Marriott International, the biggest US hotel chain, is planning a luxury hotel brand called the Autograph Collection.

The hotels that would join the collection are independent upscale establishments that will be included under Marriott's reward and reservation system, spokesman John Wolf said.

Marriott would not manage the properties.

Marriott chief financial officer Carl Berquist said in July that the company planned to expand by taking over the operation of hotels from competitors unable to pay or refinance debt.

Marriott, the owner of the Ritz-Carlton, Courtyard and Residence Inn brands, last month reported a third-quarter loss after a $752 million pre-tax charge for its timeshare business.