Ascend Hotel Collection Robust Growth Focuses On Major Markets

ROCKVILLE, Md., March, 21, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ascend Hotel Collection, by Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest hotel companies, continues to rapidly expand with a specific focus on top markets. The world's first and largest soft brand is coming off one of its most successful years in 2017 by opening 56 hotels globally, and there are now more than 250 properties open or in the pipeline. Ascend has strengthened its presence in high barrier-to-entry and popular markets with the recent additions of best-in-class, independent upscale properties in San Francisco, Hawaii and Miami. The brand will also be adding several properties in Brooklyn to its portfolio. 

"The Ascend brand is reinforcing its position of leadership in the soft brand segment as we welcome many more exciting properties in great destinations around the country," said Mark Shalala, vice president, development, upscale brands, Choice Hotels. "Hoteliers continue to seek us out because of the high quality of our portfolio and the abundant resources that we provide. We look forward to even greater growth in top markets, as well as exceptional and sought-after leisure destinations."  

"The success of the Ascend Hotel Collection brand is its win-win value proposition for hoteliers and guests," said Janis Cannon, senior vice president of upscale brands for Choice Hotels. "The Ascend platform offers hotels a powerful global presence online and on mobile, as well as the benefits of Choice Privileges, an award-winning loyalty program. This proven model has enabled the Ascend Hotel Collection brand to attract top properties in both popular and off the beaten path destinations for experience-hungry travelers seeking unique upscale accommodations, and a sense of community and culture."

This is especially true in fashionable Brooklyn where the Ascend Hotel Collection footprint is thriving. Open and soon-to-be-opened Brooklyn Ascend Hotel Collection properties are located in different neighborhoods of the borough, each reflective of the area's rich culture and history:

• Gowanus Inn & Yard – Located near Prospect Park, the Gowanus Inn & Yard hotel offers an industrial-chic stay with curated art.
• The LOOK Red Hook – The LOOK Red Hook hotel features design inspiration from the maritime industry with local photography and mermaid print wall vinyl.
• Union Hotel – Situated in a 19th century brick and mortar building near the Brooklyn Bridge and Barclays Center, the property pays tribute to the factories and warehouses that built New York City.
• Insignia Hotel – The Insignia Hotel is a newly built boutique property located in the heart of Chinatown and features statement colors that bring to life the culture of its neighborhood.
• Baltic Huis – Located in a revived industrial building in the Boerum Hill district, the Baltic Huis hotel is a blend of the area's rich Dutch heritage and includes hidden spaces like an underground coffee shop.
• Another property in Brooklyn will open soon on Flatbush Avenue, and will feature modern amenities within its original structure playing a part in the revitalization of its thriving neighborhood.

For more information on Ascend Hotels development opportunities, please visit https://choicehotelsdevelopment.com/ascendcollection.

Ascend Hotel Collection: let the destination reach you.
The Ascend Hotel Collection® is a global portfolio of unique, boutique and historic independent hotels and resorts and is part of Choice Hotels International, one of the world's largest hotel companies. Recognized as the hotel industry's first "soft brand" concept, the Ascend Hotel Collection has more than 200 properties open and operating worldwide, including in France, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Turkey, Australia, Canada, Ecuador and the Caribbean region. Membership with the Ascend Hotel Collection enables distinctive, independent properties to gain a global presence while maintaining their local charm. For more information, visit www.choicehotels.com/Ascend.  

About Choice Hotels
Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) is one of the world's largest hotel companies. With over 6,800 hotels franchised in more than 40 countries and territories, Choice Hotels International represents more than 500,000 rooms around the globe, and as of February 1, 2018, more than 1,000 hotels were in its development pipeline. Our company's Ascend Hotel Collection®, Cambria® Hotels, Comfort Inn®, Comfort Suites®, Sleep Inn®, Quality®, Clarion®, MainStay Suites®, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel®, WoodSpring Suites®, Econo Lodge®, Rodeway Inn®, and Vacation Rentals by Choice Hotels® brands provide a spectrum of lodging choices to meet guests' needs. With more than 35 million members, our Choice Privileges® rewards program enhances every trip a guest takes, with benefits ranging from every day rewards to exceptional experiences, starting right when they join.  All hotels and vacation rentals are independently owned and operated. Visit us at www.choicehotels.com for more information.

Forward-Looking Statement
This communication includes "forward-looking statements" about future events, including anticipated hotel openings.  Such statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including construction delays, availability and cost of financing and the other "Risk Factors" described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, any of which could cause actual results to be materially different from our expectations.

Addendum
This is not an offering. No offer or sale of a franchise will be made except by a Franchise Disclosure Document first filed and registered with applicable state authorities. A copy of the Franchise Disclosure Document can be obtained through contacting Choice Hotels International at 1 Choice Hotels Circle, Suite 400, Rockville, MD 20850, [email protected].

© 2018 Choice Hotels International, Inc. All rights reserved.

SOURCE Choice Hotels International, Inc.