Marriott International Announces First Hotel In The Northeastern Region Of Brazil

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Feb 26, 2013, 01:18 ET

BETHESDA, Md., Feb. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Marriott International (NYSE: MAR) announced today plans to open a new 162-room Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil's largest and most modern city in the Northeastern region of the country. The hotel project is developed under a management agreement with Rio Ave Ltda., a prominent, local real estate developer. This project, already in construction, will be the Rio Ave Ltda.'s first venture into the lodging sector and is scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2014, before the World Cup. The new Courtyard by Marriott property will be located ten minutes from the Guararapes International Airport, and situated in Recife's upscale Boa Viagem neighborhood known for its great shopping, five star restaurants, and close proximity to the beautiful beaches.

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"We are very excited about developing our first hotel property and in partnership with Marriott International," said Mr. Alberto Ferreira da Costa, President of Rio Ave Ltda. "With the brand's strong reputation and preference in Latin America, we are confident that the Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Recife will be very successful."

"We are fortunate to have great local partners in Brazil, with whom we expect to grow many successful hotels within the market," commented Craig S. Smith, President of Caribbean & Latin America at Marriott International, Inc. "With this project, not only are we bringing more hotel rooms to the Brazilian market, but doing so in a vibrant city like Recife which is set for revitalization and tourism growth."

"This hotel reinforces Marriott International's continued growth efforts in Brazil," says Laurent de Kousemaeker, chief development officer for Marriott International, Inc. in the Caribbean & Latin America. "In the last few years the Northeast of Brazil has become an economic powerhouse. Today it is the fastest growing region in the country and we are extremely proud to be a part of that growth and to have Rio Ave as partners in this key region of the Brazilian market."

In addition to 162 guest rooms, the 12 story hotel will feature the brand's refreshing business lobby, a casual dining restaurant, 300 square meters (3,230 sq. feet) of meeting space, recreational facilities include a swimming pool and a fitness center and ample parking.

Marriott International is currently represented in Brazil by the 445-room Renaissance Sao Paulo Hotel, 245-room JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro, the 311-room Sao Paulo Airport Marriott, 114-unit Marriott Executive Apartments Sao Paulo, the 128-room Hotel & Spa do Vinho Caudalie. Currently under development in Brazil is a 165-room Fairfield Inn by Marriott in Porto Alegre and a 160-room Fairfield Inn by Marriott in Curitiba, both set to open in the first half of 2014 before the World Cup and a 158-room Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Curitiba, scheduled to open in early 2015.

The Courtyard by Marriott brand features hotels with a refreshing environment that helps guests stay connected, productive and balanced while traveling. Intuitive services and design accommodate guests' desire for choice and control and allow them to use the public space and guest rooms to meet all of their needs while on the road. With more than 900 locations in 38 countries, Courtyard has more locations than any other Marriott International brand. For more information about the brand, visit www.courtyard.com.

Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA with more than 3,700 properties in 73 countries and territories and reported revenues of over $12 billion in fiscal year 2011. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands, including Marriott Hotels & Resorts, The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Bulgari, EDITION, Renaissance, Autograph Collection, AC Hotels by Marriott, Courtyard, Gaylord Hotels, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Marriott Executive Apartments, Marriott Vacation Club, Grand Residences by Marriott, and The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club. There are approximately 300,000 employees at headquarters, managed and franchised properties. Marriott is consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business operations, which it conducts based on five core values: put people first, pursue excellence, embrace change, act with integrity, and serve our world. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com.