Marriott to manage four EMAAR MGF hotels in India from 2009

Mumbai, Apr.1 (ANI -Business Wire India): International hotel conglomerate Marriott International expects to manage four properties in India for Emaar MGF beginning in 2009 as a result of the signing today of Memorandums of Understanding that could potentially lead to the opening of two JW Marriott-branded luxury hotels in New Delhi and Hyderabad.

When developed, these two hotels will join two previously announced properties Marriott will manage for Emaar MGF-a 250-room luxury JW Marriott-branded hotel in Kolkata (opening in 2011) and a 114-room upper-moderately-priced Courtyard by Marriott-branded property in Amritsar (opening in 2009).

"We are delighted by the strengthening of our relationship with Emaar MGF," said Ed Fuller, president and managing director of international lodging for Marriott International.

"Emaar MGF has the vision, the vitality and sense of the market that enables it to develop outstanding hotels that appeal to a variety of current and emerging customer segments. We at Marriott International, meanwhile, have the broadest portfolio of lodging brands, all of which enjoy high customer preference and acceptance. We look forward to working with Emaar MGF to help bring both these two new JW Marriott-branded hotels to fruition," Fuller added.

Marriott's luxury JW Marriott brand is a global collection of the most distinctive and elegant hotels that bear the Marriott name. The brand appeals to consumers who are grounded, accomplished achievers who want to distance themselves from the need to publicly display a badge of status and who seek unique environments stripped of pretense. These guests are accustomed to luxurious surroundings and prefer hotels that offer authentic design, local character as well as genuine, anticipatory service that meets their needs.

JW Marriott-branded hotels offer dramatic architectural and interior features, spacious guest rooms and a selection of restaurants and lounges that boast imaginative dining experiences. State of the art fitness centers and spas (in many locations) and 24-hour executive business centers and lounges enable JW Marriott guests function at their best whether traveling on business or pleasure.

With nearly 800 hotels worldwide, Courtyard by Marriott hotels ranks as Marriott's largest brand and the 13th largest lodging brand in the world. The brand was first introduced in 1983 and was designed for business and leisure travelers who are motivated by success but who also enjoy taking the break from routine that travel offers.

Courtyard guest rooms are usually larger than those offered by other hotels in its customer segment. Public space evokes a residential feeling of scale and an ambience that is casual and of high quality, allowing guests to feel relaxed, comfortable and welcome. Well-equipped fitness centers; one or more restaurants service breakfast, lunch and dinner; business service centers (some operating 24 hours a day) and meeting rooms that are extensive at many locations round-out the features offered by Courtyard hotels.

Marriott International currently operates six hotels in India; another 19 are expected to open now through 2011, including the potential hotels announced today.

Marriott International is a leading lodging company with 3,000 lodging properties in 69 countries and territories worldwide.

ANI