Autograph Collection Expands U.S. Portfolio of Hotels

With the new additions, the collection will grow to include nearly 45 exceptional independent hotels, with plans to reach its 50 hotel milestone by year end. The news follows the announcement last week of Autograph Collection's debut in Germany this summer with the opening of the historic Hotel am Steinplatz, following an extensive renovation.

The Autograph Collection's first hotels in California include the picturesque Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa in Lake Arrowhead and the luxury boutique Hotel Adagio in San Francisco. This month, Autograph Collection also welcomes the hip and historic Hotel Blackhawk, located in Davenport, Iowa.

The vision behind the Autograph Collection is to offer an evolving group of passionately independent, upscale hotels that fall under distinct categories of travel experiences including Culinary Delight, Artistic Getaway, Historic Exploration or Sporting Adventure. Each independent hotel is thoughtfully chosen for its quality, originality, bold character and capacity to offer today's modern traveler a range of unique and unexpected experiences suited to their individual sense of style and adventure.

The addition of these three extraordinary independent hotels marks the latest milestone for the Autograph Collection. This unique portfolio of hotels has proven to be a highly successful venture due to its discerning process to select only the most exceptional hotels and enriching travel experiences.

The collection is proud to welcome the following outstanding travel experiences to the portfolio:

Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa
Following an extensive $26 million dollar renovation, the historic Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa reopened in April as part of the Autograph Collection. Selected to join the collection based on its notable architectural and historical significance, the lodge was previously known as the historic Arlington Lodge, which opened in 1923, overlooking the scenic Lake Arrowhead. The lodge was loved by affluent Southern Californian's who would escape the everyday for a getaway to this quaint, lakeside destination.

The resort features 162 sparkling guest rooms and 11 luxurious suites. Lake Arrowhead guest rooms are upscale but down-home, ultra-contemporary and timeless with mountain-lodge finishing touches. The lovely Lakeview rooms have wonderful views of Lake Arrowhead, while their Alpine rooms face the picturesque mountainside.

The resort features the “Spa of the Pines,” where guests can soothe their body, calm their mind, rekindle their spirit with a variety of signature treatments from around the world and unique treatments such as craniosacral therapy. The resort also offers a full service salon and modern fitness studio. Guests can indulge in fine dining lakeside at BIN189 which offers a menu of rustic, robust flavors created from the healthiest natural ingredients paired with wines from around the world, and at Mountain Aroma's, a vibrant coffee bar just off the lobby, serving assorted beverages, fresh-baked pastries and light fare.

To celebrate Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa joining the Autograph Collection, the hotel is offering the following resort signature YinYang Spa package, rates beginning at $585.00 USD for the following:

• Lake View Room
• 30 minute body treatments for two, courtesy of in Spa of the Pines
• 90 minute massage for two in the Journey Suite
• $30 Resort credit
• Chocolate strawberries & champagne upon arrival

For more details on the above package please visit www.autographhotels.com

Hotel Adagio

Originally built in 1929, Hotel Adagio is a landmark structure located in the heart of San Francisco's Union Square district. It is within walking distance to world-class shopping, dining and entertainment as well as key attractions including the Moscone Center, Market Street, North Beach, Chinatown and three of the city's most historic theaters. The iconic luxury hotel features beautiful Spanish colonial revival architecture mixed with chic, contemporary design.

A new benchmark for San Francisco boutique hotels, Hotel Adagio is truly a sophisticated retreat. The vision behind the hotel's recent multi-million renovation includes textured backdrops comprised of warm coffee tones and punctuated with vibrant pops of color – fresh green and deep grape in the hotel's guest rooms, and rich orange and cranberry in the public spaces. Distinctive furniture pieces, extensive woodwork and custom marble mosaics complete the design. Each of the 171 rooms and suites is infused with modern décor, luxurious linens, the latest technology and the space you need to feel at home. On Floor Sixteen -- the Penthouse level -- things really open up. Use the entire floor, which includes two suites, three rooms, 1,200 square feet of meeting space and an outdoor terrace featuring dramatic skyline views, as a spectacular special event venue. Back in the lobby guests can enjoy music ranging from lively jazz to a fusion of pop and rock while enjoying a crafted cocktail at The Mortimer, voted one of the city's best bars and night spots.

Hotel Blackhawk

Having reopened in 2010 after a multimillion-dollar renovation, The Hotel Blackhawk (formerly The Blackhawk Hotel) once again reigns supreme as the grande dame of Davenport, Iowa.

Since first opening its doors in 1910, the hotel has served as a home away from home for families, romantics, presidents, movie stars and legendary athletes alike. Now, this majestic landmark reopens with a “something old, something new” approach to hospitality and a fresh focus on modern amenities and rich décor– and all the while keeping a hand in the past under the direction of an artful restoration team.

The hotel offers 130 beautifully renovated guestrooms and suites with tasteful decorations and stylish, comfortable furniture and works created by local artists and designer touches throughout. The interiors and amenities of every guestroom and suite are testament to The Hotel Blackhawk's commitment to maintain the highest of standards in hospitality.

Most recently named a FORBES Travel Guide recommended property; the boutique hotel has also garnered numerous other high profile awards including its 2012 AAA Four Diamond Award, 2012 TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence Award, the Bix Bistro's 2012 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence as well as 2011 and 2012 Smart Meetings Platinum Choice Award recognition.

Hotel amenities include a heated indoor pool and whirlpool hot tub that overlooks Davenport and the Mississippi River, The Black Hawk Fitness Center and state of the art spa and salon “Spa Luce” and hi-tech Business Center. A key highlight of the hotel is its unique, retro-chic bowling alley, “Blackhawk Bowl & Martini Lounge.” Located on the lower level of the hotel, the alley features state-of-the-art scoring, dozens of monitors, billiards, comfortable lounge furniture; a bowling alley eats menu and a full-stocked bar and extensive martini list.

For more information about these hotels as well as other Autograph Collection news and updates, please visit www.autographhotels.com or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/autographcollection.