As part of an agreement between Nordic Choice Hotels and The Fortress Hotels, Choice Hotels EMEA has expanded its upscale Ascend Hotel Collection portfolio by adding four boutique Scandinavian hotels with significant historical importance. These hotels include Oscarsborg Fortress, Kongsvinger Fortress, and Reenskaug Hotel in Norway, as well as Torreby Castle in Sweden.
Choice Hotels EMEA has recently commenced the refresh of its Ascend Hotel Collection portfolio in EMEA, which currently comprises over 70 unique, independent hotels that are known for their unpretentious and charismatic environments. The refreshed Ascend Hotel Collection proposition in EMEA will offer a ‘Haven of Hygge’ in captivating destinations, where hotels will combine striking character with convivial warmth, contemporary freshness with authentic neighbourhood touches, and provide an immersive experience for guests.
Commenting on the addition of The Fortress Hotels, Choice Hotels EMEA CEO, Jonathan Mills, said: “The Scandinavian market has played a pivotal role in shaping our Ascend Hotel Collection portfolio in EMEA, and we’re pleased to continue on this journey with Nordic Choice Hotels with the addition of these four unique properties across Norway and Sweden.
“The Fortress Hotels are steeped in history, and will no doubt bring a unique blend of character, warmth, and charm to our upscale Ascend portfolio in Scandinavia.
“Our refreshed Ascend Hotel Collection brand is designed to offer guests unparalleled, one-of-a-kind experiences with the assurance of a warm and welcoming community – and The Fortress Hotels embody that vision perfectly.”
The Oscarsborg Fortress, situated near Oslo in Norway, is a historically significant venue that provides 86 guest rooms, holiday homes, conference rooms, function rooms, restaurants, galleries, a museum, and several hiking trails. Known as “the place for important decisions,” it played a crucial role in Norwegian history.
Located at the top of Kongsvinger with breathtaking views of Kongsvinger town and Glomma, the Kongsvinger Fortress is one of Innlandet county’s most important cultural landmarks. It played a crucial role in Norway’s independence, serving as Napoleon’s northwest flank.
Reenskaug Hotel, located in the charming Norwegian town of Drøbak near the Oslofjord, has been a favourite resort for more than a century. It is a popular starting point for authentic experiences in romantic surroundings.
Torreby Castle, built by Norwegian Georg Sørensen in 1886, is situated in Sweden and is just a short drive from both Oslo and Gothenburg. The castle is in the middle of Bohuslän’s oldest golf course, providing seven suites with a total of 26 beds and stunning views of Sweden’s largest and deepest fjord, Gullmarsfjorden.
Choice Hotels International launched the first hotel collection in the US in 2008, and the Ascend Hotel Collection quickly gained momentum with four iconic hotels joining that same year, laying the foundation for its long-term growth and expansion in the US and Europe.
In response to independent consumer research conducted in the UK, France, and Germany, the Ascend Collection has undergone a refresh. Upscale travelers in the EMEA region seek unique, character-rich environments that don’t follow a standard formula and a warm, homely atmosphere that inspires a sense of belonging.
Choice Hotels EMEA portfolio comprises Clarion, Quality, Comfort, Sleep Inn, and the Ascend Hotel Collection. Currently, the Ascend Collection in Europe encompasses over 70 hotels in the Nordic region, Spain, Ireland, Italy, and Turkey.
