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Ascend Collection from Choice Hotels International, Inc. expands its portfolio this month with its first hotel in Utah, Ben Lomond Suites Historic Hotel in downtown Ogden. The elite network is comprised of historic, boutique or unique hotels in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. Members maintain their independent style and identity, backed by the resources of a world hospitality leader. Through its membership in Ascend Collection, Ben Lomond Suites becomes part of the Choice Hotels global reservations and distribution systems. It gains visibility before an international network of more than 12 million Choice Privileges rewards members. Additionally, the property acquires marketing support and an online presence on ChoiceHotels.com, one of the industry’s most visited websites.
Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, this grand hotel was constructed as the Reed Hotel in 1890 and later, in 1927, expanded to the structure famous today. With its marble floors and ornate vaulted ceilings, the property features the Italian Renaissance Revival style popular in the U.S. the 1920s but unusual for Utah. Today, Ben Lomond Suites sits on the corner of downtown Ogden’s most prominent intersection, Washington Boulevard and Historic 25th Street. Housed in the city’s tallest building, the hotel offers sweeping views of downtown and the Wasatch Mountains beyond.
This central location puts guests within walking distance of many fine restaurants, nightlife, boutiques, galleries and municipal gardens. Guests out for a stroll will find historic Union Station; the Ogden Eccles Conference Center; Ogden LDS Temple; Ogden Amphitheater for outdoor concerts and festivals; and Peery’s Egyptian Theater, the Ogden venue for the Sundance Film Festival. The lodging also is convenient to ski resorts, bike trails, the IRS Training Center, the Forest Service Offices, Hill Air Force Base and Weber State University.
As one of Ogden’s largest hotels, Ben Lomond Suites houses 99 spacious suites and condos with one or two bedrooms, large living rooms and kitchenettes. Blending the old with the new, accommodations feature free Wi-Fi, dark wood furnishings and plush beds topped with luxurious white linens. Bright, airy executive suites offer additional space plus multiple windows, jetted tubs and wet bar with mini fridge and microwave. Families and business travelers in town for longer stays can opt for a one or two bedroom condo. Located on the 10th and 11th floors, the condos have dining areas, fully equipped kitchens and spectacular city and mountain views.
Ben Lomond Suites is home to elegant venues for large and small meetings and events. Ideal for weddings, awards banquets, and celebrations, the 3,450 square-foot Crystal Ballroom is richly appointed. With its crystal chandeliers and decorative vaulted ceilings, the ballroom incorporates the features of a Florentine palace. For smaller events, the 1,260 square-foot Ben Lomond Sunlit Room boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, a fireplace, and ornate ceilings. Additional spaces include a boardroom, conference rooms and the Grandview Party Room, serving up stunning views of Historic 25th Street and the Wasatch Mountains.
Among its other amenities, Ben Lomond Suites houses a fitness room and mezzanine-level business center with a computer, printer and fax machine. For relaxation, the in-house massage therapist specializes in deep tissue, therapeutic and Swedish massages. Guests also enjoy free Wi-Fi, a complimentary full hot breakfast buffet and covered parking.
“We’re delighted to welcome this beautiful landmark hotel,” says Stacy Ragland, vice president, Ascend Collection from Choice Hotels. “Ascend Collection has a proven record in driving reservations to member properties. Ben Lomond Suites is representative of our fast-growing network. This unique, high-service property has tremendous appeal for people looking for affordable lodgings rich in upscale amenities, history and local charm.”
Ascend Collection made its debut in the fall of 2008 and now has 70 member hotels open and under development. The network appeals to a growing number of travelers who like to discover upscale independent hotels with distinctive personalities and local flair when traveling for business or leisure.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
