KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI The 126-key Raphel Hotel, one of the most prestigious properties in Kansas City, will be joining Marriott International’s Autograph Collection in February.
The hotel, which was named to Travel + Leisure magazine’s top 500 list for a second consecutive year, will remain unchanged beyond a small sign designating it as an Autograph member. The hotel completed a US$10 million renovation in 2009.
“We’re very excited about that,” Steve Miller, director of operations for hotel owner Lighthouse Properties, tells The Kansas City Star. “They want to keep the independent hotels with their own identity.”
Marriott launched Autograph Collection in 2009 as a way for unbranded upscale and luxury hotels to maintain their autonomy while also tapping into Marriott’s global sales and marketing platform, along with the promotional advantages of the Marriott Rewards loyalty program.