Something New for the Next Generation of Travelers - Marriott Hotels & Resorts New Lobby Experience Available Now in 190 Hotels and 400 by 2014

BETHESDA, Md., Sept. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Next generation travelers say they want choices and flexibility so they can have it all. They don't want to choose between a meeting room and a restaurant/bar on the local scene to meet up with business colleagues or friends to work or play. To meet their expectations, Marriott Hotels & Resorts is accelerating the roll out of its great room lobby experience that offers style, comfort, convenience and entertainment for the new generation of travelers.

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First introduced in 2007, the great room lobby experience is already available in 190 of the more than 500 Marriott Hotels & Resorts properties. The brand expects 70 percent of its worldwide portfolio to feature the experiential lobbies by the end of 2013 and 80 percent by the end of 2014.

"Today's generation of mobile travelers blends work and play, staying connected to family, friends and work nearly 24/7," said Paul Cahill, senior vice president, Marriott Hotels & Resorts. "By synthesizing our customer research with the wealth of knowledge we have as hosts, we developed Marriott's lobby experience. It represents a strategic and holistic approach to design, technology and service that is truly relevant to the new generation of travelers."

Designed to meet the needs of today's travelers, the Marriott great room lobby creates a seamless experience merging modern, stylish design and comfort, with greater access to food and beverage, and technology. The lively atmosphere transforms throughout the day, giving guests options to work together or by themselves, socialize in groups, or chill out solo connecting with their social networks while watching the lobby scene unfold.

Central to the great room lobby experience is the food and beverage program with day-long restaurants and personalized lounge. The bar serving breakfast in the morning evolves into the evening focal point, serving craft beer, innovative cocktails and hosting wine tastings as the workday closes. Locally sourced ingredients and region-specific menu items give guests a sense and taste of place. Knowing time is precious to the new generation of travelers, menu items are separated into arrival times of five, ten or twenty minutes delivery for instant gratification, leisurely sharing, or a quick meal.

Marriott Hotels & Resorts has been reimagining the guest experience, transforming lobbies and public spaces by designing them for a new generation of business travelers who blend work and play, demand style and substance, and desire high tech and high touch. Working with its partners IDEO and Steelcase, Marriott is introducing new concepts, such as Workspring at Marriott, a purpose-built space for smaller collaborative meetings, designed for the way Gen X and Gen Y works today. As the industry leader in hosting meetings of all sizes, Marriott is testing innovative technologies, such as applications and booking meetings on demand that will further differentiate the customer experience at its hotels.

About Marriott Hotels & Resorts:

Marriott Hotels & Resorts, the signature brand of Marriott International, continues to inspire and provide a balanced life on the road for discerning and high-achieving business and leisure travelers, offering warm, professional service; sophisticated yet functional guest room design; lobby spaces that facilitate working, dining and socializing; restaurants and bars serving international cuisine prepared simply and from the freshest ingredients; meeting and event spaces and services that are gold standard; and expansive, 24-hour fitness facilities. All Marriott hotels participate in the award winning Marriott Rewards guest loyalty program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during stays. Join us on Marriott Hotels & Resorts rapidly growing Facebook community (www.facebook.com/marriott) and follow us on Twitter (twitter.com/marriott).  For more information, visit www.MarriottHotels.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.

SOURCE Marriott Hotels & Resorts