Marriott International has introduced a new brand, Series by Marriott, to represent a collection of mid- and upscale properties that are ¡°regionally relevant¡±.

Hotels in the portfolio will focus on fundamentals and well-executed basics, according to Marriott. This includes breakfast, free wifi, daily coffee or tea, fitness centres and meetings and event spaces available at certain properties.?

The launch follows an agreement with Indian hotel management company Concept Hospitality Private Limited (CHPL), whereby CHPL¡¯s flagship brands ¨C The Fern, The Fern Residency and The Fern Habitat ¨C will become the first affiliate members of the Series collection. Marriott has also made a "small" equity investment in CHPL.

The Fern portfolio currently includes 84 hotels across India, with an additional 31 properties in the pipeline, all set to join Marriott.

¡°We see this multi-unit conversion deal as a strong foundation as we look to accelerate growth of the Series by Marriott collection in additional markets around the world," said Marriott CEO and president, Anthony Capuano.

¡°Creating a new, regional collection brand will further Marriott¡¯s reach among value-conscious travellers, provide additional choice for our existing Marriott Bonvoy members and guests, and offer more affiliation opportunities for local owners,¡± he added.

The hotel company said ¡°active discussions¡± about the Series by Marriott brand are also taking place with hotel owners in Europe, the US, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.