ROCKVILLE, Md., May 3, 2019 — The Hacienda de Léal adds a splash of Spanish culture to the Ascend Hotel Collection by Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), a portfolio of unique, boutique, and historic hotels and resorts that reflect their surrounding community.

Located in the quaint mission town of San Juan Bautista at 410 The Alameda, the 42-room Hacienda de Léal captures the spirit of the Spanish Hacienda with its rustic, red and beige hues, picturesque patio, and 20,000-square-foot courtyard. The property was purchased by Léal Vineyards in 2014 and completely renovated to channel the opulence of the beachside hotels of Santa Barbara without sacrificing its California mission roots and rich history.

In San Juan Bautista, visitors will find boutique shopping, local cuisine and The Mission De San Juan Bautista, an 18th century local landmark that once hosted daily mass. The Hacienda de Léal is located 10 miles from the owner's two pastoral vineyards, which offer an ideal backdrop for lasting memories. Less than a 30-minute drive from the hotel is Marina State Beach, a quiet oceanfront stop along the Pacific coastline where visitors can get their feet wet or catch some rays.

The Ascend Hotel Collection currently has more than 250 properties open and nearly 60 hotels in the pipeline worldwide. This year, the brand expects to open several hotels in major U.S. markets, including Brooklyn, N.Y.; Philadelphia; Long Island City, N.Y.; and Napa, Calif.