Choice Hotels Asia-Pac has opened its 15th Ascend Hotel Collection property across Australia and New Zealand, in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

The hotel, First Light Mooloolaba, features 67 self-contained apartments, with one-to-three-bedroom options, a pool and gym.

The property has partnered with the nearby Pier 33 restaurant, bar and function venue for events, which offers a range of different rooms and outdoor spaces for events, with the largest accommodating around 400 people.

“We’re delighted that First Light Mooloolaba is becoming the 15th Ascend Hotel Collection property in ANZ, in the same year the brand is celebrating 15 years in market,” Choice Hotels Asia-Pac chief executive officer, Trent Fraser, said.

“This all-apartment hotel, with its home-away-from-home luxuries, is the perfect example of what makes properties in the collection so special.”

Beyond its event facilities, the property is positioning itself as an ideal location for pre- and post-event tourism as it is centrally located to a wide range of attractions, including the Sunshine Coast theme parks, Australia Zoo, and the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. The popular Mooloolaba Esplanade and Alexandra Headlands surf beach are also both close by.