Autograph Collection Announces Exciting Debut in the Republic of Azerbaijan

150 150 Daniel Fountain
  • 0

Marriott International, Inc Autograph Collection, an exclusive portfolio of hotels recognised for championing independence, is delighted to announce its entry into Azerbaijan, welcoming two luxurious hotels from the Shahdag Mountain Resort into the collection this December, 2014. Two further hotels located in the enigmatic capital of Baku will join the collection in June, 2015.Pik Palace Shahdag, Park Chalet Shahdag, Boulevard Hotel Baku and Intourist Hotel Baku epitomise Autograph Collection’s dedication to strikingly independent hotels found in remarkable destinations.

John Licence, brand leader for Autograph Collection in Europe, commented: “We are thrilled to be entering a destination as exciting as Azerbaijan; a destination that has seen outstanding developments to its tourism infrastructure in recent years.” He continued: “Autograph Collection is known for creating authentic experiences for travellers that are nothing less than unique, nothing short of exceptional – which is why Azerbaijan and the four properties are the perfect fit for the brand.”

Welcoming multiple hotels from a destination that’s pioneering an emerging tourism market is symbolic of what Autograph Collection represents: a bold originality and a uniquely innovative approach to the hospitality industry.

Pik Palace Shahdag (December 2014)
Autograph Collection is proud to introduce the stunning 167-room property, Pik Palace Shahdag. Nestled amid the majestic mountains of the Shahdag Mountain Resort, Pik Palace is just a short drive from Gusar, which has been known since ancient times as one of the important gateways of Azerbaijan – and a historical interlink between Europe, Russia, the Middle East and Central Asia.

Designed by ReardonSmith Architects and inspired by the magnificent beauty of the mountains, Pik Palace Shahdag offers the ultimate recreational experience complete with panoramic views and exceptional service. Each of the property’s spacious bedrooms and suites features a king-size bed and gorgeous marble bathroom, with an oversized bathtub and walk-in shower. Additionally, each room offers floor-to-ceiling windows with a French balcony, taking advantage of the breathtaking backdrop.

Pik Palace hotel’s restaurants, bars and lounges provide a variety of unique settings for an enjoyable dining experience in the mountains, including the Chocolat patisserie and Alpina Brasserie & Wine Bar. Guests looking for ultimate indulgence need look no further than The Club Fitness & Spa, which offers a range of aromatherapy treatments and rejuvenating spa rituals.

Park Chalet Shahdag (December, 2014)
Redefining the mountain retreat, Park Chalet Shahdag brings to Autograph Collection the first Alpine-style luxury property in the Shahdag Mountain Resort. The 164-room hotel is located 230 kilometers north from Baku, the elegant capital city of Azerbaijan.

Park Chalet is modeled on European Alpine architecture, with additional stylistic influences from Aspen ski lodge developments in the USA. The hotel offers beautifully appointed country-style guest rooms and suites, featuring washed oak paneling and the perfect mix of rustic yet luxurious furnishings.

Being one of Shahdag Mountain Resort’s premier gourmet destinations, Park Chalet serves up delectable menus at Aspen Grill – the striking rooftop restaurant & lounge bar – along with warming hot beverages at the Mocca Café. The steam rooms and sauna are perfectly poised for guests to unwind in, after soaking up the beautiful mountain vistas.

Boulevard Hotel Baku (June, 2015)
Named after the eponymous seafront walking promenade and set right at the Baku Bay towards the east of the city center, Boulevard Hotel offers 818 charming rooms.

Located in the heart of Baku White City district, along one of the main routes connecting the city centre with Heydar Aliyev International Airport, this hotel is set to provide fantastic conference facilities, with the largest space on offer in Azerbaijan.

Boulevard Hotel features three restaurants, an executive lounge, and a magnificent 1,300 square metre ballroom – which provides natural daylight and unobstructed views over the Caspian Sea. The conference centre features six multi-functional meeting rooms all equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment. Boulevard Hotel’s wellness centre and gymnasium will ensure that guest can relax after a stimulating conference.

Intourist Hotel Baku (June, 2015)
Located in the heart of Baku city and overlooking the waterfront boulevard, known as the National Park, this boutique hotel offers 150 alluring guest rooms and suites. With close proximity to major attractions, the hotel offers superb connections throughout the city.

Intourist Hotel Baku revives an 80-year-old legacy, while bringing in the best of modern hospitality experience with its elegant rooms and suites and unique dining facilities.

Daniel Fountain / 25.12.2014

Editor, Hotel Designs

Share

  • 0

Fun fact: I’m usually the person friends rely on to organise trips, schedules, and group plans.

Workhighlights: Successfully coordinating events from planning through to delivery and seeing everything come together on the day.

Fun fact: I’m a keen cyclist and will happily bore people with copious amounts of cycling chat. My top cycling experience (so far) would have to be riding in the spectacular mountains of Crete.

Work highlights: Charles joined Forum Events in 2022. With a background in publishing, editorial media and events, Charles brings a wealth of experience to his role as Senior Production Manager. Having being involved with SPACE from the outset, he is excited to see the brand grow and develop.

Fun fact: People tell Sienna she gives off Bridget Jones vibes, and she loves to bake, always making sure there are shortbreads floating around the office

Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

Fun fact: When not working, Jess can usually be found tending to her kitchen garden in the Sussex countryside or foraging for herbs in the nearby woods. A keen grower, she recently studied a RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles of Horticulture during her spare time.

Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
Jess studied photojournalism at London College of Communication and the Danish School of Media and Journalism and holds a first-class BA (Hons) in Culture, Criticism and Curation from Central Saint Martins.

Fun fact: Katy has spent years perfecting all kinds of accents and loves a good impersonation!

Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
Most recently Katy has stepped in to the role of Publisher at SPACE magazine, the printed bi-monthly publication focused on hotel design, architecture, and development.

Together these platforms offer a comprehensive 360-degree service encompassing digital media, print publishing, and live events – providing unparalleled value to advertisers, partners, and readers alike.