Marriott Rewards Members Can Upgrade Their Weekend in the Caribbean & Latin America

Marriott Rewards members can get the royal treatment for less when staying at more than 20 JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Renaissance Hotels, and Marriott Executive Apartments in the Caribbean and Latin America.  From now through July 9, 2012, Marriott Rewards members receive 25 percent off weekend room rates in suites and executive level rooms, access to the executive lounge, and late checkout at 4 pm.

The promotion is valid Thursday through Sunday nights and stays must be two nights or longer.  For more information or to book, visit http://www.marriott.com/marriott/usupgradeyourstay_mrpromotion.mi.

Marriott Rewards has no blackout dates and members can earn and redeem points at more than 3,600 Marriott International hotels around the world.  Members can also redeem points for frequent flyer miles, cruises, car rentals and more. 

Participating hotels and resorts include:

Marriott Hotels & Resorts
Marriott Plaza Hotel Buenos Aires
São Paulo Airport Marriott Hotel
Santiago Marriott Hotel
Bogota Marriott Hotel
Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort
Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San Jose
Ixtapan de la Sal Marriott Hotel & Spa
Mexico City Marriott Reforma Hotel
Tijuana Marriott Hotel
Panama  Marriott Hotel
San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino

JW Hotels & Resorts:
JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro
JW Marriott Hotel Bogota
JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa
JW Marriott Hotel Quito
JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City
JW Marriott Hotel Caracas

Renaissance Hotels & Resorts:
Renaissance St. Croix Carambola Beach Resort & Spa
Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua Hotel & Casino

Marriott Rewards won the 2011 and 2010 Frequent Travel Award and 2009 Freddie Award for “Best Hotel Rewards Program” and has been named best hotel rewards program by the readers of Business Traveler, Global Traveler, Executive Travel and BusinessWeek magazines.

For information about Marriott Rewards, guests can call 1-800-450-4442 or log onto MarriottRewards.com or http://www.espanol.marriott.com/Channels/rewards/rewards-program-laca.mi.

Terms & Conditions
Registration is required. Marriott Rewards® members who register for this promotion by June 30, 2012, will earn one (1) free night award at a category 1-4 hotel after every second paid stay, made between June 1, 2012, and August 31, 2012, at a participating Marriott property. Maximum three (3) free night awards earned with this promotion per member. A 'stay' is defined as consecutive nights spent at the same hotel, regardless of check-in/check-out activity. Only one room per hotel is counted toward a member's nights or stay. An earned free night award can be redeemed for a future stay at participating Marriott Rewards category 1-4 properties for one (1) free night. Free night award will expire one (1) year after the date of issuance. An earned free night award is good for one (1) single or double occupancy standard room only and includes the cost of the hotel room and applicable room taxes only. An earned free night award will be added to the member's account within 3-5 business days after the second qualifying stay. Awards are not transferable and may not be given as a gift. This offer is not transferable. Nights spent while redeeming an award are not eligible for credit and MVCI owner-occupied weeks are not eligible for credit. Members electing to earn miles are not eligible for this promotion. Offer valid at participating hotels within the following participating brands, including JW Marriott®, EDITION®, Autograph Collection®, Renaissance® Hotels, AC Hotels by Marriott, Marriott® Hotels & Resorts, Courtyard by Marriott®, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott®, SpringHill Suites by Marriott®, Residence Inn by Marriott®, TownePlace Suites by Marriott® and Marriott Vacation Club®. Stays at our exclusive luxury partner, The Ritz-Carlton®, will count toward achieving your bonus. All Marriott Rewards program terms and conditions apply. Visit MarriottRewardsBonus.com or call 888-MARRIOTT (627-7468) for complete details. © 2012 Marriott International, Inc.

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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Celebrate The 57th Presidential Inauguration “Sky High” -- Atop The JW Marriott Washington, DC

Whether celebrating the return of the 44th president or the welcome of the new 45th, the nation’s capital during  the 57th inauguration of the President of the United States will be brimming with spectacular revelry, pomp and circumstance.  The JW Marriott Washington, DC will be at the center of it all.  Situated at 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue on 14th Street, NW, the luxury hotel will join in the festivities by constructing a luxury inaugural parade viewing gallery high above, on its beautiful outdoor sky terrace. 

For $ 2.7 million, one lucky group can experience all the excitement and create their own four-night inaugural celebration with 300 of their best friends, custom tailored for the occasion.  Prominently staged on the hotel’s 7,300 sq. ft. sky terrace, the viewing gallery gives guests premium views of Pennsylvania Avenue, the inaugural parade and the renowned landmarks of our nation’s capital.  January’s cold winter weather won’t affect the sky terrace celebration, as 300+ guests will enjoy the warmth of a  luxurious heated framed gallery, complete with crystal chandeliers and six 52” HDTVs, just by walking from their guest rooms nearby.  The JW Marriott will assist in designing and decorating the tented space to accommodate the group’s décor plans for the celebration.  During the last presidential inauguration a similar package was created, purchased and enjoyed by a charitable organization who offered the rooms to the underprivileged.

The JW President’s Inauguration package* includes:
• Four nights in two luxury Presidential suites
• Four nights in two luxury “Running Mate” (VP) suites
• 300 guest rooms for four nights
• $800,000 in food and beverage
• Nightly keepsake inaugural amenities
• Private access to a heated luxury viewing gallery with crystal chandeliers and 52” HDTVs on 12th floor terrace.
• Access to parade route entrance right outside hotel

The JW President’s Inauguration package is available for four consecutive nights with arrivals on January 18, 2013 and departure on January 22, 2013.  This special one-of-a-kind package is based upon availability at the time of reservation and is on a first come, first served basis.    A non-refundable advance purchase is required.   *Inclusive of all tax and gratuities. Offer cannot be combined with any other promotions. Other restrictions may apply. For reservations, please contact Erick Speight at (202) 626-2662.

About JW Marriott Washington, DC
The JW Marriott Washington, DC, the first JW Marriott branded property, opened in 1984 as a tribute to J. Willard Marriott, founder of Marriott Corporation, predecessor to Marriot International, Inc.  One of the country’s premiere meeting destinations, the property features over 37,000 square feet of superior  banquet and meeting space, including the 14,000 square foot Grand Ballroom, 29 meetings rooms and a 7,000 square foot terrace on the 12th floor, overlooking   the nation capital and its historic monuments and landmarks.  For more information or to make reservations, contact your travel professional, call the hotel directly at (202) 393-2000, or visit www.jwmarriottdc.com.

About JW Marriott
JW Marriott is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio and consists of beautiful properties in gateway cities and distinctive resort locations around the world. These elegant hotels 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 53 JW Marriott hotels in 22 countries; by 2015 the portfolio will encompass 80 properties in 29 countries.

Connect with mark.indre@marriott.com

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Meetings At Marriott Hotels in Latin America: Successful, Simple And Easy At A Single Price Per Person

Book your meeting between now and March 31, 2013 http://www.marriott.com/marriott/group_promotion2012.mi

Time invested in a meeting is more valuable than ever before, and the desire to balance this with destination experiences is becoming more and more popular. Latin American and Caribbean destinations offer an exciting and more casual atmosphere, where business can be done efficiently and recreation can offer new opportunities for learning and team building in a more relaxed setting. Whether you are from a corporation, association or an incentive groups, with Marriott’s group, meetings have never been this easy!

Between now and March 31, 2013, book your meeting at participating Marriott Hotels & Resorts, JW Marriott, Renaissance Hotels, Courtyard by Marriott Hotels, Fairfield Inn, and Marriott Executive Apartments a single price per person including:

• Room Rental
• Welcome Coffee Break (minimum of 10 people)
• Morning Coffee Break (First day)
• Lunch (First Day)
• Afternoon Coffee Break (First Day)
• Complementary projector and screen for duration of meeting
• Notes Pads and pens for all meeting participants.

“A single price per person will allow our customers to conduct their meetings in a simple and easy way while getting business priorities accomplished.  Our single price per person meeting package also will allow customers to experience great Latin American and Caribbean destinations,” said Alex Fiz, Vice President of Sales for the Caribbean and Latin America at Marriott International.
 
To book, visit http://www.marriott.com/marriott/group_promotion2012.mi and book your meeting between now and March 31, 2013 to receive the offer.

Participating Hotels
• JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort
• JW Marriott Hotel Lima
• JW Marriott Hotel Caracas
• JW Marriott Hotel Quito
• JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro
• JW Marriott Hotel Bogota
• JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa 
• JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City
• Renaissance Aruba Resort
• Renaissance Curacao Resort
• Renaissance Jaragua
• Renaissance La Concha San Juan Resort
• Renaissance Sao Paulo
• Renaissance Caracas La Castellana
• Aruba Marriott Resort
• Curacao Marriott
• St. Kitts Marriott
• Costa Rica Marriott Hotel
• Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort
• Panama Marriott Hotel
• Tegucigalpa Marriott Hotel
• Marriott Plaza Hotel Buenos Aires
• Santiago Marriott Hotel
• Venezuela Marriott Playa Grande
• Bogota Marriott Hotel
• CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort
• Mexico City Marriott Reforma Hotel
• CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa
• Ixtapan de la Sal Marriott Hotel & Spa
• Puebla Marriott Real Hotel
• Tijuana Marriott Hotel
• Courtyard Port of Spain
• Courtyard by Marriott San Juan Miramar
• Courtyard by Marriott Bridgetown
• Courtyard by Marriott San Jose
• Courtyard San Salvador
• Courtyard by Marriott Panama MetroMall
• Courtyard by Marriott Panama Real
• Courtyard Guayaquil
• Courtyard by Marriott Monterrey Airport
• Courtyard by Marriott Monterrey San Jeronimo
• Courtyard by Marriott Toluca Airport
• Courtyard by Marriott Cancun
• Courtyard by Marriott San Luis Potosi
• Courtyard by Marriott Puebla Las Animas
• Courtyard by Marriott Mexico City Airport
• Marriott Executive Apartments Finisterre Panama
• Fairfield Inn Monterrey Airport
• Fairfield Inn Los Cabos, Mexico
• JW Marriott Santa Fe

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Rates are commissionable. Cancellation polices will apply and vary by hotel. Blackout dates apply for individual hotels. In order to quality for this promotion, groups should have a minimum of 10 people and a maximum of 50 people.  Additional Morning coffee Breaks, lunch, or afternoon coffee breaks will be quoted and billed separately.  Internet access is not included as part of this promotional offer.  Promotion may not be available at all hotels.  Promotion only available at participating hotels. Neither local taxes nor service charges or tips are not included as part of this promotional offer. Void where prohibited. © 2012 Marriott International, Inc.

Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) for company information.

Connect with laura.botelho@marriott.com

 

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Christie’s To Host Exclusive Art Exhibition at JW Marriott In Celebration of Cannes Film Festival

Rare works by the world’s most famous artists including Picasso, Warhol, Kandinsky, and Basquiat to be showcased at the JW Marriott Hotel Cannes.

In partnership with Christie’s, the world’s leading art business, JW Marriott Hotel Cannes is hosting a unique art exhibition during the upcoming 65th annual Cannes Film Festival. The exhibit will feature important works of Impressionist and Modern Art, as well as Post-War and Contemporary Art. Taking place during the  glamorous week of the Cannes Film Festival, the prestigious exhibition will be on display from 17-21 May at the JW Marriott Cannes in advance of Christie’s major London auctions in June.

As part of a global partnership between the JW Marriott brand and Christie’s to provide exclusive exhibitions and previews of major auctions, the JW Marriott Cannes will be showcasing a number of rare works of art, including Wassily Kandinsky’s Diagonale, Andy Warhol’s Queen Elizabeth II, and Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Untitled (Skull B); illustrated above). Also on display will be a selection of lots from The Madoura Collection of Picasso Ceramics; an impeccable and unrivalled collection of 550 Picasso ceramics offered for sale directly from the pottery in Vallauris in the South of France, where Picasso made them. The auction will take place on 25 and 26 June at the Christie’s South Kensington saleroom in London.

The exhibition will be showcased in a setting befitting the glamour and allure of Cannes Film Festival; the stunning newly renovated lobby of the JW Marriott Cannes. Timeless and elegant, the new design evokes the romance of Cannes, and provides the perfect back-drop for this special exhibition.

The exhibition will be open to the public daily from the 17th to the 21st May between 10am and 6pm; the perfect interlude to the action unfolding in Cannes.

“We are thrilled to be exhibiting such beautiful and timeless works of art while debuting the JW Marriott Cannes’ stunning new look during such an exciting time for the city,” said Amy McPherson, president and managing director for Marriott International in Europe. “JW Marriott strives to deepen the connection with our guests by creating partnerships which speak to their personal interests and enrich their lives when they travel, which is why we are so pleased to be able to showcase this remarkable collection of art and further our great partnership with Christie’s.”

Viewing Information:
Thursday 17th to Monday 21st  May, 10am – 6pm daily
JW Marriott Cannes
50 Boulevard de la Croisette
06414 Cannes
France
www.jwmarriottcannes.com

For more information on the exhibition please visit www.jwmarriott.com and www.christies.com

Notes to Editors:
About JW Marriott - JW Marriott 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 54 JW Marriott hotels in 23 countries; by 2015 the portfolio will encompass 80 properties in 29 countries. 

For more information on Marriott International, Inc. or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

About Christie’s - Christie’s, the world's leading art business, had global auction and private sales in 2011 that totaled £3.6 billion/$5.7 billion. Christie’s is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise, as well as international glamour. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's has since conducted the greatest and most celebrated auctions through the centuries providing a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Christie’s offers over 450 auctions annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $100 million. Christie's also has a long and successful history conducting private sales for its clients in all categories, with emphasis on Post-War and Contemporary, Impressionist and Modern, Old Masters and Jewellery.  Private sales totaled £502 million / $808.6m in 2011, an increase of 44% on the previous year. Christie’s has a global presence with 53 offices in 32 countries and 10 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai, Zürich, and Hong Kong. More recently, Christie’s has led the market with expanded initiatives in growth markets such as Russia, China, India and the United Arab Emirates, with successful sales and exhibitions in Beijing, Mumbai and Dubai.

For more information on Christie’s auction sales please visit www.christies.com

Connect with elizabeth.caminiti@marriott.com or sara.steffenauer@marriott.com

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Cvent Names 20 Marriott International Hotels To Their List of Top 100 Meeting Hotels in the United States

Twenty Marriott International  hotels representing the JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, The Autograph Collection and Renaissance Hotels brands were included on Cvent’s annual list of the “Top 100 Meeting Hotels in the United States.”  The hotels were selected from a pool of 80,000 hotels in the U.S. on the Cvent Supplier Network, a free online marketplace that connects meeting planners with over 200,000 venues and service providers worldwide.   Marriott International had more hotels on the list than any other hotel company. 

The hotels named to the list include:

• Orlando World Center Marriott
• Atlanta Marriott Marquis
• JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes
• JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, Phoenix
• Philadelphia Marriott Downtown
• Washington Marriott Wardman Park
• Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile
• New Orleans Marriott
• JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
• Baltimore Marriott Waterfront
• Renaissance Orlando SeaWorld
• The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Part of The Autograph Collection
• Renaissance Washington DC Downtown
• San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter
• JW Marriott Los Angeles LA LIVE
• The Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth
• New York Marriott Marquis
• Boston Marriott Copley Place
• San Diego Marriott Marquis
• JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa

Of the twenty Marriott International hotels on the list, nineteen are part of Marriott’s Innovention Network, a premier collection of the company’s largest meeting and convention hotels and resorts, offering the highest brand of service for meeting and convention planners.  The pre-convention to post-convention conveniences, including a streamlined billing system and new communications procedures between the customers, event managers and general managers, are designed to ensure a seamless meeting experience. 

Hotels were selected based on a set of qualifying criteria, some of which included: The number of electronic request-for-proposals (RFPs) received from the Cvent Supplier Network in 2011; the hotel’s average response rate to the RFPs sent through the marketplace; number of meeting rooms available; total square footage of meeting space offered;  and the amount of business the hotel was awarded in 2011 by meeting planners through the Cvent Supplier Network.

For the complete list of Cvent’s Top 100 Meeting Hotels in the U.S. visit http://www.cvent.com/top100hotelsus.

About Marriott International, Inc.
Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA with more than 3,700 properties in 73 countries and territories and reported revenues of over $12 billion in fiscal year 2011.  The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 17 brands, including Marriott Hotels & Resorts, The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Bulgari, EDITION, Renaissance, Autograph Collection, AC Hotels by Marriott, Courtyard, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Marriott Executive Apartments, Marriott Vacation Club, Grand Residences by Marriott, and The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club.  There are approximately 300,000 employees at headquarters, managed and franchised properties.  Marriott is consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business operations, which it conducts based on five core values: put people first, pursue excellence, embrace change, act with integrity, and serve our world. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. 

About Cvent
Founded in 1999, Cvent is the world’s largest meetings and event management technology company and has over 950 employees worldwide. Cvent offers web-based software for meeting site selection, online event registration, event management, e-mail marketing, and web surveys, and helps over 10,000 clients in 90 countries manage hundreds of thousands of events, surveys and e-mail campaigns. The company has processed over $2 billion in online payments and has managed over 30 million event registrations and survey responses for its clients. Cvent’s client base ranges from small non-profits to large corporations, and includes over 30 companies from the Fortune 100. A leading authority on Strategic Meetings Management (SMM), Cvent’s technology has been used to implement SMM programs around the world. For more information, please visit www.cvent.com.

Connect with laurie.goldstein@marriott.com and akaim@cvent.com

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Book Your Meeting 24/7 – Marriott’s QuickGroup Adds Online Booking for Event Space and Catering for Small Groups

www.marriottmeetings.com

No matter what time of day you like to work, you can now book your entire meeting online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Whatever the occasion, planning the perfect group event online is easier than ever. Marriott’s QuickGroup (www.marriott.com/quickgroup) allows planners to book 10-25 rooms or meeting space for up to 50 attendees with just a few clicks online. 

In addition, planners can chose audio/visual services, add food and beverage catering options, and request a complimentary Custom Web Page to promote their event, all from the QuickGroup site.  Planners will be presented with a simple, standard online contract that can be secured with a credit card – no negotiations required.  Once the reservation is made the customer is sent an instant e-mail confirmation.  Best of all, planners can also earn up to 50,000 Marriott rewards points and credit toward Elite status.

QuickGroup is ideal for business meetings, sports team travel, and social events such as weddings, event brunches and family reunions.  Customers can compare group room rates at participating JW Marriott, Renaissance Hotels, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Courtyard by Marriott, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott and TownePlace Suites by Marriott across North America, making it easy to shop several options and instantly book a block of rooms online.   

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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Marriott and Renaissance Caribbean & Mexico Resorts Invite Travelers to ‘Soak Up the Savings’ This Summer

Special Rates at nine exclusive resorts throughout Caribbean & Mexico.

Marriott and Renaissance Caribbean & Mexico Resorts is encouraging travelers to start planning a summer getaway with the new Soak up the Savings Event. With special rates at nine exclusive resorts in seven locations across the Caribbean and Mexico, guests can soak up the sun on pristine beaches, enjoy treatments at relaxing spas, wine and dine at an array of notable restaurants and participate in local attractions within the various destinations. Guests must stay at one of the below resorts between June 1 and September 30, 2012 and must book between May 1 and May 31, 2012. Rates start from $79 - $219 per room, per night. Travelers must use the promotion code ‘X32’ when making the reservation.*

Participating resort properties include:
• Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
• CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort
• CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa
• Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort & Emerald Casino
• Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort
• Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort
• Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino
• JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa
• St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino

To book your stay, visit www.paradisebymarriott.com/soak-up-savings

Terms and Conditions  
Promotional rates are valid for reservations booked between May 1 – 31, 2012, for stays from June 1, 2012 – September 30, 2012 at participating Marriott® Hotels & Resorts, JW Marriott® Hotels & Resorts, Renaissance® Hotels & Resorts. Offer not applicable to groups of ten rooms or more. Must quote promotional code X32 to receive the promotional rate. Rates vary by resort and are per room, per night, based on availability. A limited number of rooms are available and blackout dates or other restrictions may apply. Available at participating locations only. Some hotels may not be available at the rates shown. A stay is defined as consecutive nights spent at the same hotel, regardless of check-in/check-out activity. Promotion cannot be combined with any other offer, sale promotion, or prior purchase/reservation. Void where prohibited.

Marriott and Renaissance Caribbean & Mexico Resorts
Marriott and Renaissance Caribbean & Mexico Resorts (MARCAM) represents the region’s most luxurious resort properties, each complete with chic accommodations, state-of-the-art amenities and stunning oceanfront locations. The Collection’s nine Resorts situated throughout seven destinations in the Caribbean & Mexico share elevated standards of service, style and reputation that are further magnified by participation in the MARCAM team.  Formed in 1997, MARCAM brings a refined level of awareness to this exclusive Collection of full-service properties. For more information please visit www.paradisebymarriott.com.

Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) for company information. 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 laura.botelho@marriott.com, sarag@lhammond.com and terryg@lhammond.com

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Marriott International Honored with Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Awards for JW Marriott and The Ritz-Carlton Hotels in Shanghai

Award winners include JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai at Tomorrow Square, The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai, and The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong.

Marriott International has been honored with three Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Awards for JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai at Tomorrow Square, The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai, and The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong. In addition to collecting Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Awards for its hotel and spa by ESPA, The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong was also named Shanghai’s Top Business Hotel. [Pictured: Michael Malik, multi-property vice president and general manager of JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai at Tomorrow Square (left) ; Wong Chin Chu, director of communications of JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai at Tomorrow Square (right)]

Announced at the 2012 Shanghai Inaugural Ratings Award Ceremony on April 25, 2012, the Forbes Travel Guide has defined the industry’s highest standard for excellence in hospitality for over 50 years. The Forbes Travel Guide Five- and Four-Star Award winners, judged by a team of professional inspectors, represent the ultimate luxury destinations in China’s financial capital.

JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai, The Portman Ritz-Carlton and the Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong, are three of only 14 hotels in Shanghai to win the designation of Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Hotel. JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai is also the first JW Marriott hotel to achieve the title within 53 cities worldwide.

The three hotels will be showcased alongside all other 2012 award winners on www.Startle.com, the new online destination of Forbes Travel Guide and its prestigious collection of global star-rated properties.

“We are delighted to be recognized with three Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star ratings for The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai, The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong and JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai – the first JW Marriott property in the world to be honored with this prestigious award,” said Craig Smith, executive vice president & chief operations officer of Marriott International, Asia. “Shanghai has become one of the world’s top international cities, and to be among the city’s best hotels rated by Forbes Travel Guide speaks volumes about the world-class quality and standard of hotels that Marriott International has to offer.”
 
Shane O'Flaherty, President of Global Ratings and Inspections said: "The 2012 ratings mark the first time Forbes Travel Guide has evaluated and recognized the hospitality industry in Shanghai, China, and in a short period of time Shanghai has captured the minds and the hearts of our inspection team as the properties have not only performed exceptionally well, but the destination as a whole is truly one of the most exciting cities in the world.”

Forbes Travel Guide, formerly Mobil Travel Guide, is the originator of the prestigious Mobil Star ratings and certifications system, and has provided the most comprehensive ratings and reviews of hotels, restaurants and spas since 1958. Its system of inspections and ratings sets it apart as the undisputed authority on the finest hotels, restaurants and spas across the U.S., in Asian markets including Beijing, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore and now Shanghai, China, with expansion plans to London, Mexico and Caribbean in 2013.

For a detailed explanation of how Forbes Travel Guide compiles its Star ratings, visit www.startle.com. 

Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA with more than 3,700 properties in 73 countries and territories and reported revenues of over $12 billion in fiscal year 2011.  The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands, including Marriott Hotels & Resorts, The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Bulgari, EDITION, Renaissance, Autograph Collection, AC Hotels by Marriott, Courtyard, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, ExecuStay, Marriott Executive Apartments, Marriott Vacation Club, Grand Residences by Marriott, and The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club.  There are approximately 300,000 employees at headquarters, managed and franchised properties.  Marriott is consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business operations, which it conducts based on five core values: put people first, pursue excellence, embrace change, act with integrity, and serve our world. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. 

Forbes Travel Guide
Forbes Travel Guide, formerly Mobil Travel Guide and originator of the prestigious Mobil Star ratings and certifications, has provided the most comprehensive ratings and reviews of hotels, restaurants and spas since 1958. In October 2009, Mobil Travel Guide announced a strategic partnership with Forbes Media LLC.  This exclusive licensing agreement between two industry leaders with more than 140 years of combined experience transferred the hospitality industry’s premier star rating and travel guide brand from ExxonMobil to Forbes. Forbes Travel Guide has a team of expert inspectors who anonymously evaluate properties against rigorous and objective proprietary standards, providing consumers the insight to make better-informed travel and leisure decisions.

Jeff Arnold serves as Chairman, and Michael Cascone is President and Chief Operating Officer.

Startle
Startle is the online destination and social media platform for Forbes Travel Guide. This unique new platform combines answers to the questions of travel from the unparalleled insights of the Forbes Travel Guide inspectors, hospitality experts from the world’s leading luxury brands, and some of the most respected travel experts in the industry. With Startle’s expert content, social connections, curated lists, and exclusive offers and experiences, Startle delivers a one-of-a-kind destination online for the most discerning travelers.

Forbes Media LLC
Forbes Media encompasses Forbes and Forbes.com (www.forbes.com), the leading business site on the Web that reaches on average more than 21 million people monthly. The company publishes Forbes and Forbes Asia, which together reach a worldwide audience of more than 6 million readers. It also publishes ForbesLife magazine, in addition to licensee editions in Africa, Argentina, Bulgaria, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, India, Indonesia, Israel, Kazakhstan, Korea, Latvia, Middle East, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Turkey, and Ukraine.

Other Forbes media Web sites are ForbesWoman.com; RealClearPolitics.com; RealClearmarkets.com; RealClearSports.com and RealClearworld.com. Together with Forbes.com, these sites reach on average nearly 28 million business decision makers each month.

Steve Forbes serves as Chairman and Editor in Chief. Mike Perlis is President and Chief Executive Officer. Lewis D’Vorkin is Chief Product Officer. Meredith Kopit Levien is Chief Revenue Officer.

Connect with jane.cai@marriott.com

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JW Marriott Introduces New Aromatherapy Bath Amenities to Soothe Tired Travelers

Aromatherapy Associates Creates “All-Natural” Exclusive Line for JW Marriott Hotels.

JW Marriott announces the introduction of a new line of luxury bath amenities for hotel guests, created by JW Marriott brand partner, Aromatherapy Associates. The exclusive line of products was created by Aromatherapy Associates founder, Geraldine Howard, and is tailored for business travelers who often combat skin dehydration after long flights and fatigue due to shifting time zones. The complete line is formulated with all-natural ingredients and includes hair and body care products; its understated scent appeals to both men and women.

Essential aromatherapy oils are infused into the products, each offering an individual benefit designed to comfort tired travelers checking-in to JW Marriott hotels around the world. Shampoos and conditioners are enriched with rosemary to stimulate the scalp and boost mental focus and alertness; body wash and lotion, enveloped with notes of lavender and nourishing almond oil, moisturize the skin and calm the mind; ylang ylang is included as a common thread throughout the collection, as it is often used for achieving a balanced state. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFQUd3sVins&feature=plcp)

“When creating the line of bath amenities for JW Marriott, I looked toward their target demographic— the business traveler—to guide me in choosing the most beneficial essential oils,” said Geraldine Howard, founder of Aromatherapy Associates. “I imagined a traveler who had taken a red-eye flight and needed to be prepared for an important meeting or, on the other hand, someone who had just finished up a long day and wanted to relax. By incorporating both stimulating and soothing ingredients we are able to offer guests what they need at that exact moment.”

Aromatherapy Associates offers top-of-the-line amenities that are geared toward livening the senses and refreshing JW Marriott hotel guests. As a JW Marriott Expert and brand partner, Aromatherapy Associates aims to educate travelers on the benefits of therapeutic essential oils and continues to develop additional offerings that will further enhance the guest experience, including signature spa treatments, retail product integration and in-room well-being experiences such as VIP turndowns.

“We are thankful to Geraldine for creating such wonderful products to offer our guests when they are traveling away from home,” says Mitzi Gaskins, VP and Global Brand Manager, JW Marriott. “With Aromatherapy Associates serving as a JW Expert we are able to bring the best products and latest information to our guests who have a vested interest in personal well-being.”

Aromatherapy Associates became a JW Expert in June 2011 along with Christie’s, Keri Glassman and Treasury Wine Estates. These brand partnerships serve to meet the JW Marriott guests’ passion points: culinary, culture and well-being.

About JW Marriott
JW Marriott is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio and consists of beautiful properties in gateway cities and distinctive resort locations around the world. These elegant hotels 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 53 JW Marriott hotels in 22 countries; by 2015 the portfolio will encompass 80 properties in 29 countries.  (link to JW Marriott website).

Aromatherapy Associates  
Aromatherapy Associates has been at the forefront of aromatherapy for 30 years and is now bringing their passion and knowledge to JW Marriott.  Through expertly crafted, customized bathroom amenities, JW Marriott guests will reap the benefit of Aromatherapy Associates’ dedication to harnessing the power of nature through essential oils for products that are as effective as they are luxurious.  Through original content, founder Geraldine Howard will advise frequent travelers on how aromatherapy can help lull them to sleep after a long day of meetings or perk them up in the morning before a flight. (link to AT website).

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 sara.steffenauer@marriott.com

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Marriott Hotels Appear in Hit Movie

The JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. Live and The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles L.A. Live are featured in the #1 movie in the country "Think Like A Man".  "We are thrilled that two of our brands are showcased in this hit movie. Hosting a VIP red carpet premiere event at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis gave Marriott an opportunity to show our appreciation to some of our valued customers," said Apoorva Gandhi, vice president of multicultural markets for Marriott International.   

Pictured Erica Qualls, general manager of the Atlanta Marriott Marquis with Gabrielle Union, actress from the movie at the red carpet premiere event held at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. 

Connect with felicia.mclemore@marriott.com

 

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