Choice Hotels' Ascend Hotel Collection Expands In Caribbean

ROCKVILLE, Md., Oct. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Ascend Hotel Collection from Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's leading hotel companies, today announced its Caribbean growth with the addition of the charming ACOYA Hotel Suites & Villas on the island of Curacao to its rapidly expanding and impressive list of distinctive hotels in key destinations.

Ascend Hotel Collection is an international portfolio of independent hotels that uniquely reflect the character of their host cities. For guests, Ascend hotels deliver a richly local experience. For hoteliers, the great appeal of Ascend is that the Collection allows operators to maintain their individuality while giving them access to Choice Hotels International's robust distribution system and industry leading Choice Privileges® loyalty rewards program along with support from a vast network of other member hotels around the globe.

"Ascend Hotel Collection is extremely pleased to welcome the ACOYA Hotel Suites & Villas to our distinctive portfolio of hotels and to be able to offer guests a truly elegant island stay," said Michael Murphy, senior vice president of upscale brands at Choice Hotels International. "With its commitment to delivering a uniquely authentic Caribbean experience through a high level of service, ACOYA represents the essence of Ascend Hotel Collection." 

Deep in the southern Caribbean and near the islands of Aruba and Bonaire, Curacao offers world-class diving, gorgeous golden sand beaches, invigorating outdoor adventure and a rich history dating back to 1499 and the exploration days of Christopher Columbus. ACOYA Hotel Suites & Villas embodies the history, style and culture travelers would expect from a Caribbean resort with gracious hospitality that truly embraces the Ascend Hotel Collection motto – let the destination reach you.

The Hotel

ACOYA Hotel Suites & Villas is an upscale, charming island vacation resort located on 10 pristine tropical acres. The property surrounds a magnificent natural lake, formed by water from all over the island naturally flowing to this central location, providing unparalleled water views for guests. Located in the center of Willemstad near Mambo Beach, approximately 15 minutes from Curacao International Airport, the hotel offers easy access to local beaches and other area attractions.

At ACOYA, guests can choose from spacious studios, suites and villas that are fully equipped with upscale amenities such as LCD TV, fully equipped kitchen, 220 and 110 volt electric outlets, coffee makers and in-room safe. Additional hotel amenities include laundry service, beach towel service, daily housekeeping, car rental, shuttle service to neighboring beaches, and free Wi-Fi.

"At ACOYA we pride ourselves on delivering impeccable service through a personal approach," said Ghatim Kabbara, head of business development for ACOYA Hotel Suites & Villas. "We go above and beyond to ensure we satisfy our guests' needs and provide an unforgettable Caribbean experience. We are excited for this partnership with Ascend Hotel Collection and know that membership with a valued company such as Choice Hotels International is a sign of our top quality and conveys our service guarantee to guests."

A Destination for the Thrill Seeker

This tranquil, family-oriented resort is conveniently located near some of the most beautiful beaches and exciting tourist attractions in Curacao. The island is renowned for its coral reefs which make for excellent scuba diving. ACOYA's Dive Center provides guests with a fully-certified diving school that provides courses led by experienced instructors. The Dive Center also has a private pool for lessons and practice before guides take guests out to the beautiful coast. 

Also located near the hotel is the Hato Cave. This historic attraction is said to be over 200,000 years old and originally housed Amerindian Arawaks before serving as the hiding place for escaped slaves during the slave trade. And no visit to Curacao would be complete without a trip over to Handelskade, Curacao's famous Old Dutch waterfront. Visitors can shop, grab a quick meal and watch the ships come in.

Healthy Dining

Visitors to ACOYA Hotel Suites & Villas don't have to leave the property to experience the taste of the Caribbean. Seasons Restaurant offers authentic, homemade Caribbean "comfort food" available everyday of the week. Guests and non-guests can choose to dine in or grab a fresh salad or sandwich from the shop. In the evenings, Seasons also offers fine dining that is unmatched anywhere on the island. Sumptuous cuisine is brought to life through innovative fusions prepared by a talented culinary team. The restaurant is located near the pool and offers stunning views any time of the day.

Health and Wellness

The Kintjan Center for Health and Wellness is the place to take care of all things mind, body and soul. Guests can enjoy an intense workout in the gym, alone or with the guidance of the on-site personal trainer, indulge in a relaxing massage or participate in a meditating yoga session. Spa treatments such as facials, manicures and pedicures are available, as well as treatments such as Osteopathy and Physiotherapy.

Conduct a Meeting Caribbean-Style

ACOYA Hotel Suites & Villas is also serves as an ideal location for meetings and celebrations of all kinds. The Celebration Building, perfectly situated by the lake, offers two floors and a deck that provide space for up to 250 people. Guests may ask for include catering and bartending services provided by Seasons Restaurant.

Additionally, the Reading Room is ideal for business travelers to host business meetings or conduct workshops or training sessions.

An Oasis for Everyone

By providing a diverse selection of rental home types, ACOYA is the perfect Caribbean location for a family getaway. The ACOYA Kids Club & Playground provides a variety of activities for kids and professional supervision allows parents some time to relax. The entire family can enjoy the beautiful three level pool area which includes a pool for children, Jacuzzi, man-made beach area and plenty of lounge chairs. Guests can also choose to relax in cabanas, surrounded by palm trees, and enjoy service from Seasons Restaurant. The pool is the perfect place to enjoy the pleasant Caribbean weather and take a refreshing dip.

ACOYA Hotel Suites & Villas is now accepting reservations.

The Choice Hotels International Caribbean portfolio currently includes hotels in the Caribbean islands of the Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Aruba, Curacao and Puerto Rico. For further information, visit www.choicecaribbean.com.

About Ascend Hotel Collection
The Ascend Hotel Collection membership program made its debut in late 2008 and now has 128 hotels open throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Central America, Australia and the Caribbean.  The eclectic portfolio of upscale, independent hotels appeals to the growing number of people who like to immerse themselves in the destination and live like the locals when they travel.  For more information, visit www.ascendcollection.com.

About Choice Hotels
Choice Hotels International, Inc. franchises more than 6,300 hotels, representing more than 500,000 rooms, in the United States and more than 35 other countries and territories.  As of June 30, 2014, 423 hotels, representing more than 32,000 rooms, were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in the United States.  Additionally, 93 hotels, representing approximately 8,300 rooms, were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in more than 15 other countries and territories.  The company's Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria hotel & suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn brands, as well as its Ascend Hotel Collection membership program, serve guests worldwide.

Choice Hotels International offers the Choice Privileges® rewards program. With more than 20 million members worldwide, is one of the fastest growing hotel loyalty programs in the travel industry. Additional corporate information can be found on the Choice Hotels International, Inc. web site, which may be accessed at www.choicehotels.com.

Choice Hotels, Choice Hotels International, Choice Privileges, Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria hotel & suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn, and Ascend Hotel Collection are proprietary trademarks and service marks of Choice Hotels International Inc..

© 2014 Choice Hotels International, Inc.  All rights reserved.

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SOURCE Choice Hotels International, Inc.