The new Cambria Chelsea in Manhattan is very nice, and I believe that Choice intends that chain to be its upscale brand. Ascend has two properties in my area--both older, somewhat tired locations that should not command a premium price. I understand that in other markets, the Ascends can be quite nice, but since Cambrias have been new builds or substantially redone buildings, such as the Chelsea property, so far, I think it's more likely that this will be the consistently nicer chain.

And I agree that Clarions in the US can be very disappointing, but one of the better Choice properties in Virginia Beach near my home is a Clarion, and I have stayed in excellent Clarion properties in Dublin and Rome that were clearly better than the Comfort Inn brand hotels in or near those cities--as if foreign franchisees have a better sense of what Choice would like to do with that brand.