Renaissance Hotels Debuts Newest Address in Cairo

333-room Renaissance Cairo Mirage City Hotel Opens

CAIRO, EGYPT – Renaissance Hotels announced today the opening of the new Renaissance Cairo Mirage City Hotel, the first Renaissance Hotel to open in Cairo. With its contemporary design and architecture, the Renaissance Cairo Mirage City Hotel brings a sophisticated sense of lifestyle hospitality to Mirage City. Destined to become a local landmark, the hotel is conveniently located minutes away from Cairo International Airport in New Cairo, Cairo’s new strategic business and entertainment center.

“We are thrilled to introduce the Renaissance Hotels brand to Cairo,” said Magdy Naguib, general manager of the hotel. “With its sleek design and signature Renaissance Hotels programming including NAVIGATOR and RLife LIVE, we are confident the hotel will be a popular destination for guests and locals alike.”

The hotel’s spacious and comfortable guest rooms include indigenous touches of historical and cultural artwork inspired by the city. The 333 rooms and suites also offer superb views overlooking either Mirage City or the expansive swimming pool.

Renaissance Hotels helps to inspire authentic travel experiences through innovative guest programs including NAVIGATOR, the brand’s signature concierge service, and RLife LIVE, an industry-leading entertainment platform showcasing music, arts and more at Renaissance Hotels around the world.  Last year, Renaissance Hotels introduced its first ever global advertising campaign, Live Life to Discover, inspiring guests to discover something distinctly new whenever they travel for business or leisure.
 
The Renaissance Cairo Mirage City Hotel features unique culinary experiences that fulfill every palette while establishing a new dining and entertainment bar for Mirage City. During the day guests can enjoy Citron with its elegant approach and contemporary design influenced from Arabic and Mediterranean countries. For those looking for an authentic Chinese dining experience, Chinoix restaurant offers the best of indigenous Chinese cuisine. Guests may also relax poolside at SOL Pool Bar, or gather together in the chic Vintage Bar or Flute Lobby Lounge.

With seven meeting rooms and a grand ballroom offering more than 1100 square meters of event space infused with natural daylight, the Renaissance Cairo Mirage City Hotel is the idea location to host state-of-the art meetings or extraordinary special event. With accommodations ranging from small, intimate events to large functions, the hotel offers an array of customizable meeting sand event space. Whether it’s a small board meeting, conference, training, assessment center, cocktail party or a wedding, Renaissance Cairo Mirage City Hotel is the impeccable place to host your event.

About Renaissance Hotels
Renaissance Hotels represents a diverse collection of 155 hotels in 35 countries worldwide. Each property is unique, offering passionate travelers a one-of-kind experience and memories they will be sure to take with them long after they depart. Within every hotel, guests are greeted by an exceptional array of amenities and an inspiring world of local discoveries. For travelers looking to experience something new, innovative and locally driven programs including the industry leading entertainment platform RLife LIVE as well R Navigator, ensure that every trip is transformed into an eye-opening, unforgettable journey.  Renaissance Hotels. Live Life To Discover.  To discover more visit www.renhotels.com.

Friend us on Facebook  www.facebook.com/RenHotels
Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/RenHotels

About Marriott International
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 deema.termanini@marriott.com, catherine.leitner@marriott.com and yasmine.sherif@marriotthotels.com

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Renaissance Hotels Opens New Gem in the Heart of Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru, Malaysia – Renaissance Hotels, a lifestyle brand within the Marriott International portfolio, celebrated the opening of its newest gem in Malaysia today with the inauguration of the Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel, officiated by the Tunku Temenggong Johor, Y.A.M Tunku Idris Iskandar Ibni Sultan Ibrahim.

“The opening of the spectacular new Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel marks the seventh Marriott International hotel to open in Malaysia,” said Don Cleary, Marriott International’s COO in Asia. “Renaissance Hotels is a brand known around the world for inspiring its guests to discover something wonderfully new every time they travel. We are thrilled to introduce this new hotel to the dynamic Iskandar Development Region.” 

[Photo caption: Don Cleary, centre, Marriott’s COO in Asia, at the opening of the Renaissance Johor Bahru with the hotels owners Mr and Mrs Lee, the Hotel’s General Manager Marc Cosyns, centre right, and Robert Stark, Marriott International market vice president, far left.]

Renaissance Hotels help inspire authentic travel experiences through innovative guest programs including NAVIGATOR, the brand’s signature concierge service, and RLife LIVE, an industry-leading entertainment platform showcasing music, arts and more at Renaissance Hotels around the world.  Last year, Renaissance Hotels launched its first ever global advertising campaign, Live Life to Discover, inspiring guests to discover something distinctly new whenever they travel for business or leisure.

Commenting on the opening of the hotel, Marc Cosyns, General Manager, said: “We are delighted to be officially opening the hotel today. As you can see this a great hotel and really helps to put Johor Bahru on the map. The 345-room hotel offers a variety of room categories, all equipped with the latest in modern amenities including 42-inch flat screen televisions with satellite channel access and much more, and my team and I are looking forward to welcoming our guests to the property.”

The hotel’s four restaurants and bars include Café BLD for all-day dining; Wan Li Restaurant for contemporary Cantonese cuisine; The Chocolate Cake Company featuring the hotel’s own freshly baked cakes, breads and pastries; and the R-Bar, a sophisticated lobby bar offering exclusive RLife LIVE entertainment. 

For leisure and relaxation, the hotel features an outdoor swimming pool and fitness center, while for those visiting for meetings, the hotel boasts seven flexible rooms packed full of state-of-the-art technology and plentiful natural daylight.

The Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel is located in the township of Permas Jaya, close to the city centre of Johor Bahru and a short drive from the Eastern Dispersal Link leading directly to the CIQ to Singapore, and North South Highway, leading to the rest of Malaysia. The hotel is also perfectly situated close to the port and industrial area of Pasir Gudang.

For those interested in discovering the new Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel, please contact 607-381 3333 or visit www.jbrenaissance.com or www.renhotels.com.
 
About Renaissance
Renaissance Hotels represents a diverse collection of 155 hotels in 35 countries worldwide. Each property is unique, offering passionate travelers a one-of-kind experience and memories they will be sure to take with them long after they depart. Within every hotel, guests are greeted by an exceptional array of amenities and an inspiring world of local discoveries. For travelers looking to experience something new, innovative and locally driven programs including the industry leading entertainment platform RLife LIVE as well R Navigator, ensure that every trip is transformed into an eye-opening, unforgettable journey.  Renaissance Hotels. Live Life To Discover.  To discover more visit www.renhotels.com.
Friend us on Facebook  www.facebook.com/RenHotels
Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/RenHotels

Connect with ervina.masduki@renaissancehotels.com

      

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Courtyard by Marriott Enters Saudi Arabia with Riyadh Hotel Opening

• Celebration marks Courtyard brand’s fourth property in its Middle East portfolio
• 286-room property is set to contribute to Marriott International’s expansion within the select service segment

DUBAI, UAE – On Saturday, Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) celebrated the opening of the Courtyard Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter with a variety of on-site celebrations.  Courtyard by Marriott, the world’s 11th largest hotel brand, already has a strong footprint in the region with properties in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait.

Abdullah bin Abdul Rahman Al-Meqbel, Mayor of Riyadh participated in the official opening celebrations which included associates, VIP customers and a number of dignitaries from the diplomatic corps stationed nearby.

The new hotel appeals to travellers looking for a prime location close to the Diplomatic Quarter. At the Arabian Travel Market in the United Arab Emirates last week, Marriott International announced that it is putting emphasis on expansion in the region through the Courtyard, Residence Inn and Marriott Executive Apartments brands.  These developments are taking place in response to customer demand and regional travel trends.

 “We’re thrilled by the continued expansion of our lodging portfolio in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to participate in the economic development of the Diplomatic Quarter,” said Alex Kyriakidis, President and Managing Director - Marriott International Middle East and Africa. “Tourism in the Kingdom has strong growth potential with an average increase of 6.5 per cent year-over-year projected through 2014. We’re confident that this hotel will continue to be successful because of its ability to cater for a variety of clientele and its superb location adjacent to the Diplomatic Quarter.”

Farhan Lone, General Manager of the Courtyard Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter adds, “Situated in a very  key location in Riyadh, I am delighted to welcome travelers from around the world. I look forward to hosting guests at our contemporary café that offers all day dining and showing off the state-of-the-art lobby featuring free WIFI access. We also have a modern, fully equipped fitness center with an indoor pool and whirlpool which will keep them refreshed during their stay.”

Courtyard understands business travelers, and, through extensive research, the brand continues to evolve to meet guests’ changing needs. Combining innovative technology with style and comfort, the adaptable lobby space offers options so guests can make the most of their time on the road. Intuitive services accommodate guests’ desire for choice and control and allow them to use the public space and guest rooms to meet all of their needs while on the road.

Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 3,800 properties in 74 countries and territories and reported revenues of nearly $12 billion in fiscal year 2012.  The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands.

Courtyard by Marriott offers a refreshing environment that helps guests stay connected, productive and balanced. Intuitive services and design accommodate guests’ needs for choice and control. With more than 900 locations in 38 countries and territories, Courtyard 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 or reservations, call the Courtyard toll-free number at 800-321-2211, visit www.courtyard.com, become a fan at www.facebook.com/courtyard or follow Courtyard at twitter.com/courtyardhotels.

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 saleh.farajat@marriott.com

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SpringHill Suites Claims a Slice of The Big Apple with Opening of First Midtown Manhattan Hotel

Brand designates new addition the 300th SpringHill Suites hotel.

NEW YORK – Celebrating its 300th milestone and entry into Manhattan, SpringHill Suites by Marriott opened the doors today of its stylish new 173-suite Midtown Manhattan hotel, located at 25 West 37th Street.  Boasting impressive and unobstructed views of the Empire State Building and lower Manhattan, SpringHill Suites New York Midtown Manhattan/Fifth Avenue is owned by Hidrock Realty and Robert Finvarb Companies and managed by Marriott International, Inc.  Convenient access to Fifth Avenue, the Empire State Building, Herald Square and Bryant Park make this addition a prime hub for both business and leisure travelers.

“We’re delighted that our first SpringHill Suites in Manhattan marks the 300th hotel in our portfolio,” said Callette Nielsen, vice president and global brand manager, SpringHill Suites. “The popularity of our hotels’ smart design and approachable style has increased tremendously as we continue to grow the brand across the country. Guests really appreciate the seamless blend of style and function of our all-suite offering allows them the right environment to relax and reenergize.”

Featuring suites that are larger than typical hotel rooms, SpringHill Suites New York Midtown Manhattan/Fifth Avenue is ideal for business and leisure travelers looking for style and inspiration in their stay. Every aspect, from furniture and lighting to colors and fabrics, has been carefully selected to offer calm and refreshing spaces. Separate living, working and sleeping spaces also provide guests with flexibility and functionality. The perfect place to sink into a good night’s sleep, the hotel offers luxurious linens and plush pillows, while a comfortable pullout sofa bed and lounge chair offer additional space for relaxation or extra family members. The hotel’s tasteful bathroom includes modern touches, a marble-top vanity, iridescent tile walls and creative lighting features, which help travelers revive and refresh.

Business travelers can take advantage of a large, well-lit desk with ergonomic chair. Complimentary Wi-Fi in the hotel’s lobby and high-speed Internet access in every suite allow guests to remain connected at all times.

Featuring a brand new design that adds depth and sophistication to the décor, the lobby is a great venue for conducting casual meetings or simply to socialize. Using warm colors, accent fabrics and walnut-stained wood, the lobby’s earth tones inspire guests to sit, relax and enjoy their stay. The hotel also offers a complimentary hot breakfast, business services, same-day dry cleaning, guest laundry facilities and a fitness center. In the lobby, the Market offers convenient 24/7 access to food and beverages.

SpringHill Suites by Marriott is an all-suite brand that offers design and style at an affordable price, appealing to both business and leisure travelers. Ranked highest in the Guest Satisfaction Study for the Upscale Brand Segment by J.D. Power and Associates’ 2012 North America Guest Satisfaction Index Study, the brand features spacious suites and smart layouts that allow guests to relax and reenergize. Launched in 1998, the brand currently has nearly 300 locations in the United States and Canada. SpringHill Suites participates 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 or reservations, contact the SpringHill Suites New York Midtown Manhattan/Fifth Avenue directly at 646-380-1943, call the SpringHill Suites toll-free number at 888-287-9400, visit www.springhillsuites.com, become a fan at www.facebook.com/springhillsuites or follow SpringHill at twitter.com/springhillsuite.

Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 3,800 properties in 74 countries and territories and reported revenues of nearly $12 billion in fiscal year 2012. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands. 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 nina.herrera-davila@marriott.com and ed.pavia@marriott.com

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The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company Unveils The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto

Opening Date and General Manager Announced for Iconic New Urban Resort.

TOKYO – The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company has confirmed The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto will officially open its doors on February 7, 2014, and unveiled the first images of the luxury urban resort that pays homage to the region’s cultural heritage. It also officially announced the appointment of Mr. Yuji Tanaka as the General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto.

The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto enjoys an excellent strategic location as an urban resort on the Kamogawa River, Nijho Ohashi, close to Kyoto’s popular downtown areas including Gion and Kawaramachi-dori, the city’s retail and entertainment district. The hotel’s guestrooms will offer views of the river and the Higashiyama Mountains.

While in keeping with the traditions and cultural sensitivity of Kyoto, The Ritz-Carlton will be a subtle and inspired juxtaposition of modernity and respect for Japanese tradition, incorporating the work of internationally famous Japanese design houses such as Spin Studio. The architects and designers have gone to great lengths to preserve the traditional Meiji house and courtyard into the architectural structure of the building.

Featuring 136 guest rooms with an average size of 50 square meters for standard rooms, The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto will have some of the largest in the city. It will also feature four dining options, banquet and meeting rooms, as well as a spa and other recreational facilities.

Victor Clavell, Vice President – Asia Pacific for The Ritz-Carlton said: “Kyoto is one of Japan’s cultural windows to the world and we are proud to unveil a property that is sensitive to the 1,000 years of history and make a contribution to the rejuvenation and growth of the tourism business in Japan.”

Exceptionally rich in beauty, history, spirituality and culture, Kyoto draws 50 million visitors annually to experience the city and its 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. While many of these visitors are Japanese, there is real growth in the numbers of international visitors coming to the city, and Kyoto is now very much must-see destination for sophisticated global travelers who are attracted to the city for its quintessential Japanese experience.

Newly-appointed General Manager, Yuji Tanaka is a seasoned international hotelier with over 25 years of luxury hotel experience across the globe who will lead an experienced team of ladies and gentlemen to further strengthen The Ritz-Carlton position as a luxury leader in Japan. Prior to his current position, Tanaka was Hotel Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo and Interim General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka. He has enjoyed over 15 years of leadership experience with luxury hotel groups in the United States and Japan.

“I am privileged to be entrusted with the leadership of this incredibly high-profile opening for The Ritz-Carlton which will complement the exceptional architecture and heritage of Kyoto. Our entry to the market will help to draw sophisticated global travelers who are attracted the city for a quintessentially Japanese experience.”

About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 82 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 ainslie.cheung@ritzcarlton.com

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The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. Announces New Resort in Marrakech, Morocco

Fourth Property in North Africa for Luxury Hotel Operator.

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., the leader in luxury hospitality, has announced the brand’s latest property in its growing North Africa portfolio.  The Ritz-Carlton Marrakech is owned by Jnan Amar Company, a subsidiary of Al Amal Investment Company (SIAMA) part of Azmi Abdelhadi Group of Saudi Arabia.

The resort will be developed around the Jenan Amar Polo Fields, which is part of an upscale community on the Takerkoust Road, 20 kilometres from the city centre of Marrakech and 12 kilometres from the Lalla Takerkoust lake and nature reserve. The stunning fortress style resort will feature 60 hotel suites and 20 hotel villas of two, three and five bedrooms, bars and restaurants, a luxury spa and related leisure facilities. Jenan Amar Polo Resort development is envisaged as a powerful growth driver for tourism in the Marrakech region of Morocco, and the varied luxury components of the project coupled with its world-class polo fields will create a new lifestyle dynamic to the region.

Godwin Austen Johnson is the lead architect and interior designer, with the project already at the detailed design stage.  The master development of the community has been completed including the roads, and the main polo field. Construction of the property is due to commence in the fourth quarter of 2013, with completion of the hotel projected for the third quarter of 2016.

“We are honored to have been selected by Jenan Amar, SARL to manage this unique property,” said Herve Humler, President and Chief Operating Officer, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. “We believe that the unique location of the resort, with stunning views on the High Atlas Mountains, within such an upscale community of Marrakech, coupled with the diverse culture and rich heritage of the wonderful city itself, will offer our discerning guests an incredibly attractive and aspirational destination to explore.”

Miramar Abdelhadi, Chief Executive Officer of the Jenan Amar SARL, said“We are delighted to partner with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company to manage the resort.  The long and storied legacy of The Ritz-Carlton is a natural fit with Morocco’s own historical heritage, and the prestige of the brand is akin to the exclusivity of the community in which the resort will be located.”

Asked about additional growth in the North African region for The Ritz-Carlton, Humler added, “The Ritz-Carlton, Marrakech will be our fourth property in North Africa, each one offering a different proposition, indigenous to the style and location of the hotel or resort.  Expansion in this region is unquestionably an essential part of our future growth strategy.”

Further properties currently under construction in North Africa are The Ritz-Carlton, Rabat, a 120-room hotel situated within the prestigious Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, The Ritz-Carlton, Tunis, a resort featuring 129-suites, situated close to the world heritage site of Carthage and Tamouda Bay, and Morocco a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Morocco a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Tamuda Bay, an exclusive upscale resort nestled along the unspoiled waters of the Mediterranean, approximately 60 kilometers east of the city of Tangiers, featuring a 98-luxury room hotel with 35 pool villa suites, a beach club and an 18-hole Nicklaus design golf course.

About the SIAMA
SIAMA has been operating in Morocco since 1985 and has achieved numerous developments. Azmi Abdelhadi Group's main business in Saudi Arabia is in oil & gas engineering services, in addition, owns a portfolio of diversified interests in trading, contracting, manufacturing and insurance companies.

About the Ritz-Carlton
 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 82 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 which recognizes outstanding customer service. For more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, call toll free in the U.S. 1-800-241-3333, or visit the company website 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 sarah.walkerkerr@ritzcarlton.com

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Autograph Collection Welcomes Majestic Icon St. Ermin’s Hotel, London

Exclusive Portfolio of Passionately Independent Hotels Announces Third Hotel in United Kingdom.

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – The Autograph Collection (www.autographhotels.com), Marriott International’s (NYSE: MAR) exclusive portfolio of upscale, independent hotels, announced today the debut of the St. Ermin’s Hotel in the Westminster area of London, representing the third Autograph Collection hotel in the United Kingdom. Earlier this month, Autograph Collection announced its entree into the U.K. with the inauguration of Threadneedles in the heart of London’s financial district and The Glasshouse in central Edinburgh, Scotland. The 331-room iconic St. Ermin’s Hotel will expand the collection of independent lifestyle hotels to include more than 40 exceptional travel experiences in the United States, Europe, Caribbean, and South America.

The vision behind the Autograph Collection is to offer an evolving group of passionately independent hotels that fall under distinct categories of travel experience including Culinary Delight, Artistic Getaway, Historic Exploration, or Sporting Adventure. Each hotel is thoughtfully chosen for its quality, originality, bold character and capacity to offer guests a range of unique and unexpected experiences suited to their individual sense of style and adventure. This unique global portfolio has proven to be a highly successful venture due to its discerning process to select only the most exceptional hotels and enriching travel experiences.

“This is an incredibly exciting time for the Autograph Collection, and a significant event for us in a prime, central London location,” said Amy McPherson, president and managing director for Marriott International in Europe. “Our three Autograph Collection hotels in the United Kingdom offer travelers an enviable range of artistic, culinary and cultural adventures and this historic hotel is a hugely powerful addition."

St. Ermin’s Hotel, London
St. Ermin’s, converted from a Victorian apartment block to a hotel in 1899, is located within a short walk of Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, St. James’s Park and numerous other central London landmarks and attractions.  The hotel, which is Grade II listed and boasts numerous original Victorian characteristics, enjoys an illustrious history.  It  served as the headquarters of the British Secret Service during World War II, and given its proximity to the Houses of Parliament, has been a popular political meeting venue for many years. Retaining its classic architecture, evocative Art Nouveau styling and Rococco plasterwork, the St Ermin’s has been given a distinctive, modern and highly textural look and feel, offering guests a contemporary version of ‘The Grand Tour’ that infused the English great house style.  Hand-picked antiques and collectables sit together with modern pieces to provide a warm, sophisticated London welcome.  The hotel was fully refurbished between 2010 and 2012.

To celebrate the inauguration of St. Ermin’s into the Autograph Collection, the hotel is offering an exclusive package for a limited time. Beginning 15th May and running through 7th August 2013, St. Ermin’s will offer a twenty percent discount off published rates for a three night weekend stay (Thursday through Sunday) including breakfast, 2,000 Marriott Rewards Bonus Points, a £40 food and drink credit and room taxes. To book this exclusive package, please use reservation code MLL.

You can learn more about these new Autograph Collection travel experiences and find out exactly what your own personal signature says about you by visiting the new “What Does Your Autograph Say About You?” app on the Autograph Collection Facebook page, www.facebook.com/autographcollection.

All Autograph Collection hotels participate in Marriott Rewards, Marriott International’s award-winning guest loyalty program, where guests can earn points at more than 3,200 hotels in 68 countries. In addition to their placement on Marriott.com, each property is showcased in its own unique way on the Collection’s award winning standalone site, www.autographhotels.com.

Autograph Collection hotels can be found in an increasing number of key travel destinations around the world including The Algonquin and The Carlton hotels in New York, The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, the Boscolo Budapest Hotel, the newly opened The Stones Hotel - Legian in Indonesia, The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa in Colorado, and the AC Baqueira Ski Resort in Spain.

About Autograph Collection
The Autograph Collection is an evolving ensemble of strikingly independent hotels. Each destination has been selected for its quality, bold originality, rich character and uncommon details. From near to far, iconic to historic, the result is an array of properties that is nothing less than unique, nothing short of collectively exceptional. For more information please visit www.autographhotels.com

About Marriott International
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 catherine.leitner@marriott.com

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Marriott Hotels Expands Global Portfolio with Flagship Brand’s First Property in Novosibirsk, Russia

175-Room Marriott Novosibirsk Hotel to Open in 2014.

London – Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) has signed a management agreement with CJSC Globus to open its first property in Novosibirsk, Russia, the 175-room Marriott Novosibirsk Hotel.  The Marriott Novosibirsk will be a new addition to the Marriott Hotels & Resorts flagship brand and is expected to open in 2014.  Joining Marriott executives and VIPs for the official signing ceremony was the Mayor of Novosibirsk, Mr. Vladimir Gorodetsky.

The announcement follows the recent signing of the Courtyard by Marriott Ulyanovsk and grows the current pipeline in Russia to nine new properties over the next 3 years.  Other upcoming openings include the 234-room Moscow Marriott Novy Arbat in 2014, and the Courtyard by Marriott Sochi Plaza Hotel and Krasnaya Polyana Marriott Hotel in Sochi, host city of the 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

“Last October we announced plans to grow our portfolio in Russia and Commonwealth of Independent States by more than 50 percent by 2015 and signing the Marriott Novosibirsk Hotel is another important step in reaching that goal,” said Amy McPherson, president and managing director of Marriott International in Europe.  “We are excited about the growth in travel throughout the region and the expanding demand for our hotels and brands.”

Novosibirsk is the capital of the Siberian Federal District and Russia’s third largest city after Moscow and St Petersburg.  A vibrant hub of commerce and culture, the city is an important centre for governmental affairs and industry but also boasts an extraordinary host of cultural institutions.  Known as the cultural capital of Siberia, Novosibirsk’s State Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet, Novosibirsk Philharmonic Hall and M.I. Glinka State Conservatory are internationally acclaimed.  Visitors to the city can also explore its many cultural heritage sites and architectural and historical monuments as well as museums and theatres.

The Marriott Novosibirsk will be positioned in a prime location on Lenin Square opposite the city’s iconic Opera House.  Featuring sophisticated guestrooms, a leisure club, indoor pool and 454 square feet of meeting space, the hotel is expected to be popular with both business and leisure travellers.  Additional hotel facilities include a casual dining restaurant, a Lobby Lounge & Bar, and business centre.

About Marriott Hotels & Resorts
Marriott Hotels & Resorts continues to inspire and provide 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
 
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 helen.taylor@marriott.com

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Courtyard by Marriott Continues Eastern European Expansion with New Hotel in Russia

London – As Marriott International (NYSE:MAR) continues its expansion throughout Europe, the company has announced plans to open its first hotel in Ulyanovsk, Russia, the 135-room Courtyard by Marriott Ulyanovsk.  The official signing ceremony took place in the presence of the Governor of the Ulyanovsk region, Mr. Sergey Morozov.  The hotel, which will be built to the new Courtyard by Marriott brand European prototype, will operate under a management agreement with LLC New City and is expected to open in 2015.
 
“The signing of the Courtyard Ulyanovsk is an exciting development as we continue to grow our footprint in Russia and expand into new areas,” said Amy McPherson, president and managing director for Marriott International in Europe.   “We continue to see great opportunity for expansion throughout Eastern Europe, particularly with our Courtyard by Marriott brand, which is specifically designed to address the needs of business travellers.”

Ulyanovsk is famous as the birthplace of Vladimir Lenin and today serves as a hub of industry and commerce with aerospace, automobile and mechanical engineering being the mainstay industries.  The city is located approximately 890 kilometres south-east of Moscow on the banks of the Volga River, and very well connected by two airports just a short distance from the hotel. 

The Courtyard Ulyanovsk will be located in the commercial centre of the city and just a short drive from its historic heart.  Its prime location on the bank of the Sviyaga River offers a green and attractive setting.

Boasting the contemporary interior design and enhanced functionality of the new Courtyard by Marriott prototype designed to appeal to the European traveller, the hotel’s 135 guestrooms will feature clean lines and natural light.  Designed to promote productivity, the rooms will be equipped with ample work space, task lighting and multiple, accessible outlets making plugging in easy.

The hotel’s stylish and contemporary lobby will support the business traveller’s needs for dining, meeting and socialising with flexible seating, an interactive GoBoard™ screen featuring the latest news, weather and local information and a 24-hour market.  The hotel will also feature an all-day bistro restaurant with menu items adapted to local tastes and demand.  Additional hotel facilities include a large 2,130 square feet meeting room divisible by four, a business lounge and a fitness room.

The first Courtyard by Marriott hotel built to the new European prototype is the Courtyard Aberdeen Airport, Scotland, opening this summer.

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. 

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Courtyard by Marriott Brand to Open First Hotel in Colombia

Marriott International (NYSE:MAR) announced today plans to open the first Courtyard by Marriott brand hotel in Bogota, Colombia’s largest financial, political, and cultural center, also known as one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in South America. The deal was signed with close affiliates of Inrama S.A., a prominent construction company in Colombia with over 37 years of experience and a portfolio that includes the largest shopping center in Bogota and some of the most sought after office space and residential units. 

The hotel, opening in April 2014, will be the 146-room Courtyard hotel on the prestigious Avenida El Dorado, making it the closest hotel to the recently inaugurated new terminal at El Dorado International Airport, and will also be part of a mixed-use complex which will include prime office and retail space.

“The Courtyard by Marriott brand was a perfect fit for this hotel and, combined with Marriott’s backbone and sales engine, we are confident that the hotel will be highly successful and play a large role in the continued emergence of Colombia,” said Jorge Rincón, General Manager of Optimus S.A..

"The new Courtyard by Marriott in Bogota will be a significant milestone in our rapid expansion across Latin America," said Craig S. Smith, President of the Caribbean & Latin America at Marriott International. "The hotel will feature a modern, functional design while embracing Colombia's vibrant culture and the amenities travelers trust from our globally renowned Marriott International brands."

“With the success of the brand across Latin America, the Courtyard by Marriott brand has become a favorite amongst regional travelers”, says Laurent de Kousemaeker, Chief Development Officer for Marriott International, Inc. in the Caribbean & Latin America. “The El Dorado airport recently underwent a multimillion dollar renovation and is considered among the key hubs in Latin America, making the hotel at Avenida El Dorado an excellent option for the modern regional business traveler.”

The hotel will feature the brand’s refreshing business lobby, lobby bar, a casual dining restaurant, flexible meeting space and recreational facilities including a swimming pool and sauna.  Additionally, it will include the brand’s new modern guestroom design.

Marriott International is currently represented in Colombia by the 264-room JW Marriott Hotel Bogota and the 239-room Bogota Marriott Hotel. Currently there are two hotels under development in the country: the 278-room Cartagena Marriott Hotel and the 170-room Cali Marriott Hotel, both scheduled to open in 2014.

The Courtyard by Marriott brand features hotels with a refreshing environment that helps guests stay connected, productive and balanced while traveling.   Intuitive services and design accommodate guests’ desire for choice and control and allow them to use the public space and guest rooms to meet all of their needs while on the road.  With more than 900 locations in 37 countries, Courtyard has more locations than any other Marriott International brand.

For more information about the brand, visit www.courtyard.com.

Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA with more than 3,700 properties in 75 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, Gaylord Hotels, 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.

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 laura.botelho@marriott.com and nina.herrera-davila@marriott.com

 

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