Part of the mission of Marriott’s Autograph Collection brand is to meaningfully connect to its communities and become part of the local fabric. The brand is designed to ensure every Autograph Collection hotel thoughtfully embodies the story of its location.

In just three short years since its opening in September 2020, this year’s Alice S. Marriott Award for Community Service winner, the Luminary Hotel & Co., Autograph Collection, has gone above and beyond for its community of Fort Myers, Fla.

In 2022 their commitment to the community was tested following the devastation of Hurricane Ian. As a result of the hurricane, downtown Fort Myers was completely submerged. Thankfully, the hotel sustained minimal damage, so leaders and associates immediately mobilized in-house operations teams to organize supplies and monetary donations to the community. Supported by their parent company Mainsail Lodging & Development, the hotel helped organize and host a community rally and BBQ, bringing together a diverse group of organizations who could directly offer relief to neighbors in need. After the rally, the hotel hosted a “Raise the Roof” benefit at their rooftop bar, donating $12,000—100% of the sales—to Harry Chapin Food Bank.

Though hurricane damage was minimal, the hotel’s exterior signage “U” in Luminary was blown away in the storm. The hotel launched a campaign saying “We’re nothing without U” in a nod to their deep commitment to the community.

The hotel also supports several ongoing programs and partnerships with local organizations to support Marriott’s core value of “serve our world” and commitment to doing good in every direction. Leaders and associates from every team across the hotel have an opportunity to volunteer for at least one activity throughout the year. The hotel partners with the Dr. Piper Foundation to make a positive impact on the lives of the elderly citizens, at-risk youth and children with special needs in Ft. Myers. The hotel regularly hosts senior luncheons and hosted a Christmas celebration where associates assembled bikes for children.

Because of their location on the Caloosahatchee River, local waterway preservation is central to the hotel’s sustainability efforts. They actively support local environmental agencies by donating auction packages and hosting their outreach events on-property. In connection with Mainsail Lodging, the hotel established a Culinary Mentorship Program to foster culinary skillsets among local high school students and hospitality and resort learning for university students.

Luminary by definition means “a person who inspires or influences others” – a fitting definition for a hotel that is inspired to be good community partners. General Manager Bobby Nokley says, “Our community of associates are all about doing good both inside and outside of this hotel. We want to help ensure our residents are proud to call Ft. Myers home.”