A Proud Legacy Begins

In turn-of-the-last-century California , well before Hollywood 's glory days, climate and oranges were the main attractions. A $2 train ride brought visitors by the thousands to the Golden State. Many stayed. Among them was Frank H. Ayres, who had come from Ohio with his wife and young son Donald to explore land development opportunities. After successfully buying eight small ranches in the Mid-Wilshire area for his Ohio employer, Frank formed his own company-Frank H. Ayres & Son-to develop land throughout L.A. County. It was 1905. And a proud legacy - a bona fide family tradition - had begun. The Ayres' brand of high-quality property development would soon make its mark on Southern California .

Roaring On

In the roaring '20s, movie making had become a full-fledged industry. Demand for lots and homes rose sharply. In response, Don Ayres, Sr. entered the family business. This father and son team increased productivity while perpetuating the family tradition of quality, value and service. Along the way, Ayres' perseverance and foresight had become the foundation of entire communities in the Los Angeles area.

Ayres Builds its Reputation in Homes

World War Two was over and the housing boom was on. In 1954, Don Sr. took over land subdivision. And Don Ayres, Jr. joined the firm, launching homebuilding interests by developing subdivision communities, further perpetuating a family tradition of quality land development. Combining versatility and innovation, the company was now poised for exponential growth in a variety of endeavors. In the coming decade, the Ayres brand would become a recognized name, creating more than 30,000 distinctive homes in well-planned areas stretching from L. A. to San Diego .

Ayres Builds its Reputation in Hotels

Now a trusted name in homebuilding, Ayres applied its time-tested, success-proven formula to satisfy the growing need for hotels. The company opened its first property in 1984. Since then, Ayres has continually adapted to the ever-changing needs of the marketplace without losing sight of its traditional core values.

Today, the Ayres Hotels develops, manages and owns a family of hotels including Country Inn & Suites by Ayres, Ayres Hotels and Ayres Suites.

All three brands of hotels are widely recognized for their value, quality and comfortable surroundings. The unique combination of luxury and ambiance draws guests to this growing family of hotels. From European boutique elegance to Country French charm, each has a personality and charm that is uniquely Ayres. Like inviting lobbies adorned with beautiful fireplaces, hand selected antiques, floral bouquets, and classic art prints. Ayres spares no expense to make you feel special. And leaves nothing to chance to make you feel at home. Our guestrooms combine Old World charm with the new world service of an attentive staff and every modern convenience.

The Family Tradition Continues

Today, the Ayres family tradition of quality and value is stronger than ever. It ensures that every Ayres hotel is expertly designed and managed with excellence and meticulous attention to every detail.

Through rapid growth, Don Ayres Jr. has made certain that every aspect of hotel ownership and management receives un-matched attention.

Allyson Ayres, Don Jr.'s daughter, brought her interior design talents to this new hotel venture. Son, Doug Ayres, Vice President of Development, has since taken over design efforts and has been instrumental in creating the Ayres Hotel brand of upscale properties; son Don Ayres III, Vice President of Operations, is in charge of hotel operations, including Human Resources, Sales, Web Development and Marketing; and son Bruce Ayres, President, handles overall Ayres Group business aspects for the company as far as development, city processing and land purchasing. He is currently transitioning into the hotel operations side of the family business.

From pioneering subdivisions of homes to building prestigious residential communities, the firm founded by Frank Ayres has been widely recognized for its industry firsts. For nearly a century, the Ayres name clearly demonstrates a reputation for ingenuity, persistence and planning unsurpassed in Southern California .

To this day, Ayres projects draw upon the vast knowledge and experience of four generations of family business. And as long as the Ayres family strives to meet the changing needs of its customers, the opportunity for continued expansion will always be within reach.