GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Choice Hotels International (NYSE: CHH) will debut in Guyana with its upscale Ascend Hotel Collection in early 2013.
The global lodging company announced construction on a boutique 25-room member hotel in central Georgetown is advancing well.
Guyana, a member of CARICOM (Caribbean Community), hosts several international organizations, including the CARICOM Secretariat and several United Nations agencies.
The new Ascend Hotel Collection member hotel will be located within close proximity to several global agencies and is only a few blocks from the lively downtown shopping district.
The Guyana hotel – to be called The Opus – will offer the same quality services for which Ascend has become globally recognized, and 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 offer the best of both worlds – 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.
