Choice Hotels Checks In: Major Expansion Across China with SSAW Partnership

Pagoda Hotel Chengdu

A Landmark Agreement Reshapes the Future of Hospitality in Asia

Choice Hotels International has taken a bold step in accelerating its global footprint with a strategic master franchise and distribution agreement with SSAW Hotels & Resorts in China. This historic partnership signals a major expansion for Choice Hotels in the Asia-Pacific region, unlocking significant growth in one of the world’s fastest-evolving travel markets.

68 Upscale Hotels Join the Ascend Collection

As part of the agreement, 68 upscale hotels—currently operated by SSAW under respected brands such as Pagoda, Narada Grand, SSAW Boutique, and Ginlan Jia—will be integrated into Choice’s Ascend Collection. These properties, collectively offering more than 9,500 guest rooms, are expected to be available for booking on ChoiceHotels.com within the coming months.

Guests can look forward to spacious and stylish accommodations featuring rainforest showers, minibars, high-speed Wi-Fi, and in-room tea and coffee facilities. These hotels are also equipped with amenities tailored to modern travelers, such as onsite dining, fitness centers, 24-hour reception, business services, and personalized concierge assistance.

Comfort and Quality Brands Set for Nationwide Growth

In addition to the Ascend Collection expansion, SSAW has been granted exclusive development rights to grow the Comfort and Quality hotel brands across mainland China. Over the next five years, at least 100 new hotels will be developed under these globally recognized midscale brands.

This move positions SSAW as a key franchise partner, combining their deep understanding of the Chinese hospitality landscape with Choice Hotels' powerful global platform and brand recognition.

A Win for Travelers and the Industry

With this expansion, more than 70 million members of Choice Privileges, Choice Hotels’ award-winning loyalty program, will be able to earn and redeem points across an even larger portfolio of properties in China and around the globe. This represents a significant value-add for travelers looking for consistency, flexibility, and comfort in their stays.

SSAW Garden Hotel Beijing

Executives from both companies celebrated the partnership as one rooted in mutual benefit and long-term vision.

Trent Fraser, CEO of Choice Hotels Asia-Pac, noted the rapid scalability offered by this deal, saying, “This relationship allows us to scale quickly in a fast-growing market, with established, high-quality properties, and deliver even more value to travelers.”

Lily Zhu, CEO of SSAW Hotels & Resorts Group, highlighted the strategic significance of the collaboration: “This cooperation also reflects the importance of the Chinese hotel market and the potential business opportunities. The cooperation between our two companies can complement each other's strengths and elevate the internationalisation of SSAW Group.”

Unlocking the Potential of the Asia-Pacific Region

With a focus on leveraging SSAW’s respected local presence and combining it with Choice Hotels’ global expertise, the partnership is expected to set a new benchmark for hospitality excellence in China.

Ricardo Losada Revol, SVP & GM of the International Segment at Choice Hotels International, emphasized the long-term vision: “With our expanding platform, marketing channels, and proprietary tools and systems that drive franchisee success, combined with SSAW’s local leadership, Choice Hotels is poised for scalable long-term growth across China and beyond.”

Website Contact

For more information, visit: https://www.choicehotels.com

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