Each one has a story, and each is remarkable in its own right. Some are beachfront getaways, some rich in history, others are art-centered or located in unexpected or off-the-beaten path locations. What they all have in common is offering a uniquely unforgettable experience.
Marriott’s Autograph hotel collection includes over 200 independent hotels worldwide. One hundred and fifty of these properties are located in North America (including Canada), and 27 in Central America and the Caribbean. Other locations include Mexico, Europe, Australia and the Pacific, South America and the Middle East.
As a Marriott Vacation Club owner and a Bonvoy member, I often stay at Marriott properties, and though I haven’t stayed at all the U.S. locations (that would take a lifetime), let me introduce you to the ones I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing.
Celebration Hotel, Celebration, FL
This lakeside boutique hotel in the charming town of Celebration near Kissimmee boasts a picturesque lakefront location. Accommodations include guestrooms, studios and suites with a total of 115 rooms.
Recreational amenities include an outdoor pool, health club, and bicycles available for rent. Lakeside Bar & Grill features a bar/lounge and continental breakfasts are available daily for an added fee.
Fenway Hotel, Dunedin, FL
Located in Pinellas County near Clearwater, this historic hotel brimming with charm has a rich music history dating back to the jazz age.
Of no surprise then that the interior of the hotel along with its 83 guest rooms are tastefully decorated with tropical tones, musician’s trunks and jazz-inspired artwork.
Guests can dine at HEW Parlor & Chophouse, but don’t miss the incredible water and island views from Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar, where you can savor tapas and cocktails.
Grand Bohemian Hotel, Charleston, SC
Charming, elegant and enchanting. These are just a few words to describe the city that drips with history and Southern hospitality.
Located in the heart of the Charleston Historic District, this boutique hotel boasts its own art gallery plus rooftop dining and a wine bar.
Bohemian describes this chic hotel to a “T” given its rooms with amazing artistic flair that even include crushed velvet headboards.
Hotel Adagio, San Francisco, CA
Just steps from Union Square, the theaters and cable cars, this stunningly beautiful landmark structure with 151 guest rooms was built in 1929 and its location is ideal for exploring the city.
Though rooms tend run on the smallish size, they are well-laid out and beautifully appointed with bright blue, orange and tan hues. Suites have separate living/sitting areas.
A full American breakfast is served for an additional fee.
Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA
You can’t possibly find a better location than this hacienda-style hotel overlooking the historic Mission built in 1776.
The Spanish-influenced hotel and rooms offer palates of natural tones while highlighting mission-inspired artwork and tactile textures. The Inn boasts high ceilings, mission-styled grand armoires, chandeliers and thick corbel ceiling beams. Everything about this property feels authentic and comforting.
Luminary Hotel & Co., Fort Myers, FL
Located directly on the Caloosahatchee River, this luxury riverfront hotel in downtown Fort Myers offers stunning water and marina views.
Rooms and suites are fresh and modern in design and extremely comfortable. The hotel also sports a lively 12th-floor rooftop bar, an amazing coffee roastery, and an impressive culinary arts space for cooking classes.
Unlike other Autograph collections, Luminary offers a variety of dining options which include The Silver King Ocean Brasserie specializing in fresh local seafood and Ella Mae’s Diner serving up “soul food with finesse.”
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Kohala Coast, HI
A legendary luxury resort situated on Kauna‘oa Bay on Big Island’s sunny Kohala Coast, Mauna Kea fronts a picturesque crescent beach with swaying palms.
But this hotel is about more than its magnificent ocean views. It was capitalist and environmentalist Laurance S. Rockefeller’s vision to build a luxury resort, Hawai’i Island’s first, on the tranquil bay which opened in July 1965.
Today, the hotel, a member of Historic Hotels of America, welcomes guests to feel the spirit of aloha at this island paradise.
Pier South Resort, San Diego, CA
If you’re a beach lover, you’ll love Pier South Resort, a beachfront resort located in Imperial Beach, just south of Coronado Island.
The classy, but laid-back resort is within walking distance from Imperial Beach Pier, and tastefully decorated to celebrate the Southern California sea, surf and sand culture.
Guest rooms and suites offer private balconies with partial or full-oceanfront views, so everyone is happy.
Blending modern flavors with 180-degree vistas, SEA180° Coastal Tavern offers amazing seafood dishes along with views of Coronado Island, South Bay and Mexico. And that’s hard to beat!
The Stella Hotel, Bryan, TX
Located in Bryan, just a two-minute drive from Texas A&M University in College Station, this 176-room hotel is a gem.
With two onsite pools and accessibility to a 24-hour fitness center and bicycle rentals, the hotel also offers a fun, festive signature restaurant, Campfire, featuring authentic Texas cuisine and true southern hospitality. Hershel’s is a great place for specialty cocktails, small bites, shareables and enjoying live music, and Watershed is Stella’s perky poolside bar.
Rooms are spacious, extremely comfortable, innovative and well-appointed.
Triada Palm Springs, CA
The town of Palm Springs is filled with amazing boutique hotels, each unique in its own right. One of my favorites is Triada Palm Springs, in the heart of the city’s famous Movie Colony District surrounded by the majestic San Jacinto Mountains.
The boutique hotel is in a prime uptown location offering ease of exploring both downtown and its fascinating environs. Two outdoor pools are a welcome oasis of the desert, especially on warmer Southern California days. Rooms, suites and casitas are stylish and visually appealing. It’s a place that’s really hard to leave when it’s time to check out.
What’s next on my Autograph Collection agenda? Time will tell, but this I guarantee, those future experiences will undoubtedly be as enjoyable as my stays at these other memorable locations.
