Chicago's First JW Marriott Hotel Celebrates Opening with a Grand Event

CHICAGO, March 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts celebrates the grand opening of its first Chicago hotel with a landmark event hosted by Chairman and CEO, J.W. Marriott, Jr.  The grand opening event features exclusive live performances from some of Chicago's greatest talent including the renowned Joffrey Ballet, Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Emmy Rossum, singer songwriter and star of Showtime's new Chicago-based series "Shameless."  Additionally, GREY GOOSE® Vodka provides guests with two signature cocktails, the GREY GOOSE® Le Citron Golden Griffin and GREY GOOSE® La Poire Second City Sparkler, inspired by the JW Marriott brand and the Windy City.  

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100730/PH43519LOGO )

Check out the performances and celebration highlights:  http://vimeo.com/20789454.

Occupying legendary Chicago architect Daniel Burnham's historic Continental & Commercial National Bank Building in Chicago's bustling financial district, the JW Marriott Chicago opened its doors on November 11, 2010. Featuring exquisite neoclassical design, the new JW Marriott Chicago hotel offers travelers a one-of-a-kind authentic destination in Chicago's downtown Loop district. Occupying the first 12 floors of the former Continental & Commercial National Bank Building at 151 W. Adams St., the hotel -- part of a $396 million restoration by architectural firm Lucien Lagrange & Associates -- boasts 610 well-appointed guestrooms including 29 corner suites and more than 44,000 square feet of meeting space; 36 meeting rooms, a beautiful 8,500-square-foot Grand Ballroom and the awe-inspiring 6,000-square-foot Burnham Ballroom featuring the building's original domed ceiling.

In addition to spectacular meeting and function space, the property features a 20,000-square-foot world class spa and fitness center, VALEO; and two different dining options -- The Florentine, an Italian Steakhouse created by the BLT Restaurant Group, and a lounge serving more casual plates and sushi.  

JW Marriott properties offer accomplished travelers a luxury travel experience with a distinct sense of place that appropriately reflects the genuine flavor of their surroundings. Guests will be impressed from the moment they step in from the bustling streets of downtown Chicago into the timeless, classical elegance of the hotel's lobby. The soothing color palette and abundance of marble and other natural materials blend to create a timeless design, making the space a welcoming haven of comfort and productivity. 

For more information on the JW Marriott, please call (312) 660-8200 or visit www.jwmarriottchicago.com. 

Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) for company information. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

About JW Marriott

JW Marriott is part of Marriott International's luxury portfolio and consists of beautiful properties in gateway cities and distinctive resort locations around the world. These elegant hotels cater to today's sophisticated, self-assured travelers, offering them the quiet luxury they seek in a warmly authentic, relaxed atmosphere lacking in pretense. JW Marriott properties artfully provide highly crafted, anticipatory experiences that are reflective of their locale so that their guests have the time to focus on what is most important to them. Currently, there are 51 JW Marriott hotels in 21 countries; by 2014 the portfolio will encompass 77 properties in 28 countries.

About The Prime Group, Inc.

Founded in 1982 by its current Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael W. Reschke, The Prime Group, Inc. (Prime) has become one of the preeminent development companies in the country. Over the last 28 years, Prime has successfully developed over $10 billion of institutional-quality commercial and residential real estate across all product types both domestically and internationally. The principals and executives of Prime have more than 150 years of combined real estate experience including investment, development, leasing, property management, and capital markets. In recent years, Prime has focused its development activities primarily in downtown Chicago. Prime's focus has been on high-quality development and redevelopment opportunities that leverage the company's "hand's on" management approach, development expertise and sophisticated financial structures to mediate risk and maximize returns.  

GREY GOOSE® VODKA AND FLAVORED VODKAS

Blended and bottled in the celebrated Cognac region of Western France, GREY GOOSE Vodka is truly a unique offering.  Every element that goes into its production ensures that GREY GOOSE Vodka stands alone as the "World's Best Tasting Vodka." The 80 proof super-premium spirit is packaged in beautiful frosted glass bottles, with a clear window in the shape of a Grey Goose silhouette that allows a peek at the flight of the Grey Goose across the majestic Massif Central Mountains.  Each bottle is sealed with a cork stopper and an elegant foil closure. The GREY GOOSE portfolio is comprised of GREY GOOSE Vodka, GREY GOOSE La Poire, GREY GOOSE L'Orange and GREY GOOSE Le Citron flavored vodkas.

SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.