Franchised accommodation giant Choice Hotels Asia-Pac has added six new properties to its ANZ portfolio, just in time for the end of year break. The new Choice Hotels expansion includes two established properties in Tamworth along with four brand-new sites.

Quality Inn Ashby House and CH Boutique Hotel lead the regional NSW growth, alongside the Comfort Inn City Centre in Armidale. Further south, the Econo Lodge Border Gateway in Wodonga joined the Victorian portfolio with South Australia copping a welcomed boost adding an Adelaide Quality Inn at O’Connell to the mix.

Trent Fraser, CEO Asia-Pac said the new Choice Hotels, along with an additional property in Christchurch would help to boost the group’s global reputation.

“We are thrilled to welcome the new hotels to our portfolio and are excited to be expanding the Ascend brand into New Zealand, whilst also building our presence across iconic regional towns in Australia,” he said.

“Each new property brings its own diverse and unique character and visitor experience to the Choice Hotels Asia-Pac family and we look forward to welcoming guests through their doors.”

New Choice Hotels

The new Choice Hotels expansion indicates a strong regional approach to growth for the franchised hotel group. The wealth of brands underneath the banner have allowed Choice Hotels to amass an extensive portfolio across all price and entry points.

In Tamworth, experienced hoteliers Kay and Matt Sweeney have operated the Ashby House property since 2013, however only recently rebranded to the Quality Inn model.

The move saw Ashby House’s charming manicured gardens, 22 quaint rooms, fully self-contained cottage, an outdoor swimming pool and the on-site The Gallery Restaurant join the Choice Hotels network.

It was a similar story for Wodonga-based hotelier Duncan McLaren, who now leads the Econo Lodge Border Gateway property.

McLaren was inspired to lead the new Choice Hotels movement after seeing how successful the venture could be first hand. McLaren’s father owns and operates the Econo Lodge Alabaster.

The new Choice Hotels expansion announcement comes at a pivotal time for the international hotel group. As business winds down for the year and families embark on holiday stays, a growing regional offering is certain to spark their interest.