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39 posts from June 2011

June 29, 2011

Fairfield Inn & Suites Summer Forecast For Top 10 Patriotic Travel Destinations

Road trips are in full gear as the Independence Day travel weekend begins

FFI Lobby Gas up the car, program your GPS, throw on those sunglasses, and buckle up! Just in time for the July 4th holiday weekend, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott (http://www.fairfieldinn.com) announces its top 10 list of popular historic places where Americans can visit to celebrate the nation’s past this summer. According to AAA, approximately 39 million Americans will hit the road this weekend and travel more than 50 miles from home. And with steadily high gas prices, road trippers are looking for affordable prices and quality service now more than ever.

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Marriott International Opens of its First Dedicated China Reservation Centre in Guangzhou

MARRIOTT Marriott International recently opened its first dedicated Global Reservation Sales and Customer Care Centre in China, located in the Pearl River New City district in the city of Guangzhou. This facility will service Marriott Worldwide Reservations, Customer Care and Marriott Rewards for the company’s hotels throughout greater China.

Marriott International’s L. Kaye Dengel, Sr. Vice President of Global Sales & Customer Care, commenting on the opening of the new Reservations centre said: “Marriott International is committed to China and to serving our ever-increasing number of Chinese guests in a location that offers an impressive labor talent at a great value.  With more than 50 hotels in China, and at least another 100 in some form of planning, China is a crucially important market to us – and is now by far our second biggest market anywhere in the world. We are committed to giving our guests what they want at every touch point along their journey with Marriott, and this dedicated Reservations and Customer Care Centre is a key component of serving our Chinese guests.”

The new Global Reservations and Customer Care Centre is a key part of Marriott International’s Asia Pacific reservations strategy and opened with the latest technology, infrastructure and 45 dedicated associates specially trained and focused on sales and the customer experience.

This new China Centre joins Marriott International’s Global Reservation Sales and Customer Care operations currently open in India, Malaysia and Japan, all servicing the needs of the company’s millions of customers across the Asia Pacific region.  

To contact Marriott International’s Global Reservation Sales and Customer Care Centre in China call: 400 888 5551.

Connect wtih sharron.saunders@marriott.com

 

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Deals of the Week

Jazz Fest All That Jazz at the Detroit Marriott.

The Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center is the official hotel of the Detroit Jazz Festival, September 2-5, and is located in the center of the action, adjacent to Hart Plaza.
Book the VIP Jazz Fest package by August 25, 2011 for just $269 per night!

Package includes:
 • Overnight accommodations in the heart of downtown Detroit at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center
 • Two Detroit Jazz Festival VIP Passes for the night of reservation that include:
• Dinner at the VIP Tent
• Two drink tickets for the VIP bar
• VIP seating at three of the stages
 
For reservations call 1-800-352-0831 or visit detroitmarriott.com and enter promotional code XY0
http://www.marriott.com/specials/mesOffer.mi?marrOfferId=702539&displayLink=true

JW Lazy River Pool Celebrating July 1/4th

Star-Spangled Savings Event of up to 25% off July Bookings
At 30 JW Marriott, Renaissance and Marriott Hotels & Resorts in Florida

Marriott puts the sizzle in your sparkler this summer with a star-spangled July savings event featuring up to 25% off rates at 30 participating JW Marriott, Renaissance and Marriott Hotels & Resorts in Florida.

Celebrating a month-long Independence Day dubbed July 1/4th, Marriott’s July promotion, “More Florida for 25% Less,” takes you to a wide variety of destinations for a quarter of the cost. From Orlando’s theme parks to South Beach, golf resorts and the Florida Keys, the deal is only available on reservations made during the limited-time booking window of July 4 – July 22, 2011. Valid on stays from July 11 through October 30, 2011, and with rates ranging from $89 to $295 per night, this exclusive, state-wide saver will have you seeing stars and stripes!

For reservations and more information, visit www.marriottfloridasummerdeals.com or call 800-228-9290.To book, select the hotel of choice and use the exclusive rate code F9L.

Orlando World Center 3-nights in Orlando and airfare for as low as $355 per person

Whether you are riding roller coasters or relaxing by the pool, Orlando has something for everyone.  For a limited time book airfare + a 3-night hotel stay for as little as $355* per person.  Participating hotels include: Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando at SeaWorld®; JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes; Orlando World Center Marriott Resort & Convention Center; Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld®; Residence Inn Orlando SeaWorld/International Center; and SpringHill Suites Orlando at SeaWorld®. 

For more information and to book, visit http://www.gomarriottvacations.com/Specials/SpecialDetails.aspx?SpecCode=188.

* Sample air/hotel prices displayed onsite are valid as of April 26, 2011 and are quoted for one adult based on double occupancy. Prices include roundtrip booking for economy/coach class travel from Washington – Dulles on JetBlue, 3 nights accommodation at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando at SeaWorld®, including taxes, and fees. Travel dates: Sample prices are based on July 21 through July 24, 2011 travel.
 
Additional low fares may be available for travel on alternate days and dates; prices are not guaranteed and may vary. Additional taxes/fees: Prices shown are for one adult based on double occupancy and include taxes and booking fees. Taxes and fees may vary by origin and destination, booking and travel dates, and accommodation.

Other conditions: Fares and rules are subject to change without notice. Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights/dates. Lower fares may be available to selected destinations. Fares do not include checked baggage fees that may be charged by the applicable airline. Tickets may be nontransferable and are nonrefundable. Read the complete penalty rules for changes and cancellations applicable to the fare you're considering booking.

Connect with laurie.goldstein@marriott.com

 

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June 28, 2011

Marriott International Subsidiary Files SEC Form 10 for Planned Spin-Off by Year-End of Vacation Club Business

MARRIOTT BETHESDA, Md. -- Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) marked progress today toward the planned spin-off by year-end of its vacation club business into a separate publicly traded company, announcing that its subsidiary, Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation, the new corporate name for the vacation club business upon spin-off, has filed an initial Form 10 Registration Statement (“Form 10”) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.  

Stephen Weisz, president and chief executive officer of Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation, said, “Our filing today is an important step toward our spin-off, as we continue to be on track to launch our new company by year-end 2011.  With the spin-off of Marriott Vacations Worldwide, we look forward to tremendous opportunities to build our vacation ownership business and deliver value to our new shareholders.   We'll have a new corporate name to complement our new future but the names of our industry-leading brands, Marriott Vacation Club, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club, and Grand Residences by Marriott, and our focus on delivering outstanding vacation experiences to our over 400,000 owners, won’t change.” 

Marriott International expects to release its second quarter earnings report on Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at approximately 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET), with an earnings conference call for the investment community on Thursday, July 14, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. ET.  Mr. Weisz and John Geller, Marriott Vacations Worldwide executive vice president and chief financial officer, will join Arne Sorenson, Marriott International president and chief operating officer, and Carl Berquist, Marriott International executive vice president and chief financial officer, in discussing business trends and outlook. 

The initial Form 10 includes historical Combined Financial Statements for Marriott Vacations Worldwide (“Statements”).  These Statements reflect allocations of certain general and administrative costs that were not included in Timeshare Segment Results as previously disclosed.  The Statements do not reflect what the results of operations, financial position and cash flow would have been had Marriott Vacations Worldwide operated as an independent, publicly traded company during the periods presented.  Nor do they reflect the impact of new and/or revised agreements Marriott Vacations Worldwide may enter into with Marriott International or other third parties, including, but not limited to, licensing fees payable to Marriott International, or the financing, operations and personnel needs of the business. 

Pro-forma financial statements will be provided in later Form 10 filings.  

Marriott International said it anticipates the receipt of an IRS private-letter tax ruling in September, confirming that the distribution of shares of Marriott Vacations Worldwide common stock will not result in the recognition, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, of income, gain or loss by Marriott International or Marriott International shareholders, except, in the case of Marriott International shareholders, for cash received in lieu of fractional shares.

Note on forward-looking statements: This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of federal securities laws, including the information concerning possible or assumed future results of operations, business strategies, financing plans, potential growth opportunities, potential operating performance improvements, benefits resulting from the separation of Marriott International and Marriott Vacations Worldwide, and similar statements concerning anticipated future events and expectations that are not historical facts.  We caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including changes in market conditions; unanticipated developments that prevent, delay, alter the terms of, or otherwise negatively affect the planned spin-off of our Timeshare segment, and other risk factors that Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation identifies in its Form 10 registration statement or that we identify in our most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q.  Any of these factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations we express or imply in this press release.  We make these forward-looking statements as of June 28, 2011.  We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. (NYSE:MAR) is a leading lodging company with more than 3,600 lodging properties in 71 countries and territories. Marriott International operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, EDITION, Autograph Collection, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites and Bulgari brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club, and Grand Residences by Marriott brands; licenses and manages whole-ownership residential brands, including The Ritz-Carlton Residences, JW Marriott Residences and Marriott Residences; operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division; and operates conference centers. The company is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and had approximately 129,000 employees at 2010 year-end. It is ranked by FORTUNE as the lodging industry's most admired company and one of the best companies to work for.  In fiscal year 2010, Marriott International reported sales from continuing operations of nearly $12 billion. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

Connect with thomas.marder@marriott.com

 

 

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June 27, 2011

Members of the Marriott Family Attend Grand Re-Opening Party of Renaissance Newark Airport Hotel

Marriott Family members and RHR

Elizabeth, N.J.  — General Manager Jeff Plamondon welcomed 150 top clients as well as members of the Marriott family last Wednesday evening as he celebrated the grand reopening of the 397-room Renaissance Newark Airport Hotel following a multi-million dollar renovation.

The hotel enlisted the talents of chefs from Marriott properties throughout New Jersey and Philadelphia in order to provide guests with a culinary voyage around the world — with accompanying wines — from Portugal to Spain to Italy and New Jersey to feature the various ethnic backgrounds represented in the city of Newark.

Pictured above (from left to right) are: David Marriott COO of the Eastern Region Marriott International; Jeff Plamondon; and John Marriott President Thomas Point Ventures Ltd.  Note to editors:  a high-resolution photo is available upon request.

The Renaissance Newark Airport Hotel features 397 lavish guest rooms and suites comfortably equipped with refrigerators, laptop safes, connectivity panels, and 37" flat panel HD televisions; 17,000 square feet of meeting and event space; an indoor pool; 24-hour fitness center; Ironbound Grill restaurant; and den/library for relaxing. 

For additional information, visit www.renaissancenewarkairport.com or call 866-234-7535 or 908-436-4600.

RENAISSANCE HOTELS is an upscale brand with more than 145 properties in 32 countries that speaks to passionate travelers in search of authentic local discoveries when traveling for business or leisure. Renaissance Hotels has recently welcomed several new "gems" to its global collection – the boutique Renaissance Malmo hotel in Sweden, the historic Stanford Court hotel in San Francisco, the exotic Renaissance Curacao Resort & Casino in the Dutch Caribbean, the opulent Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel and the modern Renaissance Beijing Capital Hotel. These hotels join a rich portfolio defined by distinctive and well-known icons such as the Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach, La Concha Renaissance San Juan, Renaissance New York Hotel 57 and Renaissance Paris Arc de Triomphe.  All Renaissance hotels participate in the award winning Marriott Rewards® frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. To make reservations and for more information visit www.renaissancehotels.com. Follow Renaissance on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RenaissanceHotels, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/RenHotels, and via the RLife blog at www.therenaissancelife.com.  

Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) for company information. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

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Revolutionary Move as the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. Checks in to Foursquare and Travels with You

New_RCRCORP_00022_48733 Chevy Chase, Md. -- Travel the globe, check in to locations and landmarks in 25 countries, and you will find far more information than you were expecting from a luxury hotel operator as The Ritz-Carlton introduces the World Concierge on Foursquare. This is the first time a luxury hotel brand has extended their exclusive services to a mobile public audience. Tips will be populated regularly by concierges from all 75 Ritz-Carlton hotels around the world contributing, with the knowledge-base growing and evolving every week.

There is not a mention to be found about the soup of the day at a particular hotel; instead, the ladies and gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton have taken their phenomenal knowledge and expertise beyond the four walls of the hotels in which they reside, providing insight into cities such as Toronto, Miami, Berlin and Dubai to name a few. The result: hundreds of tips and insights about local destinations and landmarks all over the world.

"Guests of The Ritz-Carlton have always enjoyed the expertise of concierges who are the best in the business. Their local knowledge, VIP access and incomparable contacts make them an invaluable resource for travelers", said Chris Gabaldon, chief sales and marketing officer, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. Foursquare enables The Ritz-Carlton Concierge to travel with you. "It’s possible to access their destination knowledge instantly as you check in to multiple global landmarks," added Gabaldon. "Starting today, Foursquare users across the globe are invited to access knowledge and valuable tips just by following The Ritz-Carlton on Foursquare. For the first time ever, the collected local knowledge of The Ritz-Carlton is available in your pocket."

Foursquare users are able to find local information by visiting the profile of The Ritz-Carlton or by checking in to numerous locations of interest around the world. To receive tips as they go live you can follow The Ritz-Carlton on Foursquare. To start exploring, visit www.foursquare.com/ritzcarlton. Alternatively, you can always connect with The Ritz-Carlton on Facebook and Twitter to see featured tips as they go live by visiting www.facebook.com/ritzcarlton and www.twitter.com/ritzcarlton.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 75 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, an award that originated in 1987. Its purpose is to promote the awareness of quality excellence, recognize quality achievements of companies and publicize successful quality strategies. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company won the award in 1992 and 1999. For more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, call toll free in the U.S. 1-800-241-3333, or visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR).

Connect with allison.sitch@ritzcarlton.com

 

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June 23, 2011

Marriott a Great Place to Work in Information Technology

Company Named as a “Best Place to Work in IT” by Computerworld.

Ccomputerworld 100 Best Places to Work in IT Logo Bethesda, Md – IDG’s Computerworld has selected Marriott International, Inc., as one of the “Best Places to Work in IT” for the ninth consecutive year.  Ranked 38th overall and the only lodging company to make the list, Marriott was recognized as an organization that challenges their IT staff while providing great benefits and compensation.

Marriott's spotlight on its exceptional employees and innovative recognition programs including the J. Willard Award of Excellence, Alice S Marriott Award for Community Service, J.W. Marriott, Jr. Diversity Excellence Award, IR Values in Practice (VIP) Award and many others were highlighted by the publication.

“We are honored that Computerworld has highlighted our efforts to recognize outstanding associates,” says Bruce Hoffmeister, global chief information officer.  “One of the driving principles of Marriott’s culture is to engage its associates and to celebrate and honor their exceptional efforts.”

"To be among the Best Places to Work in IT, it's not enough to seek out and hire the most talented IT professionals, offer them competitive pay and provide great benefits," said Scot Finnie, editor in chief of Computerworld. "Smart IT people realize that they need to get up to speed on their employer's revenue opportunities. The organizations that made this year's Best Places to Work list are creating a work environment that both trains and encourages IT personnel to pursue business-driven priorities."

Computerworld’s annual “Best Places to Work in IT” feature ranks the top 100 work environments for technology professionals based on a comprehensive questionnaire regarding company offerings in categories such as benefits, diversity, career development, training and retention.

See Computerworld.com for the full listing.
Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) for company information. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at http://www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

Connect with pia.taylor@marriott.com

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June 22, 2011

Marriott Rewards Members Can Now Earn Miles on Kingfisher Airlines

Marriott Rewards Logo Kingfisher Airlines is Marriott Rewards newest airline partner.  Members can now earn King Miles from Kingfisher Airlines’ King Club for every hotel stay at more than 3,400 participating Marriott International hotels around the world.  Members will also be able to redeem Marriott Rewards points for King Club miles. This latest addition brings Marriott Rewards’ total roster of airline partners to 33.

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June 20, 2011

18 Marriott International Hotels in Arizona Offer Deeply Discounted Rates for Victims of Arizona Wildfires

91063 Rates start at $49.

Participating Marriott International hotels in Arizona are offering deeply discounted rates for victims of Arizona’s wildfires.  The rates range from $49-$95 and are available at select Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Courtyard by Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott and TownePlace Suites by Marriott. 

To book online, guests must use the promotional code RL4 and show proof of residency in affected areas upon check in. 

For more information, affected residents should call 1.800.228.9290 and ask for the Emergency Rate Code EEYI or EEYJ.

Terms & Conditions: This rate is offered to residents who are affected by the fires listed below within Arizona.  Current zip codes affected are listed within each fire.  Monument Fire: 85615, 85650, 85635. Horseshoe II Fire:  85253, 85632. Wallow Fire: 85925, 85641, 86505, 85927, 85920, 85938. Discounts are offered through the disaster and will be adjusted on a case-by-case basis. Residents must have proof of residence in the affected areas to qualify for discounted rates.   

Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) for company information. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

Connect with laurie.goldstein@marriott.com

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Step Into Summer with Paradise by Marriott, Coming to Sunny New York

Step into summer Nine Caribbean and Mexico Resorts Host One-Day Outdoor Spa Event.

NEW YORK – “Like” us?  Like this: for just one day, nine Caribbean and Mexico Resorts in Marriott International’s portfolio of brands will share their slice of paradise in the heart of Manhattan.  The “Step into Summer” with Paradise by Marriott event, open exclusively to those who have become fans of the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MarriottCaribbeanMexico, will take place on Thurs., June 23, 2011 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST.  To participate, attendees simply show on-location with the event’s printed or digital invitation available once the Facebook page has been liked.  The  Facebook page, www.facebook.com/MarriottCaribbeanMexico, is dedicated to the Caribbean and Mexico Resorts of three Marriott International brands—Marriott Hotels & Resorts, JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts and Renaissance Hotels.

The Step into Summer event will take place at Worth Square—an open-air pavement pavilion set adjacent to Madison Square Park and directly in front of the Flatiron Building—and will offer consumers free relaxation activities including 10 minute back massages, foot reflexology and dry pedicures.  Upon spa service conclusion, consumers will step into free sandals offered by Lindsay Phillips, the leading designer, manufacturer, and marketer of women’s interchangeable fashion accessories (www.lindsay-phillips.com). 

All participants then leave the “island” with a Step into Summer secret webpage address to visit for a chance to discover a slice of paradise courtesy of the Caribbean and Mexico Resorts in Marriott International’s portfolio of brands. One lucky winner will receive a five-day, four-night stress-free beach vacation for two at one of Marriott International’s nine premier Caribbean and Mexico resorts, the CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, including deluxe accommodations, daily breakfast, resort activities and more.  For those unable to attend the event in person, an exclusive link will be available at www.facebook.com/MarriottCaribbeanMexico immediately following the event’s conclusion.

Rain date established for Fri., June 24, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST.  Worth Square is part of the Madison Square Park and maintained by the Madison Square Park Conversancy. It is located at the northwest end of Madison Square Park, on an island bordered by Broadway, Fifth Avenue and 25th Street.

Marriott Hotels & Resorts:
Marriott Hotels & Resorts is Marriott International's signature and most widely distributed brand, with more than 500 hotels and resorts in 54 countries.  Marriott continues to inspire performance and a balanced life on the road for discerning and high-achieving business and leisure travelers, offering warm, professional service; sophisticated yet functional guest room design; lobby spaces that facilitate working, dining and socializing; restaurants and bars serving international cuisine prepared simply and from the freshest ingredients; meeting and event spaces and services that are gold standard; and expansive, 24-hour fitness facilities. All Marriott hotels participate in the award winning Marriott Rewards frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information, visit www.MarriottHotels.com.  Follow Marriott Hotels & Resorts on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MarriottHotels.

JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts:
JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio and consists of exceptional properties in gateway cities and distinctive resort locations around the world. These elegant hotels and resorts cater to today’s sophisticated, self-assured travelers, offering them the quiet luxury they seek in a warmly authentic, relaxed atmosphere lacking in pretense. JW Marriott properties artfully provide highly crafted, anticipatory experiences that are reflective of their locale so that their guests have the time to focus on what is most important to them. Currently, there are 52 JW Marriott hotels in 22 countries; by 2014 the portfolio will encompass 76 properties in 28 countries.

Renaissance Hotels:
Renaissance Hotels is an upscale brand with more than 150 properties in 34 countries that speaks to passionate travelers in search of authentic local discoveries when traveling for business or leisure. Renaissance Hotels has recently welcomed several new "gems" to its global collection – the historic  5-star St Pancras Renaissance in London, the exotic Renaissance Sanya Resort and Spa in burgeoning China, the urban boutique Renaissance Atlanta Midtown and the sexy Renaissance Sao Paulo. These hotels join a rich portfolio defined by distinctive and well-known icons such as the Mayflower Renaissance Hotel in Washington, D.C., the Eden Roc Miami Beach Resort & Spa, and the Renaissance Paris Vendome Hotel.  To make reservations and for more information about Renaissance Hotels, visit www.renaissancehotels.com.

Connect with paula.butler@marriott.com

 

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