Choice Hotels has a wide range of options within its portfolio including many new Cambria and Ascend Hotel Collection properties that are steering the brand in a new, more upscale direction. Choice Privileges, the brand’s loyalty program, follows a dynamic pricing model with redemption rates varying by night; points rates start at 8,000 points.
Whether you are planning travel for now or the not-too-distant future, these 10 Choice Hotels and Resorts have opened in the past few years or are opening soon. They’re worth exploring for potential road trips or other vacation opportunities, especially if you’re looking to earn or redeem Choice Privileges points.
Don’t forget the partnership that Choice Privileges also has with AMResorts and Preferred Hotels & Resorts. Both of these offer additional ways to achieve value with Choice Privileges, but since they are not official brands of the company, they are not part of this list.
Photo courtesy of Choice Hotels
Opened in mid-2019, the Cambria Hotel Boston, Downtown-South Boston shows the brand’s impressive attention to design. Cambria will surprise Choice Hotels “regulars” since they may be unfamiliar with the growing brand. Story lines from the destination are woven through the design, which in Boston follows a literary theme honoring the many famous poets and authors from the region. Rather than the obvious themes of sports or American history, a library-style scene continues from reception through the bistro and bar area. Don’t miss the rooftop terrace for incredible views of the city’s skyline, and when you’re ready to get out and explore, the T station is across the street.
Photo courtesy of Choice Hotels
The Carvi Hotel New York, Ascend Hotel Collection is perfectly positioned for a visit when Manhattan’s tourism returns to normal. The location offers access to great shopping and dining. Also, popular tourist sights like Rockefeller Center are within walking distance of this trendy boutique hotel in the Big Apple.
Photo courtesy of Choice Hotels
Exploring the beautiful coastline of North Carolina is a favorite of road-trippers. Whether you spend time along the northern coast in the Outer Banks or the southern port towns like Beaufort, there is much to explore. Beaufort Hotel NC, Ascend Hotel Collection provides chic, nautical-themed guest rooms along North Carolina’s Crystal Coast. The hotel is within close driving distance to numerous historic attractions and has a seasonal pool and whirlpool for those who simply want to relax.
Photo courtesy of Choice Hotels
Charleston has no shortage of interesting hotels in its historic downtown location, but Cambria Hotel Charleston Riverview is actually across the river in a less busy part of town. For those who want a more subdued (and more affordably priced) option when visiting Charleston, this hotel features an outdoor pool, lobby bar with local craft beer on tap and easy access to parking (often an annoyance in the heart of downtown).
Photo courtesy of Choice Hotels
The aquamarine views from this Cambria hotel are breathtaking. Whether you’re in a guest room (hint: pick one with a waterfront balcony), the rooftop bar or the infinity-edge pool area, Cambria Hotel St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach Marina is a vacation hot spot. St. Petersburg has plenty of family-friendly attractions, including the St. Pete Pier. The Pier has a little something for everyone, like an interactive sea discovery center, beautiful public art, a museum and ample dining options.
Photo courtesy of Choice Hotels
Elkhart Lake is a popular drive destination for Midwest travelers, and The Shore Club Wisconsin, Ascend Hotel Collection is a nice family destination on its coast. The hotel's impressive amenities include free parking, watersport activity and boat rentals, and a Tiki bar. There are even year-round swimming pools (both indoor and outdoor) to keep this property relevant for those in need of vacation time regardless of the season.
Photo courtesy of Choice Hotels
This upscale, yet affordable, hotel is close to many of the region’s well-known wineries and is one of the newest hotels to open in the area. Cambria Hotel Sonoma Wine Country also offers some very interesting features like a casino, a bar of its own (for those wanting a nightcap) and an outdoor lounge with fire pits. The hotel provides ample ways to relax after a day of wine tasting.
Photo courtesy of Choice Hotels
Less than a mile from Disneyland, the Cambria Hotel Anaheim Resort Area is an ideal family destination. On top of the desirable location, it offers plenty of recreational perks for visitors who are tired of the expensive amusement parks for the day. The hotel has its own waterpark, putting green, outdoor movie wall, six restaurants, swimming pool, outdoor fire pits and whirlpool. Guests of all ages will have something to keep them busy.
Cambria offers complimentary breakfast and convenient access to the ART theme park shuttle. Family suites, including many with bunk beds, are an added bonus option.
Photo courtesy of Choice Hotels
Road trips to hotels near national parks are a huge hit these days as travelers look to maximize time outdoors. The Ridgeline Hotel at Yellowstone, Ascend Hotel Collection adds convenience given its location at the gateway to Yellowstone National Park. After a day driving through the park animal spotting, the hotel features coffee all day, a great restaurant with local craft beer on tap, an indoor pool and whirlpool. Especially intriguing is the Wild West decor with log beds, stone accents and rustic furnishings and artwork to help set the scene.
Photo courtesy of Choice Hotels
Automotive fans are in heaven at the V8 Hotel Koln @Motorworld, Ascend Hotel Collection in Cologne, Germany. The hotel is part of the Butzweilerhof, a historic “interwar airport complex,” with hundreds of historic vehicles on display in former aircraft hangars behind the hotel for guests to explore. Many of the vehicles are part of a special collection by Michael Schumacher, a seven-time world champion Formula One driver — and they’re even available for sale or rental. Another great benefit for enthusiasts is that guests have immediate access to Motorworld from the hotel.