Choice Hotels International, Inc. announced robust system growth with the addition of 88 newly opened franchised properties during the first quarter of 2013. Additionally, the company has executed a total of 83 new domestic contracts within the first quarter of 2013, a 30-percent increase over the same period of the prior year.
Ascend Hotel Collection, a membership program comprised of exquisite independent hotels, continued its exceptional growth into the first quarter of 2013, with 28 new membership agreements signed compared to three membership agreements during the same time last year. Much of this growth is a direct result of Choice Hotels International’s strategic marketing alliance with timeshare company Bluegreen Vacations, a relationship which enables the company to further extend the Ascend Hotel Collection portfolio into even more outstanding resort destinations.
During the first three months of 2013, openings include hotels in 28 U.S. states and 11 countries, adding more than 6,500 guestrooms to the company’s existing rooms which stand at more than half a million. The Choice Hotels portfolio of franchised hotels offers business and leisure travelers a full spectrum from premium economy to upscale hotels and resorts.
“We are especially pleased by the positive reception we’ve seen to our upscale brands, as well as the significant traction we’re gaining in major urban markets,” said David Pepper, senior vice president of global development for Choice Hotels International. “Across all brands, the development environment has improved for new construction, so much so that we believe 2013 is on track to be considerably stronger than last year for franchise development.”
Select properties that opened during this year’s first quarter include:
Arroyo Pinion Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection – Sedona, Arizona
The stunning Red Rocks of Sedona, Arizona have colorful names like ‘Thunder Mountain,’ ‘Lizard Head,’ and ‘Coffeepot,’ and right across the street from these landmarks you will find the Arroyo Pinion Hotel. Guests of Arroyo Pinion, part of the Ascend Hotel Collection, will love its proximity to nature, including the world-renowned Red Rock Crossing and scenic Oak Creek Canyon, as well as the easy access to shopping in Uptown Sedona, with its impressive array of art galleries. Local eateries range from casual chic to five-star elegance and those who wish to explore Sedona’s mystical vortexes will have plenty of local guides to lend a hand. Guests can also enjoy the spirit of relaxation with in-room whirlpool tubs and patios available in many rooms. Free continental breakfast and a free daily newspaper make the Arroyo Pinion a perfect spot for business and leisure travelers.
Hotel Cromwell, a Clarion Collection hotel – Stevenage, Great Britain, UK
History pairs with modern luxury at the stately Hotel Cromwell, part of the Clarion Collection portfolio of hotels, located in Stevenage, Great Britain. Converted from a farmhouse which was once home to John Thurloe, secretary to Oliver Cromwell, guests can sample the local character at the nearby Hatfield House and the splendid Knebworth House. Families will particularly enjoy the neighboring Harry Potter World, Woburn Safari Park, Whipsnade Zoo, and Paradise Wildlife Park. A visit to London is just minutes away via rail or the A1. Dining options include the elegant Oliver’s Restaurant and its excellent wine list, as well as the hotel’s tavern and lounge. Business and leisure travelers alike will appreciate the flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, trouser press, and tea & coffee making facilities available in each and every room.
Comfort Inn Midtown West/Manhattan – New York, NY
The brand new Comfort Inn Midtown West, located in Hell’s Kitchen in Manhattan has easy access to everything New York City has to offer. Minutes away from marquee attractions including Times Square, Broadway and the Empire State Building, the hotel also is close to Central Park, 5th Avenue shopping and Rockefeller Center. Welcoming interior corridors transport you conveniently and safely to the spacious rooms. Guests – whether they’re in the Big Apple for business or pleasure – will appreciate the free wireless high-speed Internet access, free in-room coffee, and a free hot and delicious breakfast featuring eggs, meat, yogurt, fresh fruit, cereal and more, including your choice of hot waffle flavors.
Clintwood Sleep Inn & Suites – Clintwood, Virginia
Travelers will rest well amidst the trees and rolling hills of southwestern Virginia at The Sleep Inn & Suites® hotel in Clintwood, Virginia. This simply stylish Designed to Dream hotel features soft lighting and soothing, nature-oriented artwork, as well as the Sleep Inn brand’s signature showers, plush bedding, large workspaces with ergonomic chairs and high-definition flat-screen televisions with cable programming. Local history is close at hand with the Ralph Stanley Museum and Dr. Phipps Family Museum located just up the road. Guests will re-energize with a workout in the on-site exercise room and keep productive at the hotel’s business center.
Photo caption: Arroyo Pinion Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection – Sedona, Arizona.
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