Choice Hotels Ascend Hotel Collection Announces First Hawai'i Property

ROCKVILLE, Md., Dec. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest hotel companies, announced the addition of The Equus to its upscale Ascend Hotel Collection, a network of more than 116 unique, boutique or historic independent hotels that offer guests a distinctive, one-of-a-kind local experience.

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Located in the fashionable upperwest side of Waikiki in Honolulu at 1696 Ala Moana Boulevard, The Equus is just steps from Ala Moana Shopping Center, Oahu's largest shopping mall, as well as a wide range of restaurants and lounges. This attractive hotel is also within easy access to Hawai'i attractions such as Waikiki Beach and the Honolulu Zoo.

"The addition of The Equus represents a major milestone in bringing the Ascend Hotel Collection experience to new travelers in key destination markets," said Michael Murphy, senior vice president of upscale brands for Choice Hotels International. "We have been seeking out the perfect partner and property to enter Hawai'i for some time now and are excited to take another step in continuing to forge strong relationships with superior franchisees in top travel markets."

The ten-story Equus has a total of 67 guestrooms, all finely appointed with personal touches and indulgent amenities such as cozy pillow-top beds, flat screen TVs, mini fridges, Keurig coffee makers with complimentary organic coffee and tea and complimentary high-speed internet access. Rooms with city views and lanai (balconies) are available in addition to upgraded, higher floor rooms. Room rates start at $129.00 for a standard Deluxe Double, up to $289.00 for a One Bedroom Suite.

As is customary with each exclusive hotel within Ascend Hotel Collection, The Equus provides a unique reflection of the distinct character of its host city, while providing guests with the highest standards of hospitality and comfort.

"We are thrilled and honored to become a part of the prestigious Ascend Hotel Collection and to join the Choice Hotels International family as their first Hawai'i property," said Mariah Dailey, third-generation owner of The Equus. "Our central location, inviting Aloha style, personal service and abundance of amenities provide guests with a memorable Hawai'i experience – all of which are signatures of the Ascend brand."

Owned and operated by a family deeply rooted in the sport of polo, The Equus is the only hotel in Waikiki that offers guests a direct connection to the North Shore, home of the Hawaii Polo Club. Rooms stay true to its Hawaiian horseback and sporting theme with equestrian inspired touches evident throughout.

Additionally, during the polo season which runs from April until Labor Day, each guest receives two complimentary admission tickets to the polo matches held on Oahu's signature North Shore.

For more information, visit www.ascendcollection.com and www.equushotel.com.

About The Equus:
The Equus is the only elegant 67-room inn located on the West Side of Waikiki where there is an abundance of restaurants, walking distance access to one of the world's largest shopping malls and a quick stroll to the beach and gorgeous sunset views.

The Equus is Waikiki's only "North Shore connection," as the ownership company also manages a magnificent 100-acre stretch of completely unspoiled beachfront property along O'ahu's North Shore that is the home of Hawai'i Polo Club. Guests of The Equus receive complimentary tickets to polo during the playing season.  See www.equushotel.com  

About Choice Hotels
Choice Hotels International, Inc. franchises more than 6,300 hotels, representing more than 500,000 rooms, in the United States and more than 30 other countries and territories. As of September 30, 2013, 371 hotels, representing more than 29,000 rooms, were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in the United States. Additionally, 84 hotels, representing approximately 7,200 rooms, were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in more than 15 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. All hotels are independently owned and operated.

Choice Hotels International offers the Choice Privileges rewards program. With more than 18 million members worldwide, is one of the fastest growing hotel loyalty programs in the travel industry.

Additional corporate information can be found on the Choice Hotels International, Inc. web site, which may be accessed at www.choicehotels.com.

Choice Hotels, Choice Hotels International, Choice Privileges, Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn, Ascend, and Ascend Hotel Collection are proprietary trademarks and service marks of Choice Hotels International Inc.

© 2013 Choice Hotels International, Inc.  All rights reserved.

SOURCE Choice Hotels

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