Marriott's Autograph Collection to double UK portfolio within two years
Autograph Collection, the Marriott International brand for upscale, independent hotels, plans to double its UK portfolio within the next two years.
The brand has been established for five years and is expanding rapidly. It currently has three properties in the UK and is set to open its 100th worldwide property in South Africa by the end of the year.
John Licence, European leader for the Autograph Collection, told The Caterer: "There are currently four projects under development within the UK but we are unable to give any more details at this stage. We hope to double the UK collection in the next two years."
Licence added: "Properties are chosen for their character and personality. They often have quirky stories, whether it's a result of their city, the building or its history.
"The brand's success is partly a result of being in the right place at the right time. It was launched as we were coming out of the recession. We've seen positive growth and positive results with hotels once they are converted."
Autograph Collection currently has 70% conversion properties and 30% new build. Its strapline is 'exactly like nothing else' - the hotels share an autograph but everything else is different and the association with Marriott remains subtle.
Marriott International recently announced a 9% year-on-year increase to $210m (£137m) in global revenue during the third quarter of 2015. It owns 19 brands including Autograph Collection, Ritz-Carlton, Edition, JW Marriott, Renaissance and Moxy.
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