Western Colorado's Expansive Kessler Canyon Retreat to Join Marriott's Autograph Collection

ORLANDO, Fla., April 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kessler Collection and Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR), are pleased to introduce Kessler Canyon as the newest member of The Autograph Collection, officially joining on May 11, 2011. The Autograph Collection is comprised of independent and luxury tier properties each with their own distinct brands and personalities.

"It is exciting to see our diverse and artistic properties, offering a high level of personalized and intuitive guest service, continually embraced by the internationally respected Marriott International brand," said Chairman & CEO Richard Kessler, The Kessler Collection.

The only ranch-style property within The Kessler Collection, Kessler Canyon's Homestead and Guesthouse offer a departure from urban boutique accommodations to an intimate, luxuriously designed cowboy oasis set on 23,000 acres of natural beauty ripe to explore.

Nestled among mesas, valleys and streams, Kessler Canyon's opportunities for adventure are endless and always open to guest customization. Activities range from big game hunting and horseback riding, to fishing and hiking. Once the outdoors have been conquered, freshly prepared gourmet cuisine along with a full-service Poseidon Spa are sure to rejuvenate.

"Guests to Kessler Canyon have an exceptional, one-of-a-kind travel experience, encompassing both the excitement of nature and the relaxation of a secluded escape," said General Manager Gregg Harper. "It is with great pleasure that we expand upon The Kessler Collection partnership with The Autograph Collection by introducing Kessler Canyon."

Now celebrating its one-year anniversary with this newest Kessler hotel addition, The Autograph Collection began with the Casa Monica Hotel as its founding property. A majestic, restored 1888 landmark hotel on the National Register of Historic Places, Casa Monica is among seven additional Kessler Collection hotels currently holding The Autograph Collection designation:

• Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville, Asheville, N.C.
• Casa Monica Hotel, St. Augustine, Fla.
• Mansion on Forsyth Park, Savannah, Ga.
• Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront, Savannah, Ga.
• Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, Orlando, Fla.
• Bohemian Hotel Celebration, Celebration, Fla.
• El Monte Sagrado Living Resort and Spa, Taos, N.M.

For reservations at Kessler Canyon, please call 1-888-312-1998 or visit www.kesslercanyon.com.

THE KESSLER COLLECTION'S portfolio of uniquely designed though equally artistically inspired four and five-diamond boutique properties exude elegance, character and comfort in every expertly detailed touchpoint and unmatched personalized service. Whether visiting properties in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Colorado or New Mexico, each hotel's exquisite art, music and cultural influences, personally acquired for that hotel by the Kessler family, are decidedly approachable, creating a magical and engaging atmosphere. From learning the history behind art collections to relaxing in the comforts of home, Kessler Collection hotel guests are immersed in stories waiting to be uncovered around every corner. For more information, please visit www.kesslercollection.com.

AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION represents a well-edited ensemble of high-personality and boldly original independent hotels, each carefully selected for its distinctiveness, style and synchronicity with individual travel interests. The Autograph Collection takes the guesswork out of finding exceptional, independent hotels in multiple categories, including boutique arts, iconic historic and boutique chic. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.autographhotels.com.

SOURCE The Kessler Collection