Here are international hotel brands (and specific collections) known for intentionally embracing local culture and a sense of place, with short notes on how they do it and a representative property or program example for each:

• Autograph Collection (Marriott)

  • Positioning: “Independent” hotels with strong local identity — design, F&B, and programming reflect the destination.
  • Typical approach: Curated local art, neighborhood-focused experiences, locally sourced cuisine.
  • Example: Historic boutique conversions that highlight local architecture and stories.

• Tribute Portfolio (Marriott)

  • Positioning: Indie-style hotels that celebrate local character and stories.
  • Typical approach: Local partners for events, regionally inspired design and menus.

• EDITION (Marriott / Ian Schrager)

  • Positioning: Luxury lifestyle brand that collaborates with local creatives to shape design and nightlife.
  • Typical approach: Locally influenced restaurants, bars and cultural programming.

• Andaz (Hyatt)

  • Positioning: Lifestyle hotels that integrate local art, design, and experiences.
  • Typical approach: Artist collaborations, neighborhood guides, locally sourced menus.
  • Example: Properties often host local artists and workshops for guests.

• Unbound Collection (Hyatt)

  • Positioning: Distinctive, often historic properties that reflect local heritage.
  • Typical approach: Preservation of historic details, storytelling about the locale.

• Park Hyatt (Hyatt)

  • Positioning: Luxury with strong local cultural touches in décor, art, and bespoke experiences.
  • Typical approach: Regional cuisine in signature restaurants and local art displays.

• Accor’s MGallery / SO/ / 25hours

  • MGallery: Boutique hotels each telling a local story through design and programming.
  • SO/: Creative, fashion-forward hotels that work with local designers and artists.
  • 25hours: Playful, neighborhood-driven concepts full of local references and collaborations.

• Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH)

  • Positioning: Independent luxury properties that emphasize authenticity and local experiences.
  • Typical approach: Locally run properties, cultural excursions and region-specific services.

• Belmond

  • Positioning: Luxury travel experiences — trains, lodges and hotels with deep ties to place.
  • Typical approach: Celebrating local traditions, cuisine and historical context (e.g., restored historic villas).

• Aman

  • Positioning: Ultra-luxury resorts that are often low-density and use local architecture, crafts and wellness traditions.
  • Typical approach: Respectful incorporation of local building styles, artisanal details and cultural programs.

• Raffles / Fairmont (Accor)

  • Positioning: Iconic hotels often located in culturally rich or historic buildings.
  • Typical approach: Heritage preservation, local culinary programs and cultural events.

• Rosewood Hotels & Resorts

  • Positioning: “Sense of Place” philosophy — design, dining and experiences rooted in local culture.
  • Typical approach: Local artist collaborations, culturally themed experiences and place-based programming.

• Design Hotels (independent/curated)

  • Positioning: Collection of design-led hotels from independent owners emphasizing local creativity.
  • Typical approach: Strong focus on local designers, architecture and cultural context.

• Pavilions / COMO (COMO Hotels and Resorts)

  • Positioning: Wellness and design-led hotels that incorporate regional wellness traditions and cuisine.
  • Typical approach: Local spa/wellness practices, regionally inspired food menus.

Why these brands succeed at local integration

• Working with local designers, artists and chefs to create an authentic look-and-feel.
• Preserving or restoring historic buildings and using locally relevant materials.
• Offering curated local experiences (food tours, craft classes, cultural performances).
• Sourcing food, drink and décor locally — supporting local suppliers.
• Using storytelling and staff knowledge to convey local history and traditions.

If you want, I can:

• Suggest specific hotels in a particular city or country that exemplify this approach.
• Create a short checklist you can use to judge whether any hotel truly embraces local culture.