The Kessler Collection Commemorates Opening of 1st Luxury Boutique Hotel in the State of Alabama

ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 23, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kessler Collection, a portfolio of 11 artistically-inspired boutique hotels and restaurants, celebrated the Oct. 23, 2015, grand opening of the first luxury boutique hotel of its caliber in the state of Alabama, Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook. Located in the affluent Mountain Brook suburb of Birmingham, Ala., Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook joins Autograph Collection Hotels, Marriott International's curated portfolio of hotels recognized for celebrating individuality. The Kessler Collection commemorated the whimsical property inspired by neighboring Birmingham Botanical Gardens with a ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration highlighting hotel amenities from an innovative wine blending experience and hands-on cooking school, to the rejuvenating Poseidon Spa and inspiring Grand Bohemian Art Gallery – the largest gallery in the hotel collection. In a city with limited event space options, Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook boasts more than 12,000 sq. ft. of customizable indoor and outdoor space, including a rooftop terrace, restaurant and sculpture garden.

"The community of Mountain Brook has a unique, quaint personality, and our Grand Bohemian boutique hotel concept fits perfectly within the upscale destination," said Mr. Richard C. Kessler, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Kessler Collection. "We hope the community embraces the art and music-inspired property as the social hub of Mountain Brook and Birmingham as it aligns perfectly with the area's already bustling cultural tapestry."

Keeping true to the brand's passion for the arts and Bohemia lifestyle, the opening consisted of speeches by local dignitaries, the Kessler family and an executive from majority owner Xenia Hotels & Resorts, followed by a ribbon cutting in tandem with a white dove release, representing the Bohemian Botanical Chic ambiance, and a champagne toast led by Mr. Richard C. Kessler. The celebration continued with exclusive property tours where community members and local media indulged in decadent small bites, herb-infused cocktails and mini massage treatments.

Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook continues The Kessler Collection's award-winning commitment to providing superior guest services and artistic offerings. The property is bathed in European, floral elements with bold colors and oversized chairs, custom designed carpets and lighting that reflects neighboring Birmingham Botanical Gardens' vibrant grounds while remaining true to the Kessler Bohemian brand. The 100-room luxury boutique hotel incorporates diverse offerings including an on-site Grand Bohemian Gallery featuring rare, local, international and original artwork, 12,000+ sq. ft. of meeting/event space, Poseidon Spa with living art wall and signature heated shell massage, fitness center, wine blending experience where guests learn the art of winemaking through customizing their own blend, wine tasting room, interactive cooking school, farm-to-table culinary offerings with a regional focus (think Alabama Lamb Rack), as well as a rooftop restaurant, Habitat Feed & Social, and terrace providing unmatched views of the city. Located in the charming Mountain Brook suburb of Birmingham, Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook is close to local boutiques and restaurants, the nation's oldest baseball park, Rickwood Field; Birmingham Museum of Art; the Local Wine Trail with vineyards and wineries; and the Sidewalk Film Festival – consistently attracting visiting couples, family getaways, weddings, college football fans and business travelers.

About The Kessler Collection
Capturing the classical and unconventional spirit of Bohemian cultures, The Kessler Collection's portfolio of passionately created and artistically inspired boutique hotels boast chic design, luxurious accommodations, enriching ambiance and intuitive service. Whether visiting properties in Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, Florida, New Mexico, North Carolina or South Carolina, each hotel's exquisite art, music and cultural influences are deliberately approachable. Designed to inspire mystique and unforgettable experiences, Kessler guests are bathed in re-defined Bohemian luxury, from an 1888 historic hotel, a cutting edge downtown icon and Bavarian-inspired Castle, to an earthy Native American retreat, high design southern mansion and elite ski lodge. The Kessler Collection was the founding member of the Marriott Autograph Collection, introduced with seven Autograph Collection branded hotels. Each property is a bold original hotel carefully created with style and the individualist traveler in mind. For more information about The Kessler Collection and its properties, please visit www.kesslercollection.com or call 888.472.6312.

About Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc. is a self-advised and self-administered REIT that invests primarily in premium full service, lifestyle and urban upscale hotels, with a focus on the top 25 U.S. lodging markets as well as key leisure destinations in the United States. The Company owns 50 hotels, including 49 wholly owned hotels, comprising 13,104 rooms, across 21 states and the District of Columbia, and has a majority interest in one hotel under development.  Xenia's hotels are primarily operated by industry leaders such as Marriott®, Hilton®, Hyatt®, Starwood®, Kimpton®, Aston®, Fairmont® and Loews®, as well as leading independent management companies, under various nationally recognized brands. For more information on Xenia's business, refer to the Company website at www.xeniareit.com.

About Autograph Collection Hotels
Autograph Collection Hotels celebrates a collection of independent leaders in film, art, design and literature by curating one-of-a-kind travel experiences at more than 85 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, 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

For More Media Information: 
Amanda Lewis • Ashleigh Dellinger
The Zimmerman Agency • 850.668.2222
[email protected]

Photo -  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151023/280037 

SOURCE The Kessler Collection