Hilton has launched a new brand of hotels, the Curio Collection, offering distinctive four- and five-star hotels. Letters of intent have been signed for the following properties: SLS Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, The Sam Houston Hotel in Houston, Hotel Alex Johnson in Rapid City, The Franklin Hotel in Chapel Hill and a soon-to-be-named hotel development in downtown Portland, Ore. The SLS Las Vegas, opening Labor Day weekend, will be one of the first hotels to join the brand. As members of the Hilton portfolio, Curio Collection hotels will offer guests the opportunity to earn points and book award nights through Hilton HHonors at independent and unique hotels. You can find more information about the new brand at http://curiocollection.com.

Bottom line: The Curio Collection will bring more competition to the ranks of the Starwood Luxury Collection and the Marriott Autograph Collection.