The family owned, 10-story, 67-room Equus hotel in Waikiki has been added to the Choice Hotels International Inc. stable of brands.

Choice Hotels did not purchase the hotel, but rather has franchised it as part of its upscale Ascend Hotel Collection, a network of some 116 boutique, historic, or otherwise unique independent hotels that offer guests a one-of-a-kind local experience.

The Equus, at 1696 Ala Moana, bears an equestrian theme throughout, as its owners, the Dailey family, also own the Hawaii Polo Club on the North Shore. During polo season hotel guests receive two complimentary tickets to polo matches there.

Maryland-based Choice Hotels franchises more than 6,300 hotels representing more than 500,000 rooms. It operates under several brand names including Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn, Ascend and Ascend Hotel Collection.