Guyana gets new hotel brand

Thursday, January 31, 2013, Source - Caribbean360

Choice Hotels to launch the Ascend brand in Guyana.

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Thursday January 31, 2013 - Choice Hotels International will debut its upscale Ascend Hotel Collection in Guyana early this year.

The global lodging company has announced that its construction of a boutique 25-room member hotel in central Georgetown is advancing well.

The new Ascend Hotel Collection member hotel, to be called The Opus, will be located within close proximity to several global agencies and is only a few blocks from the lively downtown shopping district.

The new Guyana hotel will feature 23 standard guest rooms, two executive rooms (featuring wooded floors and jetted tubs), restaurant and bar, small meeting room facilities, free parking, quality linens, air conditioned rooms, free cable television, Wi-Fi and complimentary breakfast.

"This elegant, boutique property is a wonderful addition to our network," said Sal Icaza, Director, Franchise Sales and Development of Choice Hotels International, who recently spent a few days in Guyana for meetings on the new development deal.

Local entrepreneur Wilfred Brandford, who owns the new hotel, believes the relationship with Choice Hotels International is not only the right fit for his company, but will also help elevate Guyana's image in the global marketplace.

"Guyana is an exceptional destination with much to offer the business traveler, the eco tourist and those who are visiting friends and family," Brandford explained.

Highlighting the advantage of a small property belonging to a global brand, Brandford added the hotel will cater to these and other market segments by leveraging the robust marketing and reservations systems of Choice Hotels as well as Choice Privileges, an industry-leading guest loyalty program.

Ascend member hotels are allowed to retain their independent identity and continue to deliver superior guest service, while receiving the benefits of a growing membership program with a leading lodging company, including shepherding support in marketing, reservations and operations.

Choice Hotels International, Inc. franchises approximately 6,200 hotels, representing more than 495,000 rooms, in the United States and more than 30 other countries and territories. As of September 30, 2012, 360 hotels, representing 29,000 rooms, were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in the United States. Additionally, 75 hotels, representing approximately 7,000 rooms, were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in more than 20 other countries and territories.

The company's Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria 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.