From Sydney to San Diego – Autograph Collection Set to Debut in Three New World-Class Destinations

150 150 Daniel Fountain
  • 0

The Autograph Collection is thrilled to announce its debut in three of the world’s most exciting destinations. This season, Autograph Collection proudly welcomes Pier One Sydney Harbour in Sydney, Australia, the ocean front Pier South Resort in San Diego, California, and the Hotel Chicago (formerly the Hotel Sax) in Chicago, Illinois. Nearing 60 hotels worldwide, these three new extraordinary hotel experiences represent Autograph Collection’s entrée into each locale.Pier One Sydney Harbor – Sydney, Australia

Representing Autograph Collection’s debut in Australia, Pier One Sydney Harbour offers an exclusive waterfront experience in the heart of one of the world’s most glamorous destinations.

Located alongside the harbor, the hotel’s Front Restaurant & Bar offers alfresco dining on the Pier complemented by a modern Australian menu and extensive wine list. As an added element, with the hotel’s prime waterside location, guests can arrive in style by water taxi or by yacht via the hotel’s private pontoon which provides direct water access to nearby attractions including the Opera House, Manly and Darling Harbour.

Pier South Resort – San Diego, California

Autograph Collection is thrilled to announce the opening of its first resort in Southern California, the beachfront boutique Pier South Resort in San Diego. With 78 suite-style accommodations, a new coastal tavern and quintessential California ambience, this intimate boutique hotel provides the ultimate four-star coastal escape, just steps from the sand and 20 minutes from downtown San Diego’s vibrant Gaslamp District.

The resort is also home to San Diego’s most highly-anticipated destination, SEA180º. This contemporary coastal tavern is led by Cohn Restaurant Group, one of the most in-demand names in the San Diego culinary scene and operators of some of the city’s hottest restaurants. The boldly-hued indoor space features Philippe Beltran-designed décor, sky-high glass windows, a large restaurant patio and a rooftop space with 360-degree views that is poised to be the most sought-after event venue in San Diego.

In addition to exceptional dining, amenities and spacious accommodations, Pier South Resort will also feature a full service spa by Dames Day Spa.

The hotel’s design swirls modern style with classic elements of the Southern California beach lifestyle, for a sophisticated laid back experience free from dated nautical themes. Each of its 620-square-foot suites showcases clean design, refined textures and seamless technology, plus custom appointments and textiles, floor-to-ceiling windows, separate living areas, private balconies and dramatic ocean views.

As a LEED Silver-Certified property, Pier South Resort will utilize water conservation technologies and harness the California sun for solar cooling and heating. The property is also a major advocate for beach conservation and nearby wildlife sanctuaries, and also offers guided hikes for guests.

Hotel Chicago – Chicago, Illinois

Formerly the Hotel Sax and representing Autograph Collection’s debut in Chicago, Hotel Chicago pays homage to the very best of the “Windy City.” The hotel’s artistic décor and eclectic surroundings provide a perfect backdrop for its setting in the city’s downtown River North area.

Daniel Fountain / 22.02.2014

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.