Autograph Collection Hotels To Add First Property In Haiti

CAP-HAITIEN, Haiti, Nov. 18, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Autograph Collection Hotels, Marriott International's exclusive portfolio of properties recognized for celebrating individuality, will add The Habitation Jouissant – a boutique hotel located in Cap-Haitien, Haiti – to its impressive global portfolio in the fourth quarter of 2017. The property, located in Haiti's second largest city and situated on the country's northern coast, will be Autograph Collection's third hotel in the Caribbean and will proudly serve as Marriott International's second property in Haiti – following the highly anticipated opening of the Marriott Port-Au-Prince Hotel in early 2015.

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"We look forward to welcoming Habitation Jouissant to our growing global collection," said Julius Robinson, Vice President & Global Lead, Autograph Collection Hotels.  "As we approach welcoming our 100th property by early next year, we know Habitation Jouissant will bring both a unique and culturally rich perspective to the portfolio when it joins in 2017."

As part of its transformation, Habitation Jouissant will undergo a comprehensive overhaul to include the addition of 87 guestrooms, bringing the guestroom total to 100 rooms with the property's 13 already established suites. Once completed, the hotel will feature a new presidential suite, two restaurants, two pools, a fitness center and meeting rooms – all marked with one-of-a kind programs and amenities that follow Autograph Collection's renowned tradition of providing experiences that are Exactly Like Nothing Else.

"We continue to seek out opportunities to bring leading hotel brands like Autograph Collection Hotels to Haiti in order to accommodate the impressive wave of international travelers visiting the region, specifically in Cap-Haitien,"said Tim Sheldon, President of the Caribbean and Latin America, Marriott International.  "The opening of Habitation Jouissant reaffirms our commitment to the great nation of Haiti and to the global presence of Autograph Collection, one of our company's fastest growing and most unique brands."

Originally built in 1959, the historic property was later acquired as a private residence by Haiti's recognized Beliard family. In 2011, the residence was converted into a charming bed and breakfast and the following year, eight rooms were added for a total of 13 suites.  The property also boasts a restaurant and a bar, which is an established favorite among both locals and visitors.

"It is with a great deal of pride that we join Marriott International in their first venture in Cap-Haitien," adds Fred Beliard, Chairman of the Fatima Group, and owner of Habitation Jouissant. "We are thrilled to not only be a part of Cap-Haitien's history but we are also very proud to be part of its emergence and radiance with this new partnership. The North is a jewel. Its development, both touristic and economic, is essential to Haiti's success. We are confident that our partnership with Marriott International is a turning point that will mark the beginning of many great endeavors for us and for our fellow members of the tourism industry in the North."

Miami-based firm Hamed Rodriguez Architects will lead the expansion plans while International Design Concepts will spearhead the interior design strategy and renovation. Gallant Media Group will oversee Habitation Jouissant's branding and Trust Hospitality will manage the property.

About Autograph Collection Hotels
Autograph Collection Hotels celebrates individuality by curating one-of-a-kind travel experiences at more than 90 luxury lifestyle hotels found in the world's most desirable destinations. Exactly like nothing else, each hotel has been hand selected for its distinction as an iconic landmark, for its remarkable design or for its best-in-class resort amenities. For more information please visit www.autographhotels.com, and explore our social media channels to learn more about championing the independent spirit that is #ExactlyLikeNothingElse.  Instagram  Twitter  Facebook.

About Marriott International Luxury + Lifestyle Brands
Marriott International's luxury and lifestyle brand portfolio includes The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, EDITION Hotels, BVLGARI Hotels & Resorts, JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Autograph Collection, Renaissance Hotels, AC Hotels and Moxy Hotels – totaling 550 properties worldwide. By the end of 2016, we expect that the portfolio will grow to 650 hotels with new locations in Geneva, Switzerland; Paris, France; Los Cabos, Mexico; and Sanya, China.  Marriott's Luxury and Lifestyle portfolio also accounts for approximately 25 percent of Marriott's system-wide development pipeline, representing over $15 billion of investment by the company's owners and franchisees. Future plans call for more than 250 additional luxury and lifestyle hotel projects over the next several years.

Note on forward looking statements: The anticipated growth of Marriott International's luxury and lifestyle brand portfolio and the expected future hotel locations are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of U.S. 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 Annual Report on Form 10-K or quarterly report on Form 10-Q; any of which could cause the actual numbers or locations of new hotels to be different. These statements are made as of the date of this press release, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise them or any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. 

SOURCE Autograph Collection Hotels