PHOENIX,?Sept. 18, 2013?/PRNewswire/ –?Ascend Hotel Collection?from?Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world’s largest hotel companies, continues its global expansion with the announcement today that two boutique hotels have joined the portfolio. These properties are?the gibson hotel,?Dublin, Ireland?and?Lindenwarrah at Milawa,?Australia. The announcement was made to industry insiders at the 19th?annual meeting of?The Lodging Conference?in?Phoenix, Arizona.
Ascend Hotel Collection?is a portfolio of upscale independent hotels with rich local character. With its latest additions, the group now has 108 properties in?North America,?Europe, the?Caribbean?and?Australia.
“Ascend Hotel Collection?continues to gain prominence as it grows internationally,” said?Michael Murphy, senior vice president of upscale brands at?Choice Hotels International. “The Collection offers hoteliers and guests the best of both worlds ? a unique, upscale experience coupled with the backing of one of the world’s largest hospitality franchisors. With each property offering its own local flavor and an uncompromising commitment to service, these newest member hotels align perfectly with our distinctive portfolio.”
Since the beginning of this year,?Ascend Hotel Collection?has opened 38 hotels, many in top business and leisure destinations like?Napa Valley,?Miami?and?Cape Cod. Newly signed agreements call for continued growth during the next two years internationally and in key domestic markets, including?New York City and the?Caribbean. Members of?Ascend Hotel Collection?maintain their individuality while being able to leverage?Choice Hotels International’s?robust global distribution, sales, marketing and technology platforms. Member hotels also benefit from Choice Privileges, one of the industry’s fastest growing guest loyalty programs.
Gibson Hotel
Located in?Dublin’s?new cultural hub, the gibson hotel is 10 minutes from the airport and a short stroll along the Liffey River to the city center. The 252-room property features cutting-edge design, high energy ambiance and guest comfort. Visitors to the hotel can enjoy a destination restaurant and bar; state-of-the-art gym; relaxation areas; courtyards; business center; and extensive square feet of meeting space with sweeping views of the?Dublin?cityscape.
Spanning two floors, the conference area?has nine contemporary meeting rooms accommodating up to 300 people and is equipped with free Wi-Fi and the latest audio-visual technology. An experienced team of event planners assures impeccable, memorable affairs. Also part of the gibson hotel experience: a relaxation area with sauna and steam room; Japanese copper baths on the terrace with mountain vistas; and courtyards, with towering bamboos and water features. Guests can enjoy a Zen-like atmosphere in the heart of the bustling city.
Guestrooms feature custom furnishings, a soothing neutral color palette, plush beds and natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows. Many rooms include private balconies with stunning views of tranquil interior courtyards or the?Dublin?skyline.
Lindenwarrah at Milawa
Lindenwarrah combines the distinctiveness of a boutique hotel with the tranquility of its mountain and vineyard setting. Food and wine play a prominent role at this retreat in the heart of the renowned Milawa Gourmet Region. This hotel exudes laid-back luxury with 40 individually decorated guestrooms and suites, a fine dining restaurant, bar, spa, lounges areas with Australian artwork, rooftop terrace, sunny courtyards and state-of-the-art meeting and event space.
Guestrooms feature contemporary furnishings and floor-to-ceiling windows framing views of sunrises and sunsets. Rooms open onto balconies or peaceful gardens.?The bright, airy Restaurant Merlot serves breakfast and dinner featuring fine regional cuisine. At the Spa at Lindenwarrah, guests can enjoy massages or relax in a sauna and?outdoor solar-heated swimming pool. Bringing a touch of the outdoors in, meeting and banquet space accommodates up to 120 people in modern, light-filled rooms that?open onto a large terrace.
Lindenwarrah is next door to the famous Brown Brothers Winery and Epicurean Center and within walking distance to other regional culinary delights. Or, hop on a bike and pedal past acres of vineyards to villages with small producers to fill your basket with nuts, honey, wine, olives and more.