GETTYS Design Contributes to The Henry Being Awarded Autograph Collection Hotel of the Year by Marriott International

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - May 15, 2012) - Award winning international hospitality design, procurement and branding firm, GETTYS, has contributed another accolade to its impressive yield to date. The Henry, an Autograph Collection hotel, was recognized for exemplary performance during the recent Marriott International Global Full-Service Brands General Managers Conference. The conference included participation from all full-service Marriott International brands including The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Renaissance, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, EDITION and Autograph Collection.

The Henry, located in Dearborn, Michigan, received two awards, including Global Hotel of the Year as well as an award for Staff Service Customer Excellence. Tom Conran of Greenwood Hospitality Group accepted the award from Kip Vreeland, vice president for Autograph Collection on behalf of the ownership entity and the property team.

"As the executive design firm from concept to completion, the team at GETTYS is delighted that one of our projects has been recognized as one of the Global Hotels of the Year among the Marriott International family of brands," said Roger Hill, Chairman/CEO of GETTYS. "Our work with the owner and operator was a collaborative team effort and we congratulate all of our team members and the development teams for creating a truly spectacular hotel with The Henry."

GETTYS infused classical elegance with modern vitality, elevating the art of hospitality in Dearborn. The Henry re-invents the experience of fine art, excellent service and comfortable luxury in a distinctive and grand environment. The striking design casts a variety of dynamic elements with suffused global charisma.

"Autograph Collection takes an innovative approach to identifying independent hotels according to unique guest experiences," said Kip Vreeland, vice president Autograph Collection. "We are thrilled that GETTYS' design of The Henry has exemplified the passion behind Autograph Collection brand."

With the property situated near downtown Detroit, the hotel takes its name from all the great Henrys of Michigan and has the Henry Ford Attraction and Ford Motor World Headquarters nearby.

"Design certainly plays a big role in this hotel's recognition as #1 in the Autograph Collection for 2011, and one of the six top Marriott International branded full-service hotels for 2011," said Steve Nelson, design director at Marriott International. "This creative update and repositioning of a former Ritz-Carlton to a uniquely independent hotel was second nature to GETTYS, whose unique vision for this property has increased its clientele by attracting the new, while delighting the historical. GETTYS collaboration with ownership, Greenwood Hospitality, Marriott International and a local Dearborn art curator has helped define 'Boutique Arts' for Autograph Collection," Nelson added.

The design team was led by Michael Maurer, Principal in Charge and Ben Nicholas, Design Director at GETTYS Chicago office who worked closely with the owners, Greenwood Hospitality and the Marriott brand to create this definitive Autograph Collection property.

"We brought a contemporary and sophisticated design to The Henry, bearing in mind that this was to be part of the Autograph Collection," said Nicholas. "The design highlights the artwork which played an essential role in the choice of finishes as well as the details in the guestrooms which reflect the great taste of the owners and elevates the guest experience to a new level of comfort and luxury."

Autograph Collection currently offers 32 hotels worldwide and a number of properties under development.

About GETTYS
GETTYS is an award-winning, creative and innovative team of business-minded hotel lobby design and hospitality design experts headquartered in Chicago with offices throughout the Americas, Asia Pacific and the Middle East. For nearly 25 years across the globe, GETTYS has specialized in creating value through hotel design, procurement and branding services from project conception to completion. For more information and a sampling of GETTYS' extensive portfolio, please visit www.gettys.com.

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