Rediscover Renaissance - $2 Billion Global Investment, Imaginative Designs and Savvy Services Set Brand Apart from Lodging Pack

Bethesda, Maryland (PRWEB) November 10, 2007 -- Renaissance Hotels and Resorts (http://www.marriott.com/renaissance-hotel/travel.mi) is reinventing itself with a $2 billion global makeover (2006 to 2008) that is infusing the brand with imaginative lobby and room designs plus new savvy signature services. The brand's new direction was revealed today at the Renaissance Times Square, New York's best view of the pulsing international landmark and newest showcase for provocative designer Jordan Mozer.

"We are establishing Renaissance as a worldwide category leader as our owners and franchisees enhance the brand through major renovations, property conversions and new construction," said Rita Cuddihy, senior vice president, Renaissance Hotels and Resorts. "This eclectic brand of 140 properties offers travelers the body of a full-service hotel with the soul of a boutique."

As Renaissance continues to grow, guests are encouraged to experience the brand's many unique destinations and discover the culture, art and style of each hotel and its surroundings. The brand is committed to enhancing the experience of travel through individualistic properties that embrace stylish design, attentive service, creative culinary, reassuring quality and sophisticated technology.

Renaissance's position as an innovation leader takes a another step forward this fall with the global launch of "Cocktail Culture?," a new twist on drink mixology that brings the guest into the creative process. Kicking off at top Renaissance bars in New York, London, Paris, Dublin, Shanghai, Toronto, Hollywood, Chicago and Washington, D.C., "Cocktail Culture?" delivers a total experience of fresh ingredients, signature cocktails, bartending techniques, music and lighting. "Cocktail Culture?" will be available at all Renaissance properties beginning in early 2008.

For the frequent business traveler, Renaissance is also introducing Platinum Pass, a signature VIP welcome and check-in service exclusively for the top elite members of Marriott Rewards. Platinum members will be pre-registered and personally greeted as they enter the hotel -- these highly loyal customers will be given their folio and key pack so they can bypass the front desk and go directly to their guest room, bypassing the front desk.

Renaissance hotels and resorts (http://www.marriott.com/renaissance-hotel/travel.mi) throughout the world are transforming public space into great rooms specifically designed for today's travelers, who smoothly transition between work and play. Lobbies are evolving from a check-in desk to an inviting and comfortable space for relaxation, community and entertainment. Other touches include distinctive architectural details, leisure zones, Wi-Fi and original artwork.

Renaissance recently announced a system wide focus on championing the arts by forming partnerships with local artists and art institutions. "We think we can be a catalyst for a new arts Renaissance in the communities where our hotels are located," said Cuddihy. Renaissance has a long-standing commitment to the arts community by featuring a wide range of local, modern, classical and unique pieces of art in its hotels. Many properties are collaborating with local schools to support young emerging artists. (http://www.marriott.com/news/detail.mi?marrArticle=287773).

The brand is also adding restaurants that bring local culinary to life and bars that are alive with a fresh sense of identity and "buzz" -making the hotels favorite hot spots for patrons nearby and savvy travelers from a far. The London Renaissance Chancery Court's signature restaurant Pearl, which is led by critically-acclaimed Head Chef Jun Tanaka, has established itself as the place to be seen among London's elite. Tracht's, a modern chophouse in the Renaissance Long Beach Hotel, dazzles with the allure of Chef Suzanne Tracht's familiar retro dishes from the American culinary repertoire.

Guest Rooms incorporate the new Renaissance Revive bedding featuring luxurious down comforters encased in soft duets and highlighted with richly colored bed scarves. In addition, many Renaissance rooms now offer the cutting-edge "plug-in" connectivity panel that allows the guest to turn the flat screen 32 high definition TV into a personal entertainment center.

In addition to the Renaissance New York Hotel Times Square, which is finishing a $24 million makeover this month, there are several exciting projects around the world creating a new look and feel for the brand:

Eden Roc, A Renaissance Resort (http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/miasr-eden-roc-a-renaissance-beach-resort-and-spa/), Miami, Fla. A legendary oceanfront Florida spa and resort designed by architect Morris Lapidus, Eden Roc, A Renaissance Resort is currently undergoing construction of a new 283-room tower and public space, as well as a full refurbishment of the existing hotel and landscaping, which includes several elegant water elements. Completion of the renovation is set for early 2008 and the new tower will open in 2009.

Renaissance Hollywood (http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/laxrh-renaissance-hollywood-hotel/), Los Angeles, Calif. The ultra-stylish Renaissance Hollywood is a premier luxury property in the movie-making capital of the world. Adjacent to the famed Kodak Theater and steps away from Grauman's Chinese Theatre, the hotel has started an extensive renovation of its spa and public space.

Renaissance Boston Waterfront (http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/boswf-renaissance-boston-waterfront-hotel/), Boston, Mass. Opening late 2007, the new Renaissance Boston Waterfront will be a sleek and dynamic addition to the South Boston waterfront area, stylishly reflecting the vibrancy and aqua-elegance of Boston Harbor and the ocean beyond. The hotel is also one block from the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.

The Stanford Court, A Renaissance Hotel (http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sfosc-the-stanford-court-a-renaissance-hotel/), San Francisco, Calif. Set atop prestigious Nob Hill, overlooking a dramatic city skyline, The Stanford Court Renaissance will undergo a complete renovation, beginning January 2008, that will include the public space, restaurant, guest rooms and meeting space.

La Concha, A Renaissance Hotel (http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sjubr-la-concha-a-renaissance-resort/), San Juan, Puerto Rico. Originally opened in 1958 as the La Concha Hotel, the famed 248-room property is located on San Juan's Condado Beach and is undergoing a complete renovation. Designed by Osvaldo Toro and Miguel Ferrer, this masterpiece of tropical modernism will re-open this year featuring a restoration of the famous fluted, conch-shaped roof restaurant.

Renaissance Carambola Beach Resort, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Originally opened as a Rock Resort by Laurence Rockefeller in the 1960s, this spectacular property is undergoing extensive renovation of its guest rooms, public space, landscaping and restaurants. Scheduled to open later this year, the resort is situated on Davis Bay along St. Croix's north shore near the renowned Robert Trent Jones-designed Carambola Golf Course, where Renaissance guests will have playing privileges.

Renaissance Shanghai Zhongshan Park Hotel (http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/shazp-renaissance-shanghai-zhongshan-park-hotel/), Shanghai, China. Scheduled to open in 2008, the 680-room hotel will occupy the top 35 floors of a distinctive 60-story tower with a breathtaking sky lobby. The hotel will be part of a mixed-use complex that will include retail and office space.

Our statements on expected investment spending by owners and franchisees and the anticipated renovation completion and opening dates for hotels are "forward looking statements" within the meaning of federal securities laws, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those described in Marriott International, Inc.'s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which could cause actual investment spending or renovation or opening dates to be different than expected.

Renaissance Hotels & Resorts are designed for quality-tier travelers who prize individuality and prefer distinctive hotels that enhance their enjoyment of travel. Guests can expect sophisticated design, professional and welcoming service, and street restaurants serving creative food with traditional flavors. Each hotel is designed with a sense of place that reflects their surroundings. Renaissance Hotels & Resorts is an upscale brand providing full-service accommodations with local flair to discriminating business and leisure travelers at over 130 properties in 28 countries. The brand's presence is strong in the U.S. and worldwide, with more than 70 properties in North America and more than 60 properties throughout Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East and Asia. For more information visit www.renaissancehotels.com.

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company with more than 2,900 lodging properties in the United States and 67 other countries and territories. Marriott International operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites and Bulgari brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club, Horizons by Marriott Vacation Club, The Ritz-Carlton Club and Grand Residences by Marriott brands; operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division; and operates conference centers. The company is headquartered in Bethesda, Md., and had approximately 151,000 employees at 2006 year-end. It is ranked as the lodging industry's most admired company and one of the best places to work for by FORTUNE®. The company is also a 2006 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ENERGY STAR® Partner. In fiscal year 2006, Marriott International reported sales from continuing operations of $12.2 billion. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com.

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