Autograph Collection Expands Portfolio With Addition of Three Hotels in the Southeast Region of the United States

BETHESDA, Md., Feb. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Autograph Collection, Marriott International's (NYSE: MAR) evolving portfolio of independent luxury hotels that provides individualist travelers with unique experiences, announced the addition of The Saint, Blue Moon and Winter Haven hotels to its growing lineup. Each of the hotels is the first to join Autograph Collection in their respective cities: The Saint Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana, and both the Blue Moon Hotel and Winter Haven hotels in Miami Beach, Fla. With these properties, the collection has accumulated an impressive 32 hotels in the portfolio since its launch in 2010, with plans to include up to 60 properties by the end of 2012 in various key markets worldwide.

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"Since our official inception in 2010, the Autograph Collection has grown to encompass more than 30 exclusively selected, distinctive and independent properties, with further plans of continued growth throughout 2012," said Kip Vreeland, vice president for Autograph Collection. "We have been very successful as a result of our discerning selection process to incorporate only the most unique hotels in our portfolio, and are happy to announce our three newest additions; with a number of exciting new properties to be announced in the coming months that meet our highest standards, and will ensure the brand's evolution."

The Saint Hotel

After an extensive $45 million renovation, and just in time for Mardi Gras, The Saint recently reopened its doors on February 9th as the first Autograph Collection hotel in Louisiana. Selected to join the collection based on its notable architectural and historical significance, the hotel was previously known as the historic 103-year old Audubon Building in the world famous French Quarter, reminiscent of early 20th century New Orleans which gave way to the birth of jazz.

Ideally located two blocks away from the early jazz clubs frequented by legendary performers, such as Louis Armstrong, the 166-room hotel features interiors decorated with large black and white photographic murals of the early 1900s, and exposed brick and bright blue and white deco style decor. Its restaurant, Sweet Olive, provides a melange of reinvented Southern culinary classics, including Rabbit Jambalaya and Wild Boar Rillette. True to its jazz roots, The Saint also includes a jazz club called the Burgundy Bar, with a rooftop bar slated to open in the spring.

Winter Haven Hotel & Blue Moon Hotel

As of early April, the iconic Winter Haven Hotel & legendary Blue Moon Hotel will be the first properties to join the Autograph Collection in Miami Beach, Fla. The Winter Haven Hotel, initially designed by acclaimed architect Albert Anis, the property was first unveiled on Ocean Drive in 1939. The oceanfront hotel's exclusive location lends to guests' unique experience of the most famous and energetic street on South Beach, immersing them in the elegance of the Art Deco movement of days gone by. The hotel's interiors are nautical inspired, an ode to the majestic ocean liners of the era, with a blend of modern touches, including terrazzo flooring, glass blocks, chrome finished railings and a grand cruise ship-inspired staircase. Winter Haven's bar also exudes a mid-century "martini joint" vibe, with black rounded marble top tables, original wood fascia and stainless steel foot rails. In early 2012, Winter Haven will also undergo restoration while ensuring that the historical integrity of the property is conserved.

Blue Moon Hotel is an intimate boutique sanctuary replete with 1930s charm. The hotel is tucked away on popular Collins Avenue and is a seamless combination of Art Deco and Mediterranean influences coupled with modern and sophisticated touches. Conveniently located just a few steps away from the beach, boutiques and bistros on Ocean Drive, the iconic hotel remains a key staple in South Beach.

The Blue Moon Hotel is a composite of two former hotels – the Lafayette and Les Suites – and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. To ensure the historical attributes of the property are preserved, the hotel will undergo restoration efforts in early 2012.

For more information about the hotels, please visit www.autographhotels.com.

NOTE: The statements about the future additions of Autograph hotels are "forward looking statements" within the meaning of federal securities laws, not historical facts, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including supply and demand changes for hotel rooms; competitive conditions in the lodging industry; relationships with clients and property owners; the availability of capital to finance hotel growth; and other risk factors identified in Marriott International, Inc.'s most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q; any of which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by our statements. These statements are made as of the date of this press release, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Autograph Collection

Autograph Collection is an evolving ensemble of strikingly independent luxury hotels. Each destination has been selected for its bold originality, rich character and uncommon details. From near to far, iconic to historic, the result is an array of properties that is nothing less than completely unique, nothing short of collectively exceptional. For more information please visit www.autographhotels.com

Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) for company information. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.