…
Ascend Collection for Choice Hotels International is pleased to announce four new member properties for the third quarter of 2010.
The new members are: Dove Creek Lodge, Key Largo, the first Ascend Collection hotel in the Florida Keys; Hotel Alex Johnson, Rapid City, S.D.; Ascot Suites, Morro Bay, on the scenic Central California Coast; and the Royale Caribbean Resort & Spa, which is under construction and scheduled to open in March, 2011, on the Eastern Caribbean island of Anguilla.
“We’re delighted to welcome these exceptional properties,” says Stacy Ragland, vice president, Ascend Collection. “Our company’s global infrastructure and proven ability to drive business to member properties continues to fuel the rapid expansion of Ascend Collection.”
This elite network of independent hotels made its debut in October 2008 and now has 37 member properties in gateway cities and major business and leisure markets in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean.
“It’s an all-around win,” Ragland says of the collection. “Choice Hotels benefits by offering travelers a wider selection. Member hotels, in turn, retain their independent style and personality, while gaining the backing of Choice Hotels and its powerful global resources.”
Through their membership in Ascend Collection, the hotels participate in the award-winning Choice Privileges rewards program, which can generate reservations in the business, leisure and group markets. The properties enjoy exposure before a network of 11 million-plus Choice Privileges members. Ascend Collection hotels also become part of the company’s global distribution system. Plus, they are featured on one of the industry’s largest websites, Choicehotels.com, where travelers can go to get information and make reservations.
Additionally, Choice Hotels provides consultancy services from a team of hospitality veterans and a suite of tools designed to bolster reservations and performance. Smartphone applications, e-marketing programs, Webinars, and a real-time online property management system are among the industry-leading tools available to Ascend Collection hotels.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
