JW Marriott Luxury Brand Expects to Open 12 New Hotels by 2012

BETHESDA, Md., June 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Marriott International's (NYSE: MAR) world-class luxury hotel brand, JW Marriott, plans to open 12 new properties by year-end 2012, bringing the total global portfolio to 64 hotels and resorts in 27 countries.  

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In addition to the hotels listed above, another 13 luxury properties are planned for completion by year-end 2015, increasing the total JW Marriott global portfolio to 77 properties in 29 countries.

"Our JW Marriott brand is reserved for select luxury hotels in key gateway city and resort destinations," said Mitzi Gaskins, vice president, JW Marriott brand management, Marriott International. "Each JW Marriott delivers a warmly authentic, relaxed and elegant environment that is unique to the luxury segment.   The majority of our properties are less than eight years old and we continue to expand the brand with the addition of some beautiful new hotels and resorts in some of the world's premier locations."  

Upcoming JW Marriott hotels and resorts include:

JW Marriott Hotel Chandigarh -- opening in June, this 175-room property will be situated in the center of Chandigarh -- a modern city bursting with gardens, lakes and parks, designed by famed urban planner Le Corbusier to be "a living organism."  Included will be a variety of restaurants, bars and lounges along with a luxury spa, outdoor swimming pool and a state of the art fitness center.

JW Marriott Hotel Ankara -- opening in July, this striking 24-story, 416-room luxury hotel is expected to quickly become a towering landmark along the gateway route into Ankara.  Designed in a rich palate of colored glass, the tower will play with the sunlight by day and, by night, its lights will dominate the skyline.  The hotel will offer a range of authentic amenities, dining outlets and guest services reflective of the vibrancy of this unique destination.

JW Marriott Hotel Bangalore -- scheduled opening in November, this 250-room property is located close to Bangalore's commercial center, deluxe residential neighborhoods and premier shopping and entertainment. Its dining options include three specialty restaurants, a night club, brasserie, pool bar, al fresco poolside dining and a 24-hour coffee shop.  For recreation, the property will offer a luxury spa, swimming pool and fitness center. The hotel will also offer, 1,140 sq. meters of flexible meeting space.

JW Marriott Absheron Baku -- scheduled opening in December 2011, the 243-room JW Marriott Absheron  Baku will be Marriott International's first hotel in Azerbaijan.  The JW Marriott is replacing Baku's famous Absheron hotel and this prominent landmark building will overlook Baku's "Freedom Square" (Azadliq Square) -- a national symbol -- as well as the seafront boulevard with the Caspian sea beyond. This stunning hotel will offer a variety of restaurants and bars, many of them with uninterrupted views over the square and Caspian Sea. For recreation, the property will offer a luxury spa, fitness center and a swimming pool on the 22nd floor. The hotel will also offer, 1,800 sq. meters of flexible meeting space including a 1,200 sq. meter column-free ballroom with views onto the square.

JW Marriott Hotel & Resort Maldives -- scheduled opening in spring 2012, this 106-villa luxury resort sits on its own private island on the North Atoll of the Maldives -- just 55 minutes by sea plane from Male.  Water and reef villas will offer their own private plunge pools and jacuzzis; beach villas will have direct beach access; spa villas will have their own private spa cabanas.  This truly unique resort will also feature a variety of dining outlets, lounges, outdoor activity center, library and observation deck.

Recently opened JW Marriott hotels include:  The JW Marriott Marquis Miami (11/10); JW Marriott Chicago (2/11); JW Marriott Indianapolis (2/11); and JW Marriott Cannes in France (5/11).

About JW Marriott

JW Marriott is part of Marriott International's luxury portfolio and consists of exceptional properties in gateway cities and distinctive resort locations around the world.  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 52 JW Marriott hotels in 22 countries.  www.marriott.com/jw-marriott/travel.mi.

Note on forward-looking statements: This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of federal securities laws, including statements concerning the number of lodging properties we expect to add in the future, the locations of those properties, the year in which particular properties will open, and similar statements concerning anticipated future events and expectations that are not historical facts. We caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including those we identify below and other risk factors that we identify in Marriott International, Inc.'s most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q. These risks include changes in market conditions; 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; and the availability of capital to finance hotel growth and refurbishment. Any of these factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations we express or imply in this press release. We make these forward-looking statements as of the date of this press release, and undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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SOURCE Marriott International