From Sydney To San Diego - Autograph Collection Set To Debut In Three New World-Class Destinations

BETHESDA, Md., Feb. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Autograph Collection, an exclusive portfolio of hotels recognized for championing independence, is thrilled to announce its debut in three of the world's most exciting destinations.  This season, Autograph Collection proudly welcomes Pier One Sydney Harbour in Sydney, Australia, the ocean front Pier South Resort in San Diego, California, and the Hotel Chicago (formerly the Hotel Sax) in Chicago, Illinois. Nearing 60 hotels worldwide, these three new extraordinary hotel experiences represent Autograph Collection's entree into each locale.

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The fastest hotel brand launch in the industry and a unique business venture for Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR), 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.

Detailed information on the most recent additions and their signature experiences is showcased in its own unique way on Autograph Collection's award winning web site, www.autographhotels.com.

Pier One Sydney Harbor – Sydney, Australia

Representing Autograph Collection's debut in Australia, Pier One Sydney Harbour offers an exclusive waterfront experience in the heart of one of the world's most glamorous destinations. Nestled alongside the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge with panoramic views, the hotel offers easy access to the historic heart of the Central Business District, The Rocks and the city's most desirable tourist destinations including Circular Quay, the Sydney Opera House, Martin Place and the glamorous Castlereagh Street shopping strip. Featuring 189 guest rooms including 18 suites, a selection of rooms within the hotel include your choice of magnificent views of Sydney Harbour, Sydney Bridge and the world famous Opera House.

Located alongside the harbor, the hotel's Front Restaurant & Bar offers alfresco dining on the Pier complemented by a modern Australian menu and extensive wine list. As an added element, with the hotel's prime waterside location, guests can arrive in style by water taxi or by yacht via the hotel's private pontoon which provides direct water access to nearby attractions including the Opera House, Manly and Darling Harbour.

The hotel offers a stunning harbourside back drop for meetings and special events, including eight meeting rooms all floor to ceiling windows showcasing water views.

To celebrate its inauguration into Autograph Collection and for a limited time, the hotel is offering guests who stay two nights or more a complimentary upgrade to a water view suite with breakfast for two and double Marriott Rewards points.

Pier South Resort – San Diego, California

Autograph Collection is thrilled to announce the opening of its first resort in Southern California, the beachfront boutique Pier South Resort in San Diego. With 78 suite-style accommodations, a new coastal tavern and quintessential California ambience, this intimate boutique hotel provides the ultimate four-star coastal escape, just steps from the sand and 20 minutes from downtown San Diego's vibrant Gaslamp District.  Pier South Resort rests just south of Coronado on California's southernmost beach, home to legendary surf break Boca Rio. Virtually all of the hotel's suite-style accommodations offer 180-degree Pacific Ocean views, immersing guests in the spirit of California.

The resort is also home to San Diego's most highly-anticipated destination, SEA180º. This contemporary coastal tavern is led by Cohn Restaurant Group, one of the most in-demand names in the San Diego culinary scene and operators of some of the city's hottest restaurants. The boldly-hued indoor space features Philippe Beltran-designed decor, sky-high glass windows, a large restaurant patio and a rooftop space with 360-degree views that is poised to be the most sought-after event venue in San Diego. 

In addition to exceptional dining, amenities and spacious accommodations, Pier South Resort will also feature a full service spa by Dames Day Spa.

The hotel's design swirls modern style with classic elements of the Southern California beach lifestyle, for a sophisticated laid back experience free from dated nautical themes. Each of its 620-square-foot suites showcases clean design, refined textures and seamless technology, plus custom appointments and textiles, floor-to-ceiling windows, separate living areas, private balconies and dramatic ocean views.

As a LEED Silver-Certified property, Pier South Resort will utilize water conservation technologies and harness the California sun for solar cooling and heating. The property is also a major advocate for beach conservation and nearby wildlife sanctuaries, and also offers guided hikes for guests.

Hotel Chicago – Chicago, Illinois

Formerly the Hotel Sax and representing Autograph Collection's debut in Chicago, Hotel Chicago pays homage to the very best of the "Windy City." The hotel's artistic decor and eclectic surroundings provide a perfect backdrop for its setting in the city's downtown River North area.  Guests can step right outside the hotel door to experience Chicago's very best restaurants, entertainment and nightlife including the legendary House of Blues.  Activities unique to its prime River North location also include kayaking in the Chicago River, architectural boat tours, and world-class shopping on the Magnificent Mile.

To celebrate its inauguration into Autograph Collection and for a limited time, the hotel is offering guests double Marriott Rewards points for stays from February 5 – May 31. For meeting planners, the hotel will offer 7,000 Marriott Rewards Planner Points for meetings and special events booked between February 5 and May 31 for all events held in 2014.

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 
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About Marriott International
Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: 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