Choice Hotels' Ascend Hotel Collection Expands Alliance With Bluegreen Vacations

ROCKVILLE, Md., June 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest hotel companies, announced it is adding six new Bluegreen Vacation Club® Resorts to its rapidly growing upscale Ascend Hotel Collection brand. This brings the total number of Bluegreen Vacation properties integrated into the Ascend Hotel Collection to 28, making Bluegreen the Ascend Hotel Collection's largest franchise partner. The six new resort properties are located in the highly desirable travel destinations of Big Bear, CA; Orlando, FL; Aspen, CO; Myrtle Beach, NC and two locations in Williamsburg, VA.

Launched in January of 2013, the strategic alliance between Bluegreen Vacations and Choice Hotels has added exceptional value to each organization. Beyond the affiliation of 28 Bluegreen properties into the Ascend Hotel Collection, the multi-faceted alliance has introduced Bluegreen Vacations to millions of Choice Hotels guests through a combination of innovative marketing programs resulting in stronger guest loyalty, incremental room nights and timeshare purchases.

"We joined forces with Bluegreen Vacations with great optimism and we are so pleased to be deepening the relationship," said Steve Joyce, president and CEO of Choice Hotels. "This successful alliance has exceeded expectations on all fronts including franchise commitments, room night delivery, co-marketing and financial performance."                                                                                 

Additionally, this year the Ascend Hotel Collection has executed other franchise agreements for new construction, extensively renovated and adaptive re-use hotel projects in Moorhead City, NC; Hot Springs, AR; Pelican Rapids, MN; Pittsburgh, PA; Aurora, CO; Kissimmee, FL and Erie, PA.

A pioneer in the soft brand concept, the Ascend Hotel Collection launched in 2008 after recognizing  and seizing an opportunity to deliver truly unique hotel experiences to guests along with the benefits that come with staying at a Choice branded property. These benefits include generous rewards through the Choice Privileges loyalty program, such as stays at other Ascend properties. The Ascend Hotel Collection now includes more than 150 upscale properties around the world. The flourishing alliance with Bluegreen Vacations – which now includes 28 properties across the U.S. and Caribbean -- further expands the portfolio's global footprint while continuing to provide guests with great value, amenities and service excellence.

"The Ascend Hotel Collection has achieved a successful balance in its appeal to both guest and hoteliers," said Neil Cantor, Head of Ascend Hotel Collection at Choice Hotels International. "Travelers experience something truly memorable at some of the world's top travel destinations, while hotel owners, operators and developers can maintain the independent, authentic flavor of their hotels and enjoy the benefits of a global brand. Established properties as well as developers of new construction and adaptive re-use projects are finding this a compelling combination."  

Hotels entering the Ascend Hotel Collection membership program have the ability to operate as they see fit, while leveraging the vast resources and expertise available to them from Choice Hotels through Choice's robust distribution and booking channels, the more than 22 million member-strong Choice Privileges loyalty program, the latest property management technology, training seminars, membership meetings and overall support.

"The collaboration is growing our visibility across the globe and advancing our mission of providing guests with tremendous value at world class travel destinations," said Peter Menges, senior vice president, Bluegreen Ventures. "Timeshare purchases by Choice customers are dramatically up year over year, and properties that joined the Ascend Hotel Collection have experienced double-digit gains in rate and occupancy."  

Guests of the newly added Ascend Hotel Collection Bluegreen resorts will be able to choose from beach, golf, mountain, city, country, family, gaming and historic locations across the United States:

Big Bear Resort – Big Bear, CA

Amid the peaks of the San Bernardino Mountains on idyllic Big Bear Lake, this nature-encompassed hotel will send the outdoors explorer into a state of euphoria. A resort for all seasons and enjoyable for many reasons, the Big Bear Resort offers luxury villas and impeccable accommodations, a perfect respite from your outdoor adventures. Spacious three- and four-bedroom villas offer cozy furniture, plush bedding and fully equipped kitchens—complete with state-of-the-art appliances as well as full balconies and BBQ grills. Whirlpool baths help guests relax while living room fireplaces give more reasons for family to gather. Each vacation villa also conveniently includes a washer and dryer.

Innsbruck Resort – Aspen, CO

The Innsbruck Aspen, complete with beautiful finishes and a welcoming atmosphere, is conveniently situated within walking distance to the slopes and downtown area. Built for year-round fun, this mountain lover's paradise is the perfect place to enjoy fun-filled adventures, breathtaking scenery and top-notch dining. When guests first walk into the Innsbruck Aspen, they are whisked away into a dreamland full of warmth and comfort. After a day of adventure, guests can cozy up in the relaxing lounge area or retreat to their elegant vacation villa. Full of timeless charm, the villa welcomes guests with typical mountain decor and first class amenities, including stainless steel appliances, full kitchens, jetted tubs and more.

Patrick Henry Square Resort – Williamsburg, VA

Guests are welcomed to relax, revive and re-energize in an atmosphere that combines American history with fun and exploration. Centrally located only a short block from historic Williamsburg, the resort provides the perfect place to take a journey back in time. Plan your day from a cozy studio accommodation or spacious 2-bedroom villa with kitchen. The colonial-inspired decor will motivate you to explore more than 500 historic buildings and observe dozens of re-enactments in the nation's largest outdoor living history museum.

Parkside Resort – Williamsburg, VA

A fun-filled vacation is waiting at Parkside Williamsburg Resort. The resort features exceptional golf right in the backyard and even has a weekly tee time at the course. Thrill seekers can head across the street to the World's Most Beautiful Amusement Park - Busch Gardens^®. Guests can enjoy a day of thrilling rides, attractions and entertaining shows. At night, the front door at the resort is the perfect place to watch fireworks display from the park. History buffs will appreciate an educational trip to historic Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown (also known as the Colonial Triangle).

Shore Crest Resort – Myrtle Beach, SC

Awake to the sound of seagulls and gently breaking waves at the Shore Crest Resort in Myrtle Beach. After a day at the beach or in town, return to the resort to wind down in the lazy river or at the poolside cabana with a frosty drink. After a fun-filled day, this luxurious resort makes it easy for guests to relax with the beach just steps away across the boardwalk.

Sunshine Resort – Orlando, FL

Orlando might offer the biggest and best family attractions, but it offers so much more. Visitors don't necessarily have to spend their entire Orlando vacation waiting in lines with droves of strangers. Why not enjoy time at the resort? Stretch out on the screened-in porch and read a book, soak in the Florida sun by the pool, organize a game of shuffleboard, challenge a mate to tennis and soothe aching muscles in the sauna or hot tub. But when guests are ready to hit the theme park, one of Orlando's premier waterparks, Wet n' Wild®, is right down the street.

Ascend Hotel Collection®: let the destination reach you.
The best travel experiences can't be found in a guidebook. That's why the one-of-a-kind, upscale properties in the Ascend Hotel Collection® membership program let you focus on your destination in a whole new way. Each Ascend® hotel is a unique reflection of its local community, with staff committed to sharing their insider knowledge of the places, moments and experiences that makes each destination special. You'll discover hidden treasures off the beaten path, and find the true local flavor you crave.   

About Choice Hotels
Choice Hotels International, Inc.® (NYSE: CHH) is one of the world's largest lodging companies. With more than 6,300 hotels franchised in more than 35 countries and territories, we represent more than 500,000 rooms around the globe. As of March 31, 2015, 615 hotels were in our development pipeline. Our company's Ascend Hotel Collection®, Cambria® hotels & suites, Comfort Inn®, Comfort Suites®, Sleep Inn®, Quality®, Clarion®, MainStay Suites®, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel®, Econo Lodge® and Rodeway Inn® brands provide a spectrum of lodging choices to meet guests' needs. With more than 22 million members and counting, check out our Choice Privileges® rewards program to see how you can reap the benefits of being a member of the Choice Hotels® family. Visit us at www.choicehotels.com for more information.

About Bluegreen Corporation 
Founded in 1966 and headquartered in Boca Raton, FL, Bluegreen Corporation ("Bluegreen Vacations") is a sales, marketing and resort management company, focused on the vacation ownership industry and pursuing a capital-light business strategy. Bluegreen manages, markets and sells the Bluegreen Vacation Club, a flexible, points-based, deeded vacation ownership plan with more than 180,000 owners, over 60 owned or managed resorts, and access to more than 4,000 resorts worldwide. Bluegreen also offers a portfolio of comprehensive, turnkey, fee-based service resort management, financial services, and sales and marketing on behalf of third parties. For more information, visit www.BluegreenVacations.com.

© 2015 Choice Hotels International, Inc.  All rights reserved.

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SOURCE Choice Hotels International, Inc.

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