Seven hotels from The Kessler Collection are to form the nucleus of Marriott International's new Autograph Collection brand.

The seven properties, all in the US and set to join the Autograph portfolio by the end of April, are The El Monte Sagrado, Taos, New Mexico; The Grand Bohemian Hotel, Asheville, North Carolina; The Mansion on Forsyth Park and The Bohemian Hotel Riverfront, both in Savannah, Georgia; and The Casa Monica Hotel, St. Augustine, The Grand Bohemian Hotel, Orlando and The Celebration Hotel, Orlando, all in Florida. With Marriott planning to add more than 25 properties during 2010 at locations across the world, the Autograph Collection will consist of independent properties maintaining their own brand name and personality. The hotels will be featured on marriott.com and participate in Marriott Rewards, the company's guest loyalty programme.