Two new boutique properties have joined the Choice Hotels Asia-Pac network, doubling the number of new hotels in the Ascend brand in the first half of 2021.
The Ascend brand now has 15 properties across the region and is reporting growth and strong performance results across the portfolio.
FY2020 ended with the Ascend Hotel Collection Portfolio ahead about 20 per cent of the market in revenue per available room (RevPAR), with a 16 per cent lead for the average daily rate and an 18 per cent higher occupancy rate compared to the market – based on data supplied by STR.
Trent Fraser, CEO of Choice Hotels Asia-Pac said “Our Ascend brand has received increased levels of interest in the wake of the pandemic from owners of independent properties, looking to leverage reach through our extensive distribution network, while still maintaining their property’s individual identity.”
Recent, independent research commissioned by Choice Hotels, demonstrated that 91 per cent of people across Australia and New Zealand are planning on taking a long weekend holiday in 2021.
Globally the Ascend Hotel Collection brand continues to perform, despite challenging conditions.
“We are investing heavily in the development of our Ascend portfolio to assist with our accelerated growth plans for Australia and New Zealand,” said Trent.
Two new boutique properties
The Beachcomber Ascend Hotel Collection, situated in Toukley on the Central Coast of New South Wales, is a boutique, Hamptons-inspired property with resort features, appealing to guests looking to blend the best of a resort style-break, and exploration of the region has to offer.
Chic apartments, extensive food and beverage offerings including a fine dining restaurant, sports bar and poolside cocktail lounge are features of the hotel which appeals to leisure and corporate guests.
The Beachcomber, owned by the hospitality group, Oscars, is the third property in the group to sign on with Choice Hotels Asia-Pac.
The other new addition to the fold is the Benson in Cairns, which is undergoing an extensive multi-million-dollar renovation before rebranding.
A glamorous Gatsby-style has inspired this heritage property’s boutique accommodation close to leisure activities in the tropical city and centrally located for corporate guests.
