Habtoor Grand joins Marriott Autograph Collection

The Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa is to become the first hotel in the Middle East to join Marriott International’s Autograph Collection, early next year.

The Autograph Collection is a portfolio of independent hotels and, while a hotel in major upcoming theme park in Dubai has been announced for the brand, it is not expected to open until 2016.

Located on Jumeirah Beach and adjacent to Dubai Marina, the 446-room Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa will join the collection in early 2015, according to an announcement by Marriott International.

"We are delighted to announce the exciting entry of the Autograph Collection portfolio into our continent, through the beautiful city of Dubai," said Marriott International Middle East and Africa president and managing director Alex Kyriakidis.

"Autograph Collection is known for creating authentic experiences that are centred in rich personality and the spirit of independence. We feel that essence is fully represented in Dubai, which with its courageous inventiveness, makes it a perfect fit for the collection."

The Autograph Collection was launched in January 2010 and is currently made up of over 60 independent hotels in the United States, Europe, Asia Pacific, Australia, and the Caribbean and Latin America.

Each hotel has access to Marriott International’s global sales and marketing channels, including the award-winning Marriott Rewards guest loyalty program. The hotels are also featured on Marriott.com as well as a standalone website of the portfolio.

"The Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa, our flagship hotel, is located on one of the best beaches in Dubai, situated in a prime location near the Dubai Marina," said Al Habtoor Group vice chairman and CEO Mohammed Al Habtoor.

"We look forward to a strong partnership with Marriott International for this stunning property."