Choice Hotels' Ascend Hotel Collection Expands Alliance With Bluegreen Vacations

Choice Hotels International, Inc.

, one of the world's largest hotel companies, announced it is adding six new Bluegreen Vacation Club® Resorts to its rapidly growing upscale Ascend Hotel Collection brand. This brings the total number of Bluegreen Vacation properties integrated into the Ascend Hotel Collection to 28, making Bluegreen the Ascend Hotel Collection's largest franchise partner. The six new resort properties are located in the highly desirable travel destinations of Big Bear, CA; Orlando, FL; Aspen, CO; Myrtle Beach, NC and two locations in Williamsburg, VA. Big Bear Resort, An Ascend Hotel Collection member Launched in January of 2013, the strategic alliance between Bluegreen Vacations and Choice Hotels has added exceptional value to each organization. Beyond the affiliation of 28 Bluegreen properties into the Ascend Hotel Collection, the multi-faceted alliance has introduced Bluegreen Vacations to millions of Choice Hotels guests through a combination of innovative marketing programs resulting in stronger guest loyalty, incremental room nights and timeshare purchases. "We joined forces with Bluegreen Vacations with great optimism and we are so pleased to be deepening the relationship," said Steve Joyce, president and CEO of Choice Hotels. "This successful alliance has exceeded expectations on all fronts including franchise commitments, room night delivery, co-marketing and financial performance." Additionally, this year the Ascend Hotel Collection has executed other franchise agreements for new construction, extensively renovated and adaptive re-use hotel projects in Moorhead City, NC; Hot Springs, AR; Pelican Rapids, MN; Pittsburgh, PA; Aurora, CO; Kissimmee, FL and Erie, PA. A pioneer in the soft brand concept, the Ascend Hotel Collection launched in 2008 after recognizing and seizing an opportunity to deliver truly unique hotel experiences to guests along with the benefits that come with staying at a Choice branded property. These benefits include generous rewards through the Choice Privileges loyalty program, such as stays at other Ascend properties. The Ascend Hotel Collection now includes more than 150 upscale properties around the world. The flourishing alliance with Bluegreen Vacations – which now includes 28 properties across the U.S. and Caribbean -- further expands the portfolio's global footprint while continuing to provide guests with great value, amenities and service excellence. "The Ascend Hotel Collection has achieved a successful balance in its appeal to both guest and hoteliers," said Neil Cantor, Head of Ascend Hotel Collection at Choice Hotels International. "Travelers experience something truly memorable at some of the world's top travel destinations, while hotel owners, operators and developers can maintain the independent, authentic flavor of their hotels and enjoy the benefits of a global brand. Established properties as well as developers of new construction and adaptive re-use projects are finding this a compelling combination." Hotels entering the Ascend Hotel Collection membership program have the ability to operate as they see fit, while leveraging the vast resources and expertise available to them from Choice Hotels through Choice's robust distribution and booking channels, the more than 22 million member-strong Choice Privileges loyalty program, the latest property management technology, training seminars, membership meetings and overall support. "The collaboration is growing our visibility across the globe and advancing our mission of providing guests with tremendous value at world class travel destinations," said Peter Menges, senior vice president, Bluegreen Ventures. "Timeshare purchases by Choice customers are dramatically up year over year, and properties that joined the Ascend Hotel Collection have experienced double-digit gains in rate and occupancy." Guests of the newly added Ascend Hotel Collection Bluegreen resorts will be able to choose from beach, golf, mountain, city, country, family, gaming and historic locations across the United States: Big Bear Resort – Big Bear, CA Amid the peaks of the San Bernardino Mountains on idyllic Big Bear Lake, this nature-encompassed hotel will send the outdoors explorer into a state of euphoria. A resort for all seasons and enjoyable for many reasons, the Big Bear Resort offers luxury villas and impeccable accommodations, a perfect respite from your outdoor adventures. Spacious three- and four-bedroom villas offer cozy furniture, plush bedding and fully equipped kitchens—complete with state-of-the-art appliances as well as full balconies and BBQ grills. Whirlpool baths help guests relax while living room fireplaces give more reasons for family to gather. Each vacation villa also conveniently includes a washer and dryer.