October 23, 2009 (New York) � Seven independent and iconic U.S. properties announce the launch of Kindred Resorts & Hotels, a newly-formed collaboration dedicated to giving independent hotels one voice in a cluttered hospitality marketplace with the ethos: �Authentic in Spirit, Distinctive in Style.� 
 
The charter member properties of Kindred Resorts & Hotels include:
 
� The Breakers - Palm Beach, Florida
� The Carneros Inn - Napa, California
� Colonial Williamsburg Resort Collection - Williamsburg, Virginia
� Grand Hotel - Mackinac Island, Michigan
� The Lodge at Torrey Pines - La Jolla, California
� Ocean Reef Club - Key Largo, Florida
� Saddlebrook Resort - Tampa, Florida
 
At a time when hotels across the country are confronting the challenges of ownership and management changes as well as high staff turnover, the independent Kindred properties remain solid organizations run by dedicated and highly motivated staff.  Many are steeped in rich family traditions and legacies, and each embrace their own signature traits while joining together in the promise of quality service to travelers that has endured through good times and bad. 
 
The aspiration of Kindred Resorts & Hotels is to provide a single voice for the independent true hotelier to promote the consistency in bespoke service and vibrant legacies offered by these iconic U.S. properties.  In the changing hospitality landscape, the new alliance offers independent hotels the opportunity to pool resources and collaborate on sales and marketing initiatives by serving as a one-stop shop for travelers looking for the authentic experiences offered by these hotels.

Steve Pelzer, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for The Lodge at Torrey Pines and the newly appointed spokesman for Kindred Resorts & Hotels, said, �We are thrilled to announce the launch of Kindred Resorts & Hotels. The Kindred properties represent best-in-class hotels offering authentic experiences and a sense of place unique to their own destinations. Furthermore, these industry leaders also have long-term management teams securely in place; this peace of mind is priceless for our loyal guests and dedicated staff. We look forward to finally giving independent hotels a cohesive voice with Kindred Resorts & Hotels.� 
 
The charter members came together first as an ad-hoc group of autonomous non-branded luxury hotels and resorts to combine complementary marketing, sales and public relations resources. They hired topnotch hospitality branding company Dana Communications to research and conceptualize how best to synergize efforts and goals. A new logo and website kicks off the initial phase.
 
The new website www.staykindred.com will serve as a one-stop shop for a variety of travel alternatives, from La Jolla and Palm Beach to Napa and Williamsburg, as well as a portal for all the resorts to showcase new and exciting initiatives. Future initiatives include consumer promotions, travel agent incentives, and other offerings. For more information on Kindred Resorts & Hotels, please visit www.staykindred.com.