Hospitality Lodging Systems (HLS) is accelerating growth of its Haven Hotel brand through a new master license agreement with Ascent Hotels Group to open at least 10 properties within the next 10 years in southern Texas, primarily the metro Houston area.

“Haven has a solid reputation for value and quality, so this is a superb opportunity for our company to build a distinctive identity and offer something special to the marketplace,” said Bharat Desai, President of Houston-based Ascent Hotels Group.

The company opened two newly-built Haven Hotel properties earlier this year, both in metropolitan Houston. These hotels are not part of the new “10 hotels in 10 years” deal.

“Bharat and his colleagues at Ascent have a plan that is ambitious but very achievable, especially in partnership with our strong infrastructure and proven support services,” explained Doug Collins, Chairman and CEO of HLS.

Atlanta-based HLS operates a total of 48 hotels under its three brands – Budgetel Inns & Suites; Haven Inns & Suites; and AmeriVu Inns & Suites.