THE STONES HOTEL, LEGIAN, BALI – Marriott’s first Asian member of its Autograph collection – opens on October 15, hoping to appeal to conference and incentive travel participants as well as leisure travellers.
Autograph, according to Theo Ochs, Marriott area director for sales and marketing, “is for people who don’t like staying in branded properties but independent ones, still like to earn Marriott Rewards points and are used to a certain level of quality”.
The collection spans the US – the legendary Algonquin Hotel in Times Square is part of the portfolio – Europe, and the Caribbean and South America with one each, and Asia in Bali in two weeks' time. All are described by Marriott marketers as “Rare. Beautiful. Unexpected”.
The sprawling Grand Ballroom
Guests can certainly expect the unusual at Autograph Legian, says Ochs. With over 300 guestrooms and 22 suites, the resort has eschewed the typical Balinese trappings of dark woods and natural textures, but gone for a more contemporary esprit. In fact, it brings to mind Miami, he told Mix, “in order to distinguish ourselves from the rest”.
Keen to figure prominently in Bali’s events landscape, Autograph boasts some formidable hardware: a grand ballroom, measuring 1,493 sqm, accommodating up to 2,200 delegates; three meeting venues and a pre-function space of 1,400 sqm; a pool area for cocktail soirees; and even a presidential suite featuring its own rooftop that can host 50 guests, and which, management will gladly lend out for a special occasion.
The King Room
While lacking expansive gardens that other resorts have, Autograph will capitalise on the adjacent stretch of beach for various teambuilding activities such as surfing lessons, which can also be offered during break out periods. "We will work with each organiser to make sure they get the most of what they want out the event," said Ochs.
For more details, visit www.autograph-hotels.marriott.com
Margie T Logarta
