The Guide to the Ascend Hotel Collection

Ascend Hotel Collection is part of the Choice Hotels International family and represents a series of boutique and luxury hotels, the top tier of the Choice brand.

Those who collect Choice Privileges points may find that these hotels are often an ideal choice when making a redemption since they have a higher profile than other hotels in the Choice portfolio.

If you are looking for a top hotel in the Ascend Collection, there are several options worth exploring.

What is the Ascend Collection?

Ascend Collection hotels deliver the same brand promise as other Choice hotels properties but offer a one-of-a-kind experience.

How to book Ascend Hotel Collection properties

Choice Privileges doesn’t allow points redemption more than 100 days in advance, so if you are a procrastinator, this program is for you! Unfortunately, Choice does not make it easy to find Ascend Hotel locations, but if you do an online search for your preferred city, the results include the Ascend Hotel Collection logo in the top left corner.

The cost in points varies by property and day, so you will want to check how many points you need on any given night. They range from as few as 6,000 points for a redemption night all the way up to 35,000 points for a standard hotel or as many as 100,000 for an all-inclusive hotel.

Here are some Ascend Hotel Collection locations worth visiting, whether you are planning to redeem points or earn them to redeem on a future stay.

Popular Ascend Collection hotels

With nearly 250 hotels in the soft brand, these Ascend Collection hotels in cities around the world are especially noteworthy.

If you’re looking for a boutique option that offers something local and unique, look no further than these Ascend properties. They are in various countries, such as Australia, Canada, Norway, Turkey, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Many of them are historic rebuilds.

Hotel Aquarius Venice, Italy

The Hotel Aquarius Venice is in the Santa Croce district, which means it is convenient to the train station, about halfway between it and the Rialto Bridge.

Walking through the winding streets of Venice is a favorite pastime of tourists for people-watching and a little exercise. For those who want to arrive at the hotel by boat, it has an entryway to the canal through a small garden door.

Emotions All Inclusive Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic

If you want a Caribbean getaway with all-inclusive meals and drinks, Emotions All Inclusive Juan Dolio has a beachfront location and plenty to enjoy by the water.

There are three outdoor pools, including one in an adults-only area for more peace and quiet. The resort has seven restaurants and a stretch of private beach, providing a vacation getaway that packs in the value.

K Bar S Lodge, Keystone, South Dakota

Within view of Mount Rushmore, the K Bar S Lodge is a short drive from the national memorial. In the gardens, deer and other animals roam past.

Guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast each morning. Other amenities include free parking, an outdoor patio, a whirlpool, and furnished balconies in the rooms.

The Pine Lodge on Whitefish River, Montana

In Whitefish, Montana, The Pine Lodge is an ideal spot for those who want to spend time in the great outdoors.

The hotel is close to Whitefish Lake and the Whitefish Mountain Resort and also has a free shuttle to take guests to and from the airport or train station. Complimentary breakfast is also included.

The Giacomo Hotel, Niagara Falls, New York

The Giacomo is a towering hotel within close proximity to Niagara Falls. It provides restored history, with the building listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

From the front door, guests can walk to the Cave of the Winds, the Maid of the Mist boat tour, and nearby dining.

Hotel Blake, Chicago

Close to Grant Park and Millennium Park and in the Morton Building, Hotel Blake is on the National Register of Historic Places. This hotel is a great option for those who want to be close to tourist hot spots like the Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier and Lincoln Park Zoo.

With so many hotels in Chicago, it’s nice to redeem points for a hotel with local history and character.

Blue Angel Hotel NYC, New York

In the heart of Manhattan, Blue Angel Hotel NYC has a lovely al fresco terrace overlooking the city from the seventh floor.

Guests at this boutique hotel also receive a selection of drinks and snacks and a free pass to a nearby health club to use during their stay.

Earn Choice Hotels points quickly

Choice Privileges points can generally be redeemed for a night at a Choice hotel for between 6,000 and 35,000 points, but before you start using your Choice Privileges points, you have to earn them. Beyond qualifying hotel stays, another way to amass a large number of points is to earn a sign-up bonus from a Choice Hotels credit card.

Here's how the company's two co-branded cards compare.

If you seek more flexibility in redeeming miles for hotel stays, consider applying for a more general travel credit card instead. A more general travel credit card differs from a hotel card in that you can book lodging at multiple hotel chains, rather than reaping the benefits of staying loyal to a single brand.

The more high-end the travel credit card, the more benefits you can enjoy, including airport lounge access or automatic elite status in certain programs. That said, a brand-specific hotel card can net benefits like late check-out or free breakfast, which can have meaningful dollar value.

» Learn more: The best hotel credit cards right now

Choice Privileges’ soft brand, Ascend Hotel Collection

These one-of-a-kind boutique hotels allow Choice Privileges members to earn and redeem points at independent hotels that prove unique to their area. Each hotel has its own character and amenities, but for those looking for a hotel with its own style and substance, Ascend Hotels are a perfect fit.