Marriott signs on with Autograph Collection

Marriott International has announced that seven iconic US hotels from The Kessler Collection will be the first to join the Autograph Collection, the company’s newest brand that features independent hotels and resorts from around the world representing upper-upscale and luxury properties.

The hotels include The Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville, a  Tudor inspired boutique hotel next to the well known Biltmore Estate, and The Celebration Hotel, located just five minutes from the Walt Disney World® Resort in Celebration, a planned community in Orlando.

Making up the seven are The El Monte Sagrado, Taos, New Mexico; The Mansion on Forsyth Park, Savannah, Georgia; The Bohemian Hotel Riverfront, Savannah; The Casa Monica Hotel, St. Augustine, Florida and The Grand Bohemian Hotel, Orlando, Florida.

All are independent properties that will maintain their own brand name and personality. The Autograph Collection hotels will be featured on Marriott.com and will participate in Marriott Rewards,

Marriott plans to add more than 25 other Autograph Collection properties in 2010.