Marriott Brands "Refresh" Guest Experience with First Ever Paul Mitchell Hotel Partnership

NEW YORK and BETHESDA, Md., June 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- SHOWER, RELAX, REPEAT. At the chic Paul Mitchell Focus Salon, Raika Studio in Manhattan, number one salon brand John Paul Mitchell Systems announced its first ever hotel partnership with four Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) brands: Courtyard by Marriott, SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott and TownePlace Suites by Marriott. In response to traveler demand, starting today, guests checking in at nearly 2,000 hotels throughout North America will wash and refresh in style with unisex Paul Mitchell salon classics.

"We know quality amenities can make the difference between a good hotel stay and a memorable one," said Brian King, senior vice president, Global Brand Management, Marriott International. "Research shows us that guests really want a brand name when it comes to shampoo and conditioner. This partnership allows us to feature great products that guests recognize and value, thereby enhancing their overall travel experience."

"Paul Mitchell has been a style arbiter for more than 30 years, committed to producing professional hair care products that deliver high-performance results. This partnership merges two brands that are icons in their respective industries to create one of the largest amenity partnerships to date," said John Paul DeJoria, co-founder and CEO, John Paul Mitchell Systems. "We are excited to be offering Paul Mitchell best-sellers to millions of annual guests at Courtyard by Marriott, SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott and TownePlace Suites by Marriott."

In 2011, usage of shampoo among the four hotel brands exceeded 23 million bottles, in addition to 15 million bottles of conditioner. The products featured at the four brands include the number one daily shampoo in the beauty industry, Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Shampoo, as well as The Detangler and Awapuhi Body Bar. Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Shampoo is also color-safe, offering women with color-treated hair the chance to try in-room shampoo without risking damage to their hair color, the number one deterrent to sampling in-room amenities. Hotels also have the option of providing Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Lemon Sage Energizing Body Lotion and Wash.

"In researching partners, we look for alignment in a variety of angles including social responsibility views," said King. "Paul Mitchell was the first beauty supply company to announce that they do not conduct or endorse animal testing. Overall, this is a perfect fit for us and a great win for guests."

According to DeJoria, "Market research showed that consumers hoped to find Paul Mitchell products as an amenity option during hotel stays, and in Marriott International brands, we found the ideal partner to make this a reality."

In celebration of the new partnership, fans of Paul Mitchell and guests of the four hotel brands have the opportunity to win a one-year supply of Paul Mitchell products and a $250 gift card for a weekend getaway. Enter simply by going to one of the following Facebook pages: Courtyard by Marriott, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn and Paul Mitchell.

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.

Established over 30 years ago, John Paul Mitchell Systems has become the number one salon brand overall with over 100,000 salons in North America, and distribution in 86 countries worldwide. Every professional hairdresser knows the Paul Mitchell name, and with the arrival of Paul Mitchell Schools, we've taken the world of cosmetology education by storm! Visit www.paulmitchell.com and www.paulmitchell.edu to learn more.

SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.