Marriott International’s Family Of Brands “Serve The World” Every Day

Major Conference in Orlando Puts Focus on Global Leadership and Local Community Ties.

ORLANDO, Florida – More than 2000 hotels across five of the company’s 18 brands, Marriott International’s select service and extended stay portfolio is bringing scale and global reach to address the local challenges of hunger and homelessness, the wellness and well-being of children, and disaster relief. This week more than 3000 hotel General Managers representing Courtyard by Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott, SpringHill Suites by Marriott, TownePlace Suites by Marriott and Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott will convene at the Orlando Marriott World Center. In addition to training and teambuilding, all participants will volunteer to support their communities through service projects that have been adopted by each brand. On Saturday, June 1st, the conference keynote speaker will be former President Bill Clinton, whose Clinton Global Initiative tackles many of the same global issues addressed by these brands.

“Marriott has a decades-long commitment to serve our world,” said Brian King, Global Brand Officer – Marriott Endorsed Brands. “Our hotel associates demonstrate their ‘spirit to serve’ throughout the year as they volunteer in local communities around the world. Each brand has a unique personality and purpose which comes through in their signature global cause partnerships. This conference demonstrates how our hotels can improve people’s lives and the state of the world through everyday acts of service.”

• On May 31, more than 600 Residence Inn general managers will receive emergency preparedness training as part of the brand's new alliance with the American Red Cross as the first hotel partner in the Disaster Responder Program.  The participants will complete a Citizen CPR training program and experience an immersion training where they will learn to build a shelter and understand the needs of disaster victims through role plays.  As an extended stay brand, Residence Inn hotels help people year round who are displaced from their homes by fire and flooding or natural disasters such as Hurricanes Sandy and Katrina.  Throughout the remainder of the year, Residence Inn hotels can participate locally in the Ready Rating™ Program, host a blood drive, participate in the Holiday Mail for Heroes program, and support the needs of their local American Red Cross Chapter.

• The same day general managers, representing the Fairfield Inn and Suites brand of nearly 700 hotels, will be painting homes in the Orlando area as part of the brand’s long-standing partnership with Habitat for Humanity to help provide decent, affordable housing for families in need. Since 1995, Fairfield Inn associates have helped build countless homes in the US and Canada. Through the Fairfield Inn and Suites Hospitality at Home program, thousands of associates have provided volunteer service, donated products from hotel renovations, provided financial contributions and have volunteered countless hours at their local Habitat ReStores, as a part of our Commitment to Serve our Communities.

• Furthermore on May 31, 200 general managers from the TownePlace Suites brand will make colorful, comforting blankets for children being cared for at the Orlando-area children’s hospital. The “warm hugs” from TownePlace will be going to all patients at the 158-bed Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. Every winter for the past four years, more than 200 TownePlace Suites hotels have donated more than 10,000 handmade blankets to hundreds of hospitals across the United States and Canada.

• On June 1, managers representing more than 900 Courtyard hotels around the world will assemble nearly 200 bicycles for the local Orlando Boys & Girls club.  This excellent effort will help enable children from disadvantaged circumstances to realize their full potential.  Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Courtyard dedicates itself to ensuring the success of youth. As a testament, two Courtyard managers demonstrate this commitment prior to the conference by biking 1,000 miles in one week to Orlando from their hotels in Ohio to raise money against childhood obesity for their local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital program.

• Finally, hundreds of general managers representing SpringHill Suites, a brand focused on style and design, will be assembling art horses for the Ivey Lane Elementary School in Orlando. The art horses are sturdy design seats for aspiring young artists to straddle while creating their masterpieces. In addition, the general managers representing more than 300 hotels will also be crafting hand-made cards with messages of inspiration and encouragement to the students. Known for its ArtNight events that feature local artists at its hotels throughout the country, SpringHill Suites’ activity is an extension of the brand’s commitment to promoting discovery through art appreciation. 

Marriott’s “Spirit To Serve Our Communities” initiative was formally developed in 1998 and built on a decades-long tradition of community service for the 86-year old company. In 2012, contributions from operations worldwide totaled $33.5 million (a nearly $1.2M increase over 2011,) according to the company’s Sustainability Report. Cash contributions totaled $7.2M; in-kind contributions were $16M; volunteer time value was $10.2M, (a 10% increase vs. 2011.) The Independent Sector’s current valuation for a volunteer hour is $22.14.

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

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National Photo Contest Celebrates Your “Travel Turning Point”

TownePlace Suites offers more than $10,000 in prizes for inspirational stories.

Life is a series of crossroads… moments that may unexpectedly take you down a different path. These moments happen when you least expect them…sometimes, they take place on the road. These are “travel turning points.”

TownePlace Suites by Marriott launches today its “Travel Turning Point” photo contest. From now until September 1, 2013, travelers from across the United States and Canada* are asked to submit a photo and a caption that describes how a travel experience has been a positive turning point in their lives.

“Whether it’s bonding with your teenage daughter at the beach, or a weekend trip with friends that turns into a new job opportunity, ‘travel turning points’ happen all of the time,” said Loren Nalewanski, vice president and global brand manager, TownePlace Suites. “TownePlace Suites wants to share these great experiences and celebrate them by enabling winners to make more memories, take more trips and enjoy life.”

TownePlace Suites is offering more than $10,000 in prizes to 30 lucky winners. Five grand prize winners will receive $1,000 in cash, as well as 10 free hotel nights at any of the more than 200 TownePlace Suites properties. Ten runners-up will receive two free hotel nights. Fifteen honorable mentions will receive a TownePlace Suites T-shirt.

Travelers can enter the TownePlace Suites Travel Turning Point photo contest by visiting www.TownePlaceTurningPoint.com. More details and official rules are available on the site.

TownePlace Suites by Marriott is an all-suite, extended-stay hotel brand in the moderate price range. Ranked #1 for mid-price extended stays by Business Travel News' Hotel Chain Survey in 2011 and 2012, TownePlace Suites is the only brand to rank at the top of its tier for both years. Ideal for travelers who need accommodations for longer stays, TownePlace Suites offer studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens and separate living/working and sleeping areas. Launched in 1997, the brand currently has more than 200 locations in the United States and Canada. TownePlace 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, call the TownePlace Suites toll-free number at 800-257-3000 or visit www.towneplacesuites.com.

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.

*excludes the province of Quebec

Connect with jessica.stadd@marriott.com and sarah.moran@marriott.com

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TownePlace Suites and Kellogg’s® Serve Up a Spoonful of Hope

TownePlace Suites by Marriott once again joined forces with Kellogg’s® to help donate one million breakfasts to children in need across the country for the third annual Share Breakfast program. Representing the only hotel brand partnering with Kellogg’s®, thousands of TownePlace Suites guests and associates showed their continued commitment to the initiative through their signatures, leading to more than 10,000 breakfasts shared.

During National Breakfast Week (March 2-9, 2013), TownePlace Suites guests at more than 200 hotels signed Share Breakfast posters. For every name represented, Kellogg’s® will share one breakfast with a child in need through its in-school partner Action for Healthy Kids®.

“We consider ourselves an active, contributing member in hundreds of local communities,” said Loren Nalewanski, vice president and global brand manager, TownePlace Suites. “Providing in-school breakfast through this noteworthy Share Breakfast initiative allows us to extend our hospitality to our neighbors that are most in need.”

A key component of TownePlace Suites is its emphasis on giving and staying connected to the community. Participating in the annual Share Breakfast initiative aligns with the brand’s real giving™ program in which guests, associates, owners and franchisees engage in activities throughout the year to contribute to their neighborhoods.

To find out more ways to share breakfast with kids in need from now until April 15, 2014, visit www.sharebreakfast.com.

About TownePlace Suites by Marriott
TownePlace Suites by Marriott (Marriott International, Inc.; NYSE: MAR) is an all-suite, extended-stay hotel brand in the moderate price range. Ranked #1 for mid-price extended stays by Business Travel News' Hotel Chain Survey in 2011 and 2012, TownePlace Suites is the only brand to rank at the top of its tier for both years. Ideal for travelers who need accommodations for longer stays, TownePlace Suites offer studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens and separate living/working and sleeping areas. Launched in 1997, the brand currently has more than 200 locations in the United States and Canada. TownePlace 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, call the TownePlace Suites toll-free number at 800-257-3000 or visit www.towneplacesuites.com.

About Kellogg Company
At Kellogg Company (NYSE: K), we are driven to enrich and delight the world through foods and brands that matter. With 2012 sales of $14.2 billion, Kellogg is the world’s leading cereal company; second largest producer of cookies, crackers and savory snacks; and a leading North American frozen foods company. Every day, our well-loved brands nourish families so they can flourish and thrive. These brands include Kellogg’s®, Keebler®, Special K®, Pringles®, Frosted Flakes®, Pop-Tarts®, Corn Flakes®, Rice Krispies®, Kashi®, Cheez-It®, Eggo®, Coco Pops®, Mini-Wheats®, and many more. Because we believe in the power of breakfast, we focus our philanthropic efforts global hunger relief through our Breakfasts for Better Days™ initiative, providing 1 billion servings of cereal and snacks -  more than half of which are breakfasts - to children and families in need by the end of 2016. To learn more about our responsible business leadership, foods that delight and how we strive to make a difference in our communities around the world, visit www.kelloggcompany.com.

Connect with jessica.stadd@marriott.com

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TownePlace Suites Brings Warmth and Smiles to Kids This Winter Season

Hotel brand continues annual blanket-making tradition for children’s hospitals.

It may be cold outside this time of year, but TownePlace Suites by Marriott is spreading warmth and comfort to those who need it most – patients at Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. This season, TownePlace Suites service team members, owners, franchisees and guests devoted time and effort to make and donate thousands of warm, fleece blankets to local hospitals across the United States and Canada.

This annual blanket-making program, now in its fourth year, is part of TownePlace Suites’ real giving™ program. In line with the brand’s connection to local communities across North America, TownePlace Suites teams raised money for cozy materials, organized blanket-making events and made in-person deliveries to sick children in need of a little extra comfort.

“This annual tradition truly warms my heart,” said Loren Nalewanski, vice president and global brand manager, TownePlace Suites. “We take care of our road warrior guests every day, providing them with care and comfort while they are on the road. Our real giving™ program allows us to extend that hospitality across the United States and Canada to kids in need of a little TLC.”

Through blanket-making volunteer service and donation opportunities, TownePlace Suites teams worked with local businesses and established long-lasting partnerships with area hospitals. At Marriott International headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland, associates donated their batch of handmade blankets to Children’s National Medical Center.

The spirit of giving and connecting with the local community is an important element to the TownePlace Suites brand. The annual tradition of making and delivering blankets is just one way in which TownePlace Suites hotel teams work with their local communities to give back.

TownePlace Suites by Marriott is an all-suite, extended-stay hotel brand in the moderate price range. Ranked #1 for mid-price extended stays by Business Travel News' Hotel Chain Survey in 2011 and 2012, TownePlace Suites is the only brand to rank at the top of its tier for both years. Ideal for travelers who need accommodations for longer stays, TownePlace Suites offer studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens and separate living/working and sleeping areas. Launched in 1997, the brand currently has more than 200 locations in the United States and Canada. TownePlace 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, call the TownePlace Suites toll-free number at 800-257-3000 or visit www.towneplacesuites.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.

Marriott International is celebrating its 30th anniversary with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals this year. Since Mr. Marriott signed on as the first sponsor in 1983, Marriott International has raised nearly $70 million for the 170 Children’s Hospitals across the United States and Canada.

Connect with jessica.stadd@marriott.com

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Save Points & Stay at Marriott Rewards Most Popular Destinations

Marriott Rewards members can now take advantage of the off-season with a new award offer, Seasonal Awards.  Whether it’s a beach vacation in the Caribbean, a cultural exploration in Europe, a shopping expedition in New York or a relaxing day at the spa in the deserts of Arizona and California, Marriott Rewards has special options for you that make the most out of your points.  Seasonal Awards provides a 25 percent discount on some of Marriott’s most popular destinations. For example, the Aruba Marriott Resort, which normally costs 35,000 Marriott Rewards points per night, will cost 26,250 points per night.

Select hotels in the following destinations include New York City from January 1-February 28, 2013, Europe from January 1-March 1, 2013, Arizona and California desert resorts from June 18-August 30, 2013, Las Vegas from July 1-August 30, 2013, and the Caribbean August 23-November 23, 2013. Marriott Rewards Seasonal Awards are offered at select JW Marriott, Autograph Collection, 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.

For more information and to book, visit http://www.marriott.com/marriott-rewards/usepoints/marriottRewardsSeasonalAwards.mi for a list of the hotels and available dates.  As a Marriott Rewards member, special promotion codes are not needed to participate in this new program.

Marriott Rewards is free to join and has no blackout dates* and members can earn and redeem points at more than 3,700 Marriott International hotels around the world and at Marriott Rewards luxury partner The Ritz-Carlton.  Members can also redeem points for frequent flyer miles, cruises, car rentals, merchandise and more. 

Marriott Rewards has won the Freddie Award for “Best Hotel Rewards Program in the Americas” five years in a row and the 2011 and 2010 Frequent Travel Award for “Best Hotel Rewards Program”.   It has been named best hotel rewards program by the readers of About.com, 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.

*Hotels may limit the number of standard rooms available for redemption on a limited number of days.  All Marriott Rewards program terms and conditions apply.

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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TownePlace Suites LEED®-ing the Way in Frederick

The TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Frederick, Maryland celebrated its official grand opening yesterday with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The hotel, owned by Westview Hospitality Associates, LLC and managed by Plamondon Hospitality Partners, is the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) hotel in Frederick.  The hotel is expected to achieve LEED Silver certification for its contributions in making the environment a healthier place. It is the second TownePlace Suites to receive this level of certification and will be achieving LEED certification via Marriott’s LEED Volume program using the pre-certified prototype for the brand.

TownePlace Suites Frederick's eco-friendly features include a fleet of bicycles for guest use, front and back of house recycling programs, charging stations for electric cars, saline-water indoor swimming pool and green products and cleaning supplies.  
 
Pictured:
1. Michael Henningsen, Director of Hotel Operations, Plamondon Hospitality Partners
2. Gordon Paik, Investor, TownePlace Suites Frederick
3.  Blaine Young, Commissioner - Frederick County, MD
4. Myron Levy, Investor, TownePlace Suites Frederick
5. Gail Plamondon, wife of Pete Plamondon, Jr.
6. Meg Plamondon, daughter of Pete Plamondon, Jr.
7. Amy Plamondon, daughter of Pete Plamondon, Jr.
8.  Pete Plamondon, Jr., Co-President of the Plamondon Companies; Owner, TownePlace Suites Frederick
9.  Liam Brown, Chief Officer, Owner & Franchise Services - The Americas
10.  Jim Plamondon, Co-President of the Plamondon Companies; Owner, TownePlace Suites Frederick
11. Cary Plamondon, wife of Jim Plamondon
12.  Susan Lent-Cohen, Investor, TownePlace Suites Frederick
13. John Fieseler, Executive Director, Tourism Council of Frederick County, Inc.
14.  Lorraine Plamondon, wife of Pete Plamondon, Sr.
15.  Pete Plamondon, Sr., - Founder of the Plamondon Companies
16.  Paul Frey, Vice President, Frederick County Chamber of Commerce

Connect with felicia.mclemore@marriott.com

 

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Say “Hello” to TownePlace Suites’ First National Advertising Campaign

The brand’s new ads and tagline appear in airports and rental cars across the country.

It’s the difference between “Hello” and “Hello, Frank.” TownePlace Suites by Marriott’s first national advertising campaign showcases the personal touch that the brand provides to all of its extended-stay guests, including the campaign’s road warrior “Frank.” From the signature TownePlace Suites “hello” that travelers see and hear upon entering every hotel to the key amenities that support long stays, the new campaign demonstrates the brand’s fun, friendly personality.

As part of the advertising campaign, TownePlace Suites introduces a new brand tagline, Add life to longer stays.^SM, resonating with travelers who spend a lot of time on the road. TownePlace Suites makes extended-stay guests’ lives easier with spacious suites, full kitchens, unique Home Office^TM Suites, free breakfast, complimentary Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, 24-hour complimentary coffee service and a TowneMap® to help them connect to the local neighborhood.

“We are celebrating the brand’s 15th anniversary this year, so there is no better way to share its success than with this new campaign,” said Loren Nalewanski, vice president and global brand manager, TownePlace Suites. “With more than 200 properties nationwide and growing, we are thrilled to showcase what our brand offers our guests, especially the extended-stay frequent business travelers who count on us to provide them with the essentials they need to live their lives on the road.”

From security bins to GPS devices, “Hello, Frank” appears throughout the air travel experience in locations across the country. Reflecting the unique, personable experience that travelers enjoy at all TownePlace Suites hotels, the campaign demonstrates the brand’s friendly personality, as well as the individual attention that all guests receive during each of their stays.

TownePlace Suites by Marriott is an all-suite, extended-stay hotel brand in the moderate price range. Ranked #1 for mid-price extended stays by Business Travel News' Hotel Chain Survey in 2011 and 2012, TownePlace Suites is the only brand to rank at the top of its tier for two years in a row. Ideal for travelers who need accommodations for longer stays, TownePlace Suites offer studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens and separate living/working and sleeping areas. Launched in 1997, the brand currently has more than 200 locations in the United States and Canada. TownePlace 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, call the TownePlace Suites toll-free number at 800-257-3000 or visit www.towneplacesuites.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 jessica.stadd@marriott.com

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Marriott International’s Extended-Stay Brands Lead Company’s North American Growth

Expansion surge meets rising demand for lodging solutions for mobile workforce.

At the Worldwide ERC® Global Workforce Symposium, Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) announced that its extended-stay portfolio now accounts for one-third of the company’s North American development pipeline. Residence Inn by Marriott and TownePlace Suites by Marriott lead the U.S. market in this segment and have a combined pipeline of more than 180 hotels under development, including 140 new unit openings planned by 2015. Internationally, extended-stay demand is rising with Marriott Executive Apartments, located wholly outside of the U.S., expecting nearly a 50 percent increase in hotel distribution by 2016.

“The worldwide workforce is increasingly mobile with rising demand for extended-stay lodging products,” said Thomas Kay, global account director, Marriott Global Sales. “Marriott is a leader in the extended-stay space, demonstrating our understanding and commitment to serve this rapidly growing community of traveling professionals.”

The Marriott extended-stay portfolio consists of three distinct brands that are geared toward the needs of long-term stay guests. With more than 850 locations across the globe, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites and Marriott Executive Apartments are designed for travelers who spend much of their lives on the road.

Residence Inn’s expansion signals widespread demand for the pioneer brand
A long-standing leader in the extended-stay segment, Residence Inn has the third-largest number of hotels in the Marriott International portfolio worldwide. With strong franchise demand in North America, Residence Inn has nearly 120 hotels under development, leading Marriott’s other brands in the region.

Designed for a traveler who seeks balance on the road, along with large suites and upscale amenities, Residence Inn hotels are ideal for guests who need accommodations for long stays. Featuring studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites, Residence Inn properties offer full kitchens and free grocery delivery for all guests. Key Residence Inn amenities include free Wi-Fi, complimentary hot breakfast and evening social hours, as well as lobby and outdoor spaces designed for gathering.

TownePlace Suites tops mid-price extended-stay brands in the industry
Recently named the #1 mid-price extended-stay brand by Business Travel News, TownePlace Suites scored highest in each of the individual categories of the publication’s 2012 Hotel Chain Survey and was at the top of its tier for a second year in a row. Driven by strong franchise demand for the brand, TownePlace Suites expects to grow its number of hotels by more than 40 percent by 2015, focusing on urban locations and secondary markets in the U.S. and Canada.

TownePlace Suites is an all-suite, extended-stay hotel brand that is ideal for the independent traveler who appreciates value and needs accommodations for longer stays. Offering spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens, TownePlace Suites hotels provide a thoughtful design of separate spaces that allow guests to comfortably work at their Home OfficeTM Suite and also relax when they are away from home. Key TownePlace Suites amenities include free breakfast, complimentary Wi-Fi and a TowneMap® to help guests connect to the local neighborhood.

Marriott Executive Apartments expects more than 50 percent growth in four years
Marriott Executive Apartments expects to increase from 24 to nearly 40 properties by 2016. With major expansion planned in Asia, the Middle East and Africa, the Marriott Executive Apartments brand is growing rapidly in emerging markets around the world.

Designed for the international traveler and executive expat seeking luxurious apartment living with hotel services, Marriott Executive Apartments is ideal for guests who need accommodations for 30 nights or more. Offering serviced studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments, Marriott Executive Apartments provides full kitchens, high-speed Internet, as well as health club and resident lounge access. Providing secure environments supported by 24-hour staff, the properties offer pre-arrival consultation and local area expertise for all guests.

About Residence Inn by Marriott
With more than 600 properties in the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East and Central America, Residence Inn by Marriott is a leader in the extended-stay lodging segment. Designed for long stays, the brand offers spacious suites with separate living and sleeping areas. Fully functional kitchens, grocery delivery, 24-hour markets and complimentary breakfast help guests maintain a healthy balance while on the road. Complimentary Wi-Fi allows guests to stay connected to the home and office, while health and fitness options and inviting lobby spaces provide comfortable places to work and relax. For more information or reservations, call the Residence Inn toll-free number at 800-331-3131 or visit www.residenceinn.com. For travel tips, the latest on the brand or to connect with other travelers, “like” Residence Inn on Facebook: www.facebook.com/residenceinn.

About TownePlace Suites by Marriott
TownePlace Suites by Marriott is an all-suite, extended-stay hotel brand in the moderate price range. Ranked #1 for mid-price extended stays by Business Travel News' Hotel Chain Survey in 2011 and 2012, TownePlace Suites is the only brand to rank at the top of its tier for two years in a row. Ideal for travelers who need accommodations for longer stays, TownePlace Suites offers studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens and separate living/working and sleeping areas. Launched in 1997, the brand currently has more than 200 locations in the United States and Canada. For more information or reservations, call the TownePlace Suites toll-free number at 800-257-3000 or visit www.towneplacesuites.com.

About Marriott Executive Apartments
Located in more than 15 countries across Latin America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa, Marriott Executive Apartments provides upscale apartments for guests on extended stays of 30 days or longer outside of the United States. Offering more than 20 properties with accommodations from studios to three bedrooms, Marriott Executive Apartments combines the comfort of residential living with the services of a Marriott hotel. Each property is influenced by local design elements, and features state-of-the-art facilities and technology. For more information or reservations, visit www.marriottexecutiveapartments.com.

The Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites and Marriott Executive Apartments brands 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.

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.

NOTE: The statements about the number of hotels our brands expect to add in future years and their planned geographic distribution 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 the continuation and pace of the economic recovery; 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 refurbishment; and other risk factors identified in our 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.

Connect with jessica.stadd@marriott.com

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Marriott Celebrates First TownePlace Suites LEED® Volume Hotel

Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) today announced the first TownePlace Suites hotel to open as part of its LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environment Volume Program) Volume Program – the TownePlace Suites Denver Airport at Gateway Park in Colorado.  TownePlace Suites is the hospitality leader’s second brand to construct a hotel built using Marriott’s LEED Volume Program.  The hotel will be the brand’s first exemplary property using the LEED Volume prototype.

[Pictured: L to R: (front row)  Karl and Margaret Ewald of Arapahoe Lodging, hotel owners; E.B. "Bud" Robinson of Arapahoe Lodging, hotel owner; Kevin Hougen, president and CEO of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce; (back row)Tom Burdeshaw, vice president - design management, Marriott International; Steve Hogan, mayor of Aurora, Colo.; Todd Dickson, TownePlace Suites Denver general manager; Loren Nalewanski, vice president - global brand management, TownePlace Suites. Photos provided by The Vern's LLC]

Certified by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the LEED Volume Program removes the guess work from the process for property developers, such as hotel owners who want to build a LEED-certified hotel, saving them time and money.  Volume certification provides a streamlined path to LEED certification based on a pre-approved prototype and process.

“The number one seems to be a recurring theme for us,” said Karl Ewald, president and CEO of Arapahoe Lodging. “This is the first Marriott hotel in our portfolio, it is also the very first TownePlace Suites through Marriott’s partnership with the USGBC and the LEED Volume Program and the brand was recently named the number one mid-priced extended stay hotel brand.  We are certainly thrilled to be part of the Marriott family.”

Owners of these hotels save about $100,000 in upfront costs and six months of design time.  Additionally, owners can expect to save 25 percent in energy and water consumption and should recover their additional investment in five to six years—possibly sooner depending on federal and local government incentives.

“With the increase in global travel, we have a responsibility to ease our business impact on our natural environment.  Our LEED Volume Program puts us at the forefront of the industry and it helps support our sustainable initiatives,” said Karim Khalifa, senior vice president of architecture and construction.  "The program also allows our owners and franchisees to build sustainable hotels economically with a predictable return on investment and that our guests will love.  This platform is an important part of Marriott’s global expansion and our commitment to build our hotels in an eco-sensitive way.” 

Opened May 8, the TownePlace Suites Denver like all Marriott LEED Volume hotels features a number of elements that focus on energy and water efficiency and recycling.  Some of those elements include:
- Light-colored roofing that reflects heat and saves energy;
- 70 percent ENERGY STAR® certified appliances including refrigerators, TVs, computers and kitchen equipment;
- Water-efficient toilets and aerated bathroom faucets;
- 10 percent of the building materials used contain recycled content;
- “On Demand” ventilation that provides fresh air for occupied spaces without wasting energy on unoccupied areas of the property;
- LED lighting - controls that turn off the lights;
- Incorporates high-tech daylight sensors to reduce electrical lighting with natural sunlight and
- Uses renewable energy sources such as solar or wind.

The TownePlace Suites Denver also features a warm lobby and friendly “hello” signage that welcomes guests to the check-in area. Guests and staff interact using a floor-to-ceiling TowneMap® that helps guests settle into the local area by featuring great places to eat, popular night spots, recreation areas, shopping and services, such as dry cleaners and local car wash outlets.

The hotel offers a complimentary continental breakfast every morning in the lobby area, as well as 24-hour complimentary On Us℠ coffee service, guests who want a quick snack can also select food and beverage items from the 24-hour access In a Pinch® Market.

Marriott’s entire select-service and extended-stay portfolios -- Courtyard, Fairfield Inn, Residence Inn, SpringHill Suites and TownePlace Suites – are all LEED Volume certified.  In addition to the LEED Volume certified TownePlace Suites Denver, the Residence Inn Austin in Texas, which is scheduled to open in early 2013 will be the first of its brand to be LEED Volume certified.  The SpringHill Suites and Fairfield Inn brands have projects under development.  Across the Marriott portfolio, there are more than 90 hotels that are LEED- certified or registered by the USGBC. 

About Arapahoe Lodging
Arapahoe Lodging based in Denver, Colo., was founded in 1995.  The company has two hotels in its portfolio including TownePlace Suites Denver Airport at Gateway Park, which is Arapahoe’s first Marriott property. 

About TownePlace Suites by Marriott
TownePlace Suites is an all-suite, extended-stay hotel brand in the moderate price range. Ranked #1 for mid-price extended stays by Business Travel News' Hotel Chain Survey in 2011 and 2012; TownePlace Suites is the only brand to rank at the top of its tier for two years in a row. Ideal for travelers who need accommodations for a week or more, TownePlace Suites offer studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens and separate living/working and sleeping areas. Launched in 1997, the brand currently has more than 200 locations in the United States and Canada. TownePlace 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 TownePlace Suites Frederick directly at 301-624-0500, call the TownePlace Suites toll-free number at 800-257-3000 or visit www.towneplacesuites.com.

About Marriott International - Environment
Marriott International is committed to responsible global business operations inside and beyond its hotels.  For more information about our sustainability efforts visit www.marriott.com/environment. 

Connect with felicia.mclemore@marriott.com

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Deals of the Week

Adventure Around Arizona 

This summer, Courtyard, Residence Inn and Towneplace Suites make traveling to Arizona easy and affordable.  Per weekend stay, guests will receive a $25 Visa gift card to use towards any of their hearts desires.   Guests will have their choice of deluxe accommodations at participating hotels in Flagstaff, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe and Tucson.

For a list of participating hotels and availability:
http://www.marriott.com/specials/mesOffer.mi?marrOfferId=764198&displayLink=true
Valid through September 2, 2012

Country Living Girls Getaway- Antiques, Crafting and Cooking- Oh My!

Grab the girls and head down to Atlanta for a weekend full of antiques, artisans, crafting and cooking at the Country Living Fair October 26 through October 28, 2012.  Embrace the season with this festive Fall deal, which includes:

 • Accommodations for two or three nights at the Atlanta Marriott Century Center or Evergreen Marriott Conference Resort
 • Breakfast for two
 • Two Early Bird tickets to Country Living Fair at Stone Mountain Park Friday - Sunday (8:30 am Friday & Saturday, 10 am Sunday)
 • Complimentary Stone Mountain Park three day gate pass
 • Country Living Fair brochure and magazine
 • $5 off coupon for 2012 Signature Country Living Tote (purchased at the Country Living Store)

For more information and availability visit:
www.countrylivingatlanta.com

Whitewater Rafting in Charlotte, North Carolina

Add some adventure to your travel agenda.  With an all sport daily pass, guests can experience the great outdoors with unlimited access to family adventure and rodeo rafting, guided climbs, climb to zip, biking, flat water kayaking, eco caching, and mega zip.  After a whirlwind day outdoors, guests can unwind with deluxe accommodations at the Renaissance Charlotte SouthPark Hotel or the Charlotte Marriott SouthPark. 

For Reservations:
Click on "Check Availability" to make an online reservation or alternatively, call 1-888-213-0414 or the local Marriott reservations office and quote the promotional code: ARN. 
http://www.marriott.com/specials/mesOffer.mi?marrOfferId=711939&displayLink=true
Valid through November 2, 2012

Spook, Slumber and Save in Savannah, Georgia

Guests will climb aboard a ghost trolley tour to see the side of Savannah that comes out when the sun goes down.  After experiencing one of America’s most haunted cities, guests can relax in deluxe accommodations at the SpringHill Suites Downtown/ Historic District.  Book if you dare.

For Reservations:
Click on "Check Availability" to make an online reservation or alternatively, call 1-888-213-0414 or the local Marriott reservations office and quote the promotional code: CUE. 
http://www.marriott.com/specials/mesOffer.mi?marrOfferId=715245&displayLink=true
Valid through November 15, 2012

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