Marriott International Announces First Hotel in Serbia

LONDON and BETHESDA, Md., Dec. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) today announced plans to open the 107-room Courtyard by Marriott Belgrade City Center in early 2014 under a management agreement with PFB Properties d.o.o.

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The Courtyard by Marriott Belgrade City Center, Marriott International's first hotel in Serbia, will be conveniently situated in the heart of Old Belgrade, steps from the Republic Square, National Museum and National Theater.  In addition, the hotel will be located 17km from Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport and within close proximity to the capital's new state-of-the art metro system.

"We continue to see strong development opportunities throughout Southeastern Europe and are excited to see our expansion continue in to Serbia," said Amy McPherson, president and managing director of Marriott International in Europe. "With increasing business travel in to Belgrade, we are confident the Courtyard by Marriott brand, and in particular our newly announced European prototype for Courtyard, will serve the market well."

Representing the ownership group, Branislav Grujic, co-chairman of PSP-Farman Holding Group said, "Having Marriott, one of the leading hotel operators in the world, now in Belgrade shows that international partners are looking upon Serbia as an interesting and prospective market for serious investments. Together with Marriott we are significantly improving the hospitality infrastructure of Belgrade, which is fast developing as a leading regional tourist and business destination. The Courtyard Belgrade City Center is sure to become a key gathering point for international business clients." 

The Courtyard Belgrade City Center will boast a fresh, contemporary design and room functionality that are signatures of the new Courtyard by Marriott European prototype.

Guestrooms will be designed as a haven for business travellers where they can be productive and restore their energy while on the road, featuring clean lines, natural light, and a mediterranean color palette. Boasting a flexible furniture layout, each room will have ample work space and task lighting as well as a spa-like bathroom with a light-reflecting frosted glass door and teak accents.

The lobby of the Courtyard Belgrade City Center will help support the business traveller's needs for dining, meeting and socializing with flexible seating and an interactive GoBoard™ screen featuring the latest news, weather and local information. In addition, the hotel will feature an all-day bistro restaurant and 24-hour market for grab-and-go salads and sandwiches.

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 36 countries, Courtyard is Marriott International's largest brand. For more information For more information go to www.courtyard.com.

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

SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.