Autograph Collection To Add Stunning New Locations In Switzerland & Spain

LONDON and BETHESDA, Md., Sept. 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Marriott International, Inc (NASDAQ: MAR) today announced plans to expand its Autograph Collection portfolio in Europe with exciting new additions in Zurich, Switzerland and Barcelona, Spain. Opening next year, the one-of-a-kind hotels will represent the debut of the exclusive portfolio of independent hotels in each city.

"We are delighted to announce these exciting new additions to our growing Autograph Collection portfolio in Europe," said John Licence, brand leader for Autograph Collection in Europe.  "Autograph Collection is known for creating authentic experiences that are centered in rich personality and the spirit of independence. We feel that these new locations in Barcelona and Zurich, with their prolific cultural heritage and sense of European sophistication, are a perfect fit for the collection."

When opened in spring 2015, the new 245-room Kameha Grand Zurich will represent the first Autograph Collection hotel to open in Switzerland.  Featuring stunning architecture and world class interior design by acclaimed Dutch designer Marcel Wanders, the hotel will be operated by Kameha Grand Glattpark Betriebsgeselleschaft mbH. The hotel is widely recognized for its eleven "themed" suites exclusively designed for the hotel by Wanders, including a "Poker Face" suite with roulette and poker tables and a "Serenity" suite featuring special lighting and select yoga and wellness accessories.  John Licence added, "With its creative design and playful personality, Kameha Grand Zurich truly captures the spirit of Autograph Collection."

The hotel boasts three unique options for dining: Restaurant L'Unico featuring fresh homemade pasta and Italian specialties prepared in an open show-kitchen; fine dining Japanese restaurant Yu Nijo; and the Puregold Bar. As a fun twist, the hotel features its own shisha lounge, offering a robust line of full-flavored Arabic shisha and tobacco. The hotel offers a wide selection of meeting and special event space, including eight distinct rooms in various sizes. The highlight of the meeting space is the Kameha Dome, a unique 700 square meter space, perfect for larger gatherings. Widely known for its world-class shopping, dining and entertainment, Zurich has become increasingly well recognized as an international art destination, offering more than 100 art galleries, making the city among the top ten gallery cities in the art trade.  

Also set to open in the spring of 2015, The Cotton House, Barcelona, will be located in an iconic 19^th century building in the heart of the city center formerly known as the headquarters of the Association of Cotton Manufacturers.

The 83-room boutique hotel will feature unique public spaces including several unique lounge areas, a rooftop pool and terrace, as well as a lush garden terrace area for dining and drinks. A large number of rooms feature balconies to take in the view and recharge after exploring the city. Interior design for the hotel is being crafted by the renowned Lazaro Rosa Violan studio. The design will be inspired by the decorative arts of the building's original architecture while ensuring a luxury experience for the guests.

The concept of the Cotton House will be to deliver exquisite guest experiences in a cool colonial style with the spirit of Barcelona in its heart. 

The vision behind the Autograph Collection is to offer an evolving group of passionately independent hotel experiences ranging from a 15-room boutique hunting lodge in the mountains of Colorado to a 19^th century neoclassical palace in the majestic city of Prague.  Exactly like nothing else, each hotel is thoughtfully chosen for its quality, originality, bold character and capacity to offer today's modern traveler a range of unique experiences suited to their individual sense of style and adventure. While still relatively new, the distinct portfolio has proven to be a highly successful venture due to its discerning selection process and unique ability to create memories through enriching travel experiences.

About Autograph Collection
The Autograph Collection is an evolving ensemble of strikingly independent hotels. Exactly like nothing else, each destination has been selected for its quality, 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 unique, nothing short of collectively exceptional. For more information please visit www.autographhotels.com, or explore our social media channels to learn more about championing the independent spirit:

Facebook:             www.facebook.com/AutographCollection
Twitter:                  www.twitter.com/Autograph
Tumblr:                  http://autographcollectionhotels.tumblr.com/
Instagram:             www.instagram.com/AutographHotels

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 4,000 properties, and more than 690,000 rooms in 78 countries and territories.  Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $13 billion in fiscal year 2013.  The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands.  Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics.  The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 45 million members.  For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

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SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.