Hot off the Waffle Press: Residence Inn by Marriott Partners With Cooking Light and Real Simple to Dish About America's Morning Munches

BETHESDA, Md., Nov. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- More travelers are saying "show me healthy choices" as a way to start their day, according to a Residence Inn by Marriott survey of more than 1,000 consumers of Cooking Light and Real Simple.

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"We anticipated that our family and business travelers wanted to emphasize more variety and more nutritious options in the morning, and now we know for sure," said Katie Tyson, vice president and global brand manager, Residence Inn by Marriott.  

In keeping with this trend, over 600 Residence Inn by Marriott hotels throughout North America now offer even more variety on their free hot breakfast buffet, including lighter options like oatmeal with nuts, raisins and nutty granola, all rich in heart healthy Omega-3 fatty acids. Seasonal fresh fruit, an important source of fiber and complex carbohydrates, is also available, along with whole grain bread and turkey bacon and sausage, providing a leaner alternative to the usual breakfast meats.  There are also heartier options including signature hot items such as a breakfast burrito made with scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, sausage, peppers and potatoes. Additionally, the new breakfast does not forget to include more indulgent options, offering guests the chance to make their own waffles with a variety of fresh toppings.

"At Residence Inn, we want our business and leisure travelers to have fresh choices and a variety of options, and we are delighted that our new breakfast program is in sync with this development," said Tyson.  "Our new breakfast allows guests the freedom to choose to eat a healthy breakfast one morning, and maybe indulge a little the next morning."

"The trend towards healthier breakfast items is good news for a country encouraging healthier lifestyles through nutrition," said Tyson.  Marriott International's corporate executive chef worked closely with registered dietitians to modify the existing buffet menu, and rolling out the new, healthier options this fall.

According to the survey, consumers are looking for energizing breakfast foods that are light and filled with protein.  When asked about favorite items on a breakfast buffet, 52% said fresh fruit, followed by 43% choosing eggs and 37% going for a caffeine jolt with coffee.  When traveling, respondents also want food that can be easily transported like fruit, coffee and bagels.

Kids still crave traditional items, according to the survey results, with pancakes, bacon and waffles at the top of their list of favorites. The number one item that parents wish their kids would eat - but they won't - is oatmeal, followed by low or no-sugar cereals.

As a postscript, when asked which celebrity consumers would want to most have breakfast with, President Obama (49%) and Julia Roberts (42%) topped the list, with Lady Gaga (5%) and Lebron James (3%) trailing the pack.

The survey, conducted in September 2010, polled more than 1,000 women ages 35-54, a key target market for Residence Inn by Marriott.

For complete survey results visit www.marriott.com/residence-inn/travel.mi#/free_breakfast

Residence Inn by Marriott offers free breakfast, free Internet, spacious suites (with studio, one-and two-bedroom options), a swimming pool and welcome pet policy, all at a moderate price.

For more information or to book, visit www.residenceinn.com or call 1-800-MARRIOTT.

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company with more than 3,500 lodging properties in 70 countries and territories. Marriott International operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, The Autograph Collection, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites and Bulgari brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club, and Grand Residences by Marriott brands; licenses and manages whole-ownership residential brands, including The Ritz-Carlton Residences, JW Marriott Residences and Marriott Residences; operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division; and operates conference centers. The company is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and had approximately 137,000 employees at 2009 year-end. It is recognized by FORTUNE® as one of the best companies to work for, and by Newsweek as one of the greenest big companies in America. In fiscal year 2009, Marriott International reported sales from continuing operations of nearly $11 billion. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

SOURCE Marriott International