Snow Cones: The Venerable Summer Treat

Getting A Delicious Artisanal Makeover At The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C.

Remember those long ago hot summer days when nothing tasted better or cooled you down faster than a slushy snow cone, frozen mounds packed into little white cone cups. Why not experience that great memory with a very definite adult twist?

No need to chase the snow cone truck down your street, beginning June 1st The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C. Lobby Bar and Lounge will be featuring a revolving menu of libation-tastic snow cones that come in several vodka and herb infused topped flavors including Lemonade Thyme, Strawberry Basil, and Blueberry Mojito. Think granita with an extra flavorful kick – it’s frozen, it’s fun and it’s the drink of the season.

For the junior Ritz-Carlton guest and those who crave this summer cooler with lots of fresh flavor but a little less “kick,” a revolving menu of non-alcoholic versions will be available opening with Cotton Candy.

For more information or reservations for The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C., please call the hotel directly at (202) 835-0500, a travel professional, or visit www.ritzcarlton.com/en/properties/washingtondc.
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Contacts:
Colleen Evans/Michele Klarman
The Ritz-Carlton Hotels of Washington, D.C. The Ritz-Carlton Hotels of Washington, D.C.
(240) 888 - 6920/(202) 974-4973
Colleen.Evans@ritzcarlton.com Michele.Klarman@ritzcartlton.com

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The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal to Open as Second Canadian Jewel in the Hotel Company Portfolio

The Grande Dame of Sherbrooke Street reclaims its place among luxury hotels

Chevy Chase, Md. On Monday, May 28, 2012, the iconic Ritz-Carlton, Montreal will reopen after an extensive $200 million restoration combining the latest amenities with the splendour of the past. The Grande Dame of Sherbrooke Street is back in all her glory.

“We are extremely proud to reopen this emblem of the very best Montreal has to offer," said Andrew Torriani, president and general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal. “The hotel today is a showcase of modern luxury, but it has not lost the discreet charm of the past or the patina of history.”

For Montreal’s mayor, Gérald Tremblay, “The Ritz-Carlton is reclaiming its rightful place here in Montreal and among the guests who stay there. Since it opened in 1912, the hotel has been one of the most elegant addresses in our city and the jewel of the storied Golden Square Mile, close to high-end boutiques, galleries and museums. Our city has changed a great deal—for the better. The reopening of The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal makes a notable contribution to what makes our city different.”

“The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal will achieve a level of luxury that has not been seen before in Montreal," said Herve Humler, President and C.O.O. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC.  "The hotel will put Montreal on the map as a first-tier destination for business and leisure travelers."

A first-class transformation
Under the direction of Quebec architectural firm Provencher Roy + Associés, the iconic Montreal hotel underwent an exhaustive transformation. The building’s facade was preserved and restored, public spaces were renovated and upgraded, and the guestrooms were redesigned to feature the very best in luxury and comfort. The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal now has 98 rooms and 31 suites. The 4,700-square-foot Royal Suite is the largest hotel suite in Montreal.

“The restoration of the hotel and its reconfiguration posed a challenge: that of adopting a contemporary design while maintaining a harmonious dialogue with the original building. We therefore integrated the principles of the celebrated Venice Charter into our concept, as well as recommendations made in the heritage study of the Ritz-Carlton Montreal under the supervision of Jean-Claude Marsan,” said Claude Provencher, the project’s architect.

The building’s façade was preserved and restored, as were the Lobby, the Palm Court, the Oval Room and the hotel’s famed garden. Many decorative details from 1912, such as marble fireplaces in some of the suites, reflect this masterful blend of old and new.

The guestrooms also feature high-tech amenities, such as thermostats that intuitively remember a guest’s temperature preferences upon check-in, and motion sensors that activate lights when guests enter a dark room.

Sophisticated contemporary amenities
The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal offers guests a wealth of amenities at their fingertips. The 10,000 square feet of meeting space are flexible and offer event planners the possibility of accommodating up to 300 people. Guests can dine at acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud’s restaurant, Maison Boulud, in the 130-seat dining room, the 46-seat year-round greenhouse, or on the new terrace on Sherbrooke Street. They can enjoy afternoon tea in the hotel’s impeccable gardens, work out at the gym or take a dip in the new indoor salt-water pool.

“Those who were familiar with The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal before the transformation will find the same attentive service and stately atmosphere, along with the new high-end amenities found in contemporary luxury hotels. Those who are discovering the hotel for the first time will enjoy a unique experience featuring impeccable service in a stunning setting and outstanding comfort,” concluded Mr. Torriani.

About the Ritz-Carlton Montreal
The Ritz-Carlton Montreal is the most prestigious address in Montreal, with 129 entirely redesigned guestrooms and suites, as well as 46 new luxury residences. The hotel’s restaurant was designed by Super Potato, one of the world’s most highly reputed restaurant design firms. Chef Daniel Boulud manages the restaurant operations with his company, Dinex Group. 

The Ritz-Carlton Montreal is located in the heart of the Golden Square Mile, home to Montreal’s elite in the early twentieth century. A symbol of refinement and elegance, the hotel has welcomed some of the world’s best-known heads of state, artists and business magnates. Several of the 20th century’s leading figures have stayed there, including the Queen Mother, Winston Churchill, Charles de Gaulle, Richard Nixon, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Brian Mulroney, George Bush Sr., the Rolling Stones and Celine Dion, as well as Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, who celebrated their first marriage at the hotel.

About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 79 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).

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“Live Like A First Kid” At The Ritz-Carlton Hotels Of Washington, D.C.

Ever wonder what it would be like to be the child of the President of the United States or a foreign dignitary? The Ritz-Carlton Hotels of Washington, D.C. have created a package that’s just about as close as you can get to experiencing for 24 hours just how the kids of the First Family and heads of state “roll” in Washington, D.C. – just in time for this election year!

Live Like A First Kid Package
Valid through September 3, 2012
Package priced starting from $4,995 per night

The Live Like A First Kid Package includes:

• Overnight in two bedroom Presidential Suite, the chosen home away from home of visiting celebrities and dignitaries
• Personal “secret service like” detail/escort in chauffeured luxury SUV of Washington, D.C. monuments and attractions with VIP access. Our security detail knows every shortcut and side door and makes sure that his “First Kid” never has to wait in line
• VIP tour of the Newseum – the Newseum will personally tailor a special tour highlighting presidential themed exhibits.  The Newseum’s 14 major galleries and 15 theaters will immerse you in the world’s greatest news stories
• Behind the scenes tour of Mt. Vernon Plantation – see the home of the “First President.” First Kid and guests of Mount Vernon can visit the Mansion, a dozen original structures, Washington’s Tomb, and nearly 50 acres of his extensive plantation, which include beautiful gardens and restored landscapes
• Private tour of Georgetown Cupcake – includes cupcake decorating class, a meet and greet with founders Sophie and Katherine, signed copy of The Cupcake Diaries, DC Cupcake souvenirs, and a dozen gift-wrapped cupcakes to take home. Georgetown Cupcake was founded by sisters Katherine Kallinis and Sophie LaMontagne. Both lifelong bakers, inspired by their grandmothers, Katherine and Sophie opened Georgetown Cupcake in February 2008 as D.C.’s first and only cupcakery. Watch Katherine and Sophie in action in DC CUPCAKES, their new TV series on TLC!
• Private viewing of VIP autograph book signed by heads of state and celebrities which includes signatures, quotes and even cartoon drawings by President Barack Obama, President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, President Jimmy Carter, President George Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush, Jay-Z, Steve and Terri Erwin, FC Barcelona, and more. Learn the background and history behind these signatures from the hotel’s in-house celebrity and dignitary expert (available only at The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, DC)
• Kids personal yoga class in The Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown “Urban Garden” (available only at The Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown, Washington, DC)
• Back of the house hotel tour with hotel security to see how the president and heads of state arrive and exit
• Michelle Obama Shortbread Cookie Amenity. Mrs. Obama’s cookies were a big deal at the 2009 inauguration, and around the country – so big, in fact, that this hotel was handing out jars of the cookies to inaugural revelers. The cookies – 8,000 of them – were created by an interesting public-private partnership, which was predictive of Obama administration ideals. Culinary training students from DC Central Kitchen baked the Ritz shortbread cookies!
• Keepsake monogram pillowcases with official Presidential seal
• Full American Breakfast for up to 2 adults and 2 children – in your suite or in the hotel’s restaurant
• Ritz Kids VIP patriotic backpack
• Hotel scavenger hunt with special prize
• Complimentary internet
• Complimentary In-House movie
• Overnight Valet Parking
• 2 p.m. check-out

For more information or to place a reservation for The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C. please call (202) 263-6338, or have your Travel Professional contact the hotel directly.

For more information or to place a reservation for The Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown, Washington, D.C. please call (202) 912-4159, or have your Travel Professional contact the hotel directly.

Connect with colleen.evans@ritzcarlton.com and michele.klarman@ritzcarlton.com

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Luxury Goes Mobile; The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. Debuts Mobile App With Personal Tips From President & C.O.O., Herve Humler

Not content to launch an app with basic functionalities, The Ritz-Carlton App serves up exclusive tips, tours and integrates with the brand’s other social platforms such as Foursquare, World Concierge.

The long anticipated Ritz-Carlton Mobile App will more than surprise users.  Always anticipating the unexpressed needs of guests and travelers worldwide, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. debuts a mobile application that goes well beyond basic hotel search and reservation functionality, initiating a distinctive experience before a hotel visit has even begun.

Most notably, The Ritz-Carlton App includes Presidential Tips.  As president of the luxury hotel company, Herve Humler has seen and experienced all that is so unique and exquisite about Ritz-Carlton hotels – from a secluded garden in Sanya to a one-of-a-kind Viennese crystal chandelier in Doha, he shares his favorite tips about each hotel with consumers.

“In my role, I am fortunate to be able to visit all of our stunning locations around the world,” said Herve Humler, president and COO . “I want to enrich the Ritz-Carlton experience for our guests further with details about the things I have found to be quite unique and memorable in my travels.  With The Ritz-Carlton App I can now do that very easily and in real-time.”

Imagine arriving at a destination with special access to VIP insider information.  Using The Ritz-Carlton App for Apple iPhones and Android smart phone devices, guests can turn their stay into something truly extraordinary.  To learn Presidential Tips, guests simply use the App to scan a QR code at the time of check-in. 

In addition, The Ritz-Carlton App will debut with 20 hotels providing QR code experience tours on-property. Examples among the first hotels to launch are:
• The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, where guests can participate in a Cultural Art tour led by QR codes that will allow them to learn more about the hotel’s art collection.
• The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, where guests will be able to learn more about wine pairings at the Highest Hotel in the World.
• The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin, where young guests will be able to enjoy a digital scavenger hunt, led exclusively by QR codes and clues at each stop.
• The Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park, the hotel’s signature 10-year anniversary cocktail will be served on a napkin that features a special QR code; it holds the cocktail’s recipe for guests to take home with them.

But the unique aspects of the app don’t stop at exclusive tips and tours. GPS technology also allows the application to recognize when a guest has arrived at a Ritz-Carlton and can provide location specific advice, information and even exclusive offers.  With the tap of the finger, guests can learn more about local area culture and customs, concierge tips and even the hotel’s art collection.  The App also integrates The Ritz-Carlton World Concierge global recommendations from Four Square, the social media platform. New destination and landmark tips are populated by Ritz-Carlton Concierge experts all over the world every week.

Engaging the capabilities of the App, guests can also easily keep up with a resort’s activity calendar so they’ll never miss a wine tasting, s’mores roast or activity for the children.  And, just in case they need reminding, they can enable push notifications directly to the App’s message mailbox.

Find, explore and reserve any Ritz-Carlton Hotel around the world with one touch.  Make reservations, check itineraries, and even manage Ritz-Carlton Rewards accounts in a simple, convenient format.

Download the Ritz-Carlton App at www.RitzCarlton.com/App now available globally.

Let us navigate your journey.  Let us stay with you.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 77 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 allison.sitch@marriott.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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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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Marriott International and Galaxy Entertainment Group Announce the Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott Hotels in Macau

First All-Suite Ritz-Carlton Hotel and 1,000-plus room JW Marriott Hotel Scheduled to Open In 2015.

Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) and Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) today announced they have signed long-term management agreements for more than 1,300 rooms, suites and floating villas at two landmark luxury hotels operated by Marriott International brands to anchor the second phase of the Galaxy Macau™: The Ritz-Carlton, Macau and the JW Marriott Hotel Macau.

The two hotels are expected to be Marriott International’s first in Macau. The company expects to open a hotel a month in China over the next three years. At the end of the first quarter, Marriott’s pipeline of hotels either under or approved for construction in China was 54 hotels and 17,000 rooms.

Galaxy Macau has established itself as the key leisure and resort destination in Macau offering three world-class hotels and more than 55 restaurants, cafes, bars and lounges in Phase 1 of their Macau development. The addition of the first all-suite Ritz-Carlton hotel and what will be the world’s largest JW Marriott hotel when it opens in Phase 2 of Galaxy Macau will establish a strong presence for Marriott International in this key destination.

“We are very excited to be launching our brands in Macau,” said Simon Cooper, president and managing director Marriott International, Asia. “Macau is a compelling and dynamic market and we have invested a great deal of time identifying the right partner and property for The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott hotels. GEG and the Lui family are bold innovators who understand the market and their customers intrinsically; for us they are the perfect partners.

“We fully subscribe to GEG’s ‘World Class, Asian Heart’ philosophy which resonates with Marriott International's core values and The Ritz-Carlton hallmark Gold Standards. China is our second largest market outside North America and opening two of our premier brands on the same site in such a fast growing market is a major commitment, underscoring our confidence in both Macau and Galaxy.”

"To complement Phase 1’s exceptional hotel offering we are extremely pleased to be introducing Marriott International’s globally recognised luxury hotel brands including the first ever all-suite The Ritz-Carlton and the world’s largest JW Marriott upon completion in 2015,” said Dr. Che-woo Lui, Chairman of GEG. “Marriott International’s core values and The Ritz-Carlton hallmark Gold Standards underpinned by a strong understanding of Asian customers' tastes and preferences complements Galaxy’s ‘World Class, Asian Heart’ service philosophy.”

The Ritz-Carlton, Macau will feature 250 one- and two-bedroom suites, including the stylish The Ritz-Carlton suite. Designed in a traditional Ritz-Carlton style, the hotel will be sought out by those who value luxury and innovation combined with incomparable levels of privacy and intimacy. The hotel will offer the impeccable levels of service for which the brand is famous around the world, and will be located on the top floors of the Galaxy Macau.

The hotel’s restaurants will include a lavish all-private-dining Chinese restaurant, the lobby lounge and bar, a pool bar and the Ritz Bar with spectacular views over the Cotai skyline.

The hotel will also feature an outdoor rooftop pool with Jacuzzi and eight private cabanas. Guests will be truly able to get away from it all in a luxuriously stylish setting with the emphasis on relaxation and privacy. An exceptional spa will offer the very best in massage therapy in a stylishly designed setting.

The JW Marriott Hotel Macau will feature nearly 1,100 rooms and suites, including the stunning Presidential Suite. The hotel’s signature restaurant will be Chinese and feature a selection of private dining rooms for guests to choose from. In addition, the hotel will also offer a stylish three-meal restaurant, with guests having direct access to the wide variety of restaurants in the Galaxy Macau development.

A stunning pool will allow guests to relax in a tranquil and peaceful setting, while the spa will enable guests to relax in a stylish environment. The hotel will also feature a fully equipped fitness centre, and a salon.

The Ritz-Carlton and JW hotels will also offer additional space for meetings, events and banquets - including individual ballrooms on the ground floor of each hotel - that will have a capacity to accommodate approximately 2,000 guests. This will appeal very much to the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibition) market and the hotels will be able to cater directly to the individual needs of groups booking at either or both hotels allowing great flexibility and access to a wide range of facilities across the properties.

The projected 2015 opening of The Ritz-Carlton and JW hotels in Macau are part of Phase 2 of Galaxy Macau’s “World Class, Asian Heart” Macau development.

NOTE: The statements about the opening dates for the new hotels are “forward looking statements" within the meaning of federal securities laws, not historical facts, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including supply and demand changes for hotel rooms; competitive conditions in the lodging industry; relationships with clients and property owners; the availability of capital to finance hotel growth; and other risk factors identified in Marriott International, Inc.'s most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q; any of which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by our statements. These statements are made as of the date of this press release, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About 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. 

Connect with daniel.ford@marriott.com

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Marriott International Gives Glimpse Into The Future At First Global General Managers Conference In Five Years

LOS ANGELES, CA – Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) hosted more than 1,300 attendees from around the world to unveil future innovation and growth plans for its full-service portfolio and to celebrate an 85-year legacy of service. Aptly named "Brand New World," the conference represents the first time property leaders and Marriott senior executives have gathered together since 2005. Marriott International brands participating in the conference include The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott Hotels, Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, EDITION, Renaissance Hotels, Autograph Collection and Marriott Executive Apartments.

“It is exciting to see how much we’ve grown since our last meeting and to share all of the new and innovative things we are doing now and are planning for the future,” said Arne Sorenson, president and chief executive officer of Marriott International, Inc. “We expect to open roughly 30,000 rooms this year and our development pipeline totals 110,000 rooms, which implies continued strong unit growth well beyond 2012. We are bullish about the long-term growth prospects for both Marriott and the global lodging industry. With a growing middle class and rapid economic growth in many emerging markets, global demand is increasing steadily. Our products are high quality, our guest satisfaction is very high, and our brands are preferred by owners and franchisees. New hotel openings and renovations of existing hotels continue to energize our brands, and with new designs and services, we continue to find great ways to engage our guests.”

News on Marriott International’s full service brands includes:

The Ritz-Carlton, a name synonymous with luxury, will continue its path of global expansion with plans to take the brand into countries such as Austria and Israel for the first time. With other openings in key gateway destinations such as Okinawa, Vienna, Abu Dhabi, Tianjin, Chengdu and Herzilya, The Ritz-Carlton expects to grow its hotel portfolio to more than 85 hotels within the next 12 months. This growth comes at a time when the brand is also renewing its exceptional service promise. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company continues to showcase the core service philosophy that makes them a successful luxury lodging company. Disrupting convention in the category, The Ritz-Carlton poses an alternative style of question to guests, asking ‘Let Us Stay With You’, thereby reversing the age-old approach of hotels asking guests to stay with them. Through the use of artwork, film, messaging, and digital experience platforms, guests are asked to allow The Ritz-Carlton to be much more than just a hotel; indeed to be that indelible memory that lasts a lifetime. www.ritzcarlton.com

JW Marriott Hotels, a luxury brand and namesake of the company’s founder, 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. JW Marriott properties provide highly crafted, anticipatory experiences that reflect their locale and are delivered with an intuitive response to personal expectation. Recent news from the brand includes the introduction of several extraordinary partnerships that offer JW Marriott guests the opportunity to experience the best of culture, culinary, and well-being. Partners include exclusive relationships with CHRISTIES, Inc., Aromatherapy Associates, Keri Glassman, Treasury Wine Estates and Dr. Pamela Peeke. There are currently 53 JW Marriott hotels operating in 22 countries, with hotels expected to open by year-end 2012 in Mexico, Peru, India and Azerbaijan. By 2015 the portfolio is expected to encompass 80 properties in 29 countries. Learn more at www.jwmarriott.com.

With the goal of offering a contemporary, elegant collection of luxury hotels in gateway cities and exclusive resort locations around the world, Bulgari Hotels & Resorts was introduced in 2001.  Today, Bulgari’s exquisite resort destinations in Milan and Bali offer au courant Italian lifestyle experiences. The Bulgari Hotel & Residences, London is expected to open in spring 2012. www.bulgarihotels.com

EDITION, a luxury lifestyle hotel brand created in partnership with Ian Schrager, is on track to have six hotels operating in major global gateway cities by 2015. With the January announcement of one of Manhattan's most beloved buildings, the Metropolitan Life Tower “Clock Tower,” newly announced hotel contracts in Bangkok and Abu Dhabi, as well as two hotels under construction in London and Miami Beach, EDITION expects to have hotels on three continents within three years. There is currently one EDITION Hotel open -- The Istanbul EDITION. EDITION combines the personal, intimate, individualized and unique experiences which Ian Schrager is known for, with the global reach and operational expertise of Marriott International. www.editionhotels.com

Marriott Hotels & Resorts, the signature brand of Marriott International, announced this week a collaboration with Steelcase and IDEO to revolutionize hosted work environments in its hotels and to start a dialogue around the evolving needs and mindset of Gen X and Gen Y global business travelers. The Future of Meetings Innovation Lab at the conference showcased ten meeting and work space prototypes that are currently in development. General Managers from around the world had the opportunity to experience these prototypes first-hand, offer immediate feedback and help co-create meeting spaces of the future in real time. The unveiling at the conference represents the first phase of the collaboration among Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Steelcase and IDEO, as the brand demonstrates its deep commitment to re-imagining hospitality for a new generation of global travelers. Marriott Hotels & Resorts is the company’s largest brand by number of hotel rooms globally with hotels, resorts and conference centers in more than 50 countries. www.marriotthotels.com

Renaissance Hotels, the original Lifestyle brand within the portfolio, expects to add nine new hotels this year in key destinations worldwide including Istanbul, Shanghai and Kiev. This planned expansion will further expand Renaissance Hotels’ current portfolio of lifestyle hotels to encompass nearly 160 hotels in 35 countries. In addition to its continued growth, Renaissance Hotels continues to offer guests the opportunity to discover the best of entertainment through its signature RLife LIVE program, one of the hospitality industry’s leading entertainment platforms. RLife LIVE is well recognized for featuring the best of new and emerging musical talent into the hotel for guest and locals. www.renhotels.com

Autograph Collection, Marriott’s expanding portfolio of independent hotels that provides individualist travelers with unique experiences, recently announced the addition of The Saint in New Orleans, as well as the iconic Blue Moon and Winter Haven hotels in Miami Beach to its growing lineup. Each of the hotels is the first to join Autograph Collection in their respective cities. With these properties, the collection has accumulated an impressive 32 hotels in its portfolio since its launch in 2010, with plans to add more than 50 properties by the end of 2012 in various key markets worldwide. Along with the continued expansion of the Collection, Autograph also continues to receive rave reviews for its one-of-a-kind website, www.autographhotels.com, developed to inspire the independent traveler.

Marriott Executive Apartments is Marriott’s only serviced corporate apartment brand offering the convenience of 5-star, full-service hotel facilities with the space, ambience and privacy of upscale residential living and the assurance and security of a Marriott experience. Marriot Executive Apartments properties, which are all located outside of North America, offer studio to three-bedroom apartments and are designed for executive expats staying 30+ nights, usually on temporary assignment or relocation. Each property is influenced by local design elements and features state-of-the-art facilities and technology. There are currently 22 Marriott Executive Apartments locations in 15 countries with plans to nearly double over the next five years. Visit www.marriottexecutiveapartments.com

NOTE: The statements about the future additions of hotels are “forward looking statements" within the meaning of federal securities laws, not historical facts, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including supply and demand changes for hotel rooms; competitive conditions in the lodging industry; relationships with clients and property owners; the availability of capital to finance hotel growth; and other risk factors identified in Marriott International, Inc.'s most recent annual report on Form 10-K; any of which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by our statements. These statements are made as of the date of this press release, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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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Stays at The Ritz-Carlton Rewarded with a Complimentary Night

Chevy Chase, MD – Members of The Ritz-Carlton Rewards can experience even more of the extraordinary in 2012. Those who make two paid stays between February 1 and April 15, 2012, will receive a complimentary night at any tier 1-3 Ritz-Carlton hotel.  Ritz-Carlton Rewards members can earn up to two complimentary nights.

Registration for the promotion by The Ritz-Carlton Rewards members must take place between January 13 and March 1, 2012.  For more information and to register, visit http://www.RitzCarltonRewards.com/Twice or call 888-674-5578 in the U.S.

The Ritz-Carlton Rewards points can be used to pay for free stays, spa treatments, golf and many other extraordinary experiences offered at Ritz-Carlton hotels worldwide. 

The Ritz-Carlton Rewards offers members the benefits of program partners including Abercrombie and Kent, Neiman Marcus, and photography workshops by National Geographic Expeditions.  The Ritz-Carlton Rewards is free to join and points can be earned and redeemed at Ritz-Carlton hotels & resorts as well as at 3,500 partner hotels around the world.  Members can also earn and redeem points with more than 30 international air carriers.  For more information about the offer or to become a member, please visit www.ritzcarltonrewards.com.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, Maryland, currently operates 77 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean.

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 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)

Terms and Conditions
Registration is required. The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® members who register for this promotion by March 1, 2012 will earn one certificate for a complimentary night at a Tier 1-3 hotel after the completion of two paid stays between February 1 and April 15, 2012, up to a maximum of two complimentary night certificates. An earned complimentary 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. Certificates will expire one year from date of issuance and other restrictions apply. A stay is defined as consecutive nights spent at the same hotel, regardless of check-in/check-out activity. Only one room per hotel per stay is counted toward earning for this promotion. Promotion excludes The Ritz-Carlton Millennia, Singapore, The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal, Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club®, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, and Partner Hotels. Members of The Ritz-Carlton Rewards program as of January 13, 2012 and new members who were not previously members of the Marriott Rewards® program are eligible to receive this offer. Offer is non-transferable, subject to availability, does not apply to groups, and cannot be combined with any other offer. All Ritz-Carlton Rewards terms and conditions apply.

Connect with allison.sitch@ritzcarlton.com

 

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The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. Announces First Hotel in Austria

CHEVY CHASE, Md.- December 20, 2011 – The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., a leader in luxury hospitality, has announced plans to continue its global expansion with the brand’s first hotel in the capital city of Vienna. The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna is owned by an investor represented by Verny Capital. Earlier this year, they also completed the acquisition of The Ritz-Carlton, Moscow.

The 202-room hotel is located on Schubertring, the historic and famous site of numerous monumental buildings built during 1860 to 1890. Home of the Vienna State Opera and the Museum of Fine Arts, Vienna is well known for its essential role as a leading European Classical Music Centre.

The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna is located in two 19th century palaces which are listed as culturally protected properties in Austria. The location is among the most desirable locations in the city for a luxury hotel.

“We are honored to have been selected by Verny Capital to assume management of this incredible hotel,” said Herve Humler, president and chief operating officer, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.  “We have viewed many sites in Vienna over the years and believe this location will offer our sophisticated travelers an exciting new place to explore and enjoy. The Ringstrasse, as it is known, encircles the old city of Vienna. Constructed in the late 19th century this prime location, combined with the exemplary service for which The Ritz-Carlton is known, will produce memorable stays for all our guests when it opens in the second quarter of 2012.”
 
“We are delighted that The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company will be entering the Austrian market in association with us” said Timur Issatayev of Verny Capital. “Our selection of The Ritz-Carlton is based on a very strict assessment of the company’s renowned stature in the hospitality industry and our existing relationship with them.”

Asked about additional growth in the region for Ritz-Carlton, Humler added, “We continue to explore other opportunities and destinations in Europe. With the region’s strong travel and tourism industry, we see expansion in Europe, with the right hotels in the right locations, to be an essential part of our future strategy.”

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 77 luxury 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@riztcarlton.com

 

 

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