Ascend Collection from Choice Hotels Debuts in Washington, D.C. Market with the 261-suite Virginian Suites Arlington

Choice Hotels International announced today that a Washington D.C. hotel has joined its upscale Ascend Collection membership program. The property, Virginian Suites Arlington, is the network's first in the D.C. market.

Less than two miles from downtown D.C., Virginian Suites is steps away from the banks of the Potomac River. The 261-room, all-suite hotel is close to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Arlington National Cemetery, Washington Convention Center and government agencies and just a mile from the vibrant shops, restaurants and nightlife of historic Georgetown.

"This is an ideal location for our network of unique independent hotels," says Stacy Ragland, the program's vice president. "Ascend Collection properties provide a true taste of the local culture, and Virginian Suites is close to the action for both business and leisure travelers."

Units online for Ascend Collection are up this year more than 35 percent over theprevious year, Ragland reports. Member properties are located in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. Each hotel is different, carefully selected for its high-touch service and localflair. After joining Ascend Collection, lodgings remain independently owned,while also leveraging the power of the Choice Hotels marketing and reservations engines. As part of this elite portfolio, Virginian Suites gains visibilitybefore a global network of more than 13 million Choice Privileges rewards members. It also acquires a presence on ChoiceHotels.com, one of the industry's most visited websites.

The hotel is owned by Arlington-based Virginian Associates, LLC, and operated by Modus Hotels, LLC, based in Washington, D.C.

Apartment-Style Suites
Through the end of 2011, rates at Virginian Suites are from $139 per night. The stylish property has apartment-style suites, meeting and event space, a business center, 24-hour high-tech fitness center, outdoor swimming pool opened seasonally, and men's and women's saunas. The lobby with fireplace provides a warm welcome. A renovation, to be completed in the spring of 2012, will add to the homey and comfortable ambiance. Among the lobby enhancements will be new lighting, carpeting and transitional furnishings as well as contemporary touches like a 50-inch, high-definition flat-screen television and free Wi-Fi.

Studio and one-bedroom suites are spacious, ranging from 440 – 610 square feet. Each suite features: contemporary dark-wood furnishings; a fully equipped kitchen; free Wi-Fi; large flat-screen television with high-definition programming; a plush bed with pillow-top mattress and fine white bedding; plenty of comfortable seating, including apullout sofa bed; and oversized desks and closets. At nearly twice the size of traditional hotel accommodations, eachone-bedroom suite also houses a foyer, living room and dining room. Many suites boast large windows with dramatic views of monuments and the Capitol Building.

Like all Ascend Collection hotels, Virginian Suites is focused on service. The hotel offers a breakfast buffet, grocery deliveries, room service from myriad nearby locally owned restaurants and eateries, free rush-hour shuttle service to the Metro stop minutes from the hotel, and complimentary shoe shines. Extended stay guests can also ask the hotel to stock the refrigerator with groceries before arrival.

Easy-To-Reach Meetings
The richly appointed S.S. Virginian Conference Center spans 1,400 square feet, accommodating up to 75attendees. The Conference Center sets a festive stage for private parties and receptions as well with banquet seating for up to 60 guests. Next door, theelegant S.S. Virginian Boardroom features cherry wood paneling and ample space for 12 –15 executives.

Both venues are equipped with complimentary wireless Internet access and the latest audio-visual equipment. A full menu of services make for successful, worry-free events, including a dedicated team of planning professionals; eclectic catering options tailored to each event; ample parking; assistance with centerpieces, music and entertainment; and concierge service to assist with reservations and tours.

Close To The Action
Guests find unique restaurants and pubs right outside the door. For additional options, Virginian Suites is just a mile from the heart of Georgetown, where streets brim with historic architecture, boutiques, lively bars and dining options from cozy cafes to internationally acclaimed restaurants. Just a brief stroll from the hotel, guests can also hop on the Metro and take it one stop to D.C.'s fashionable West End neighborhood and the internationally acclaimed Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Virginian Suites is the city's closest hotel to Arlington National Cemetery. Less than five miles away, guests can take a stroll around the National Zoo; marvel at national monuments; see the White House and U.S. Capitol; and visit renowned museums like the National Air & Space Museum, National Gallery of Art and Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden.

Earlier this year, the following Ascend Collection members also came online: Ben Lomond Suites, Ogden, Utah; The Lane Hotel, Keene, N.H.; Xona Resort Suites, North Scottsdale, Ariz.; and three Canadian properties, Hotel Royal William, Québec, and Château Moncton and Château Saint John, both in New Brunswick.

About Ascend Collection
The Ascend Collection membership program made its debut in late 2008 and now has hotels open and under development throughout the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. The network appeals to the growing number of travelers who like to discover upscale independent hotels with personalized service and local flair when traveling for business or leisure. Member hotels include The GEM Hotels with three boutique hotels in New York City; Inn of Chicago, one-half block from The Magnificent Mile; O'Brien Historic Hotel in Texas, one block from the lively San Antonio River Walk; the historic Hotel Bothwell, Sedalia, Mo.; and Inn on the Lake, just outside Halifax, N.S. For more information on this collection of Historic, Boutique and Unique and hotels, visit www.ascendcollection.com.