I could not help but respond to this travel article about Marriott. As they acquire new independent hotel properties they feel that making them “appear” as independent but managed by Marriott headquarters is the route they have selected, are they not?

I have a lot of respect for Marriott. As a matter of fact I love staying in the Courtyard by Marriott. I trust they will be clean. I trust the will be friendly. I trust they will not over charge me. I think they have they best breakfasts, bar none. Now they are going to ditch the Marriott Brand Name for a new brand name, called the Autograph Collection, but only on these select independent hotels.

But last I checked brands = trust. So creating a new brand is a lot of work. My only question is did they do the right research or is this just a hunch by a few people? Time will tell, but I expect them to do well with the new brand.