COURTYARD MARKS 1,000TH HOTEL MILESTONE WITH GLOBAL CELEBRATIONS AND 50 MILLION MARRIOTT REWARDS POINTS

Kick off with the grand opening of the Courtyard by Marriott Agra in India

Agra, India – (March 19, 2015) – Courtyard by Marriott, the world’s 8th largest hospitality brand* reaches its 1,000 hotel milestone and celebrates on a global scale. Customer events during a six week period will kick off today with the grand opening of the Courtyard by Marriott Agra in India. The pinnacle of the festivities will be on March 31 when the Courtyard Walla Walla, Washington, USA, will be designated as the 1,000th hotel. On that same day, all Marriott Rewards guests checking into any Courtyard worldwide will receive 1,000 points as the brand’s milestone gift, an estimated 50 million points.

“We are extremely proud of how far Courtyard has come. By listening to our customers over the past 30 years we have been able to continually evolve to meet their needs,” said Callette Nielsen, vice president and global brand manager, Courtyard. “Our global expansion and robust pipeline is proof that we provide the experience that travelers want. That is why it is important to share our success with them.”

Courtyard by Marriott debuts in Agra, the City of Love

Kicking off the celebration, is the newest jewel in Marriott International’s crown in India Courtyard by Marriott Agra. Located in the beautiful city of Agra, home to the world renowned “Taj Mahal”, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Courtyard by Marriott Agra is the 12th property for the brand in India. The hotel aspires to be a preferred getaway destination offering Indian hospitality with an international flair.

With the Taj Mahal in walking distance, Courtyard by Marriott Agra boasts the largest suite inventory in the city – ideal for long stay business or leisure alike. The elegantly structured architecture with 189 well-appointed guest rooms and 18 exquisite suites are designed to anticipate guests’ basic needs—functionality, safety, consistency, comfort and value—providing a warm, sophisticated environment and a variety of options including state-of-the-art amenities, wonderful views of the landscaped gardens or the pool, recreation and wellness facilities that allow guests to stay connected, productive and refreshed during their stay.

Mr. Rajeev Menon, Area Vice President, South-Asia, Marriott International commented, “Agra is a significant tourist and business destination for expats and corporates alike. The Courtyard by Marriott Agra has been launched, keeping in mind the needs of such travellers.” He further adds, “All our properties in India are market leaders in their operative segments, we aim for nothing less with the Courtyard by Marriott Agra as well. This property is also testimony of our vision for the brand Courtyard by Marriott and its standards of excellence. With this launch, Marriott International is now present in the Golden Triangle, with hotels in Delhi NCR, Jaipur and Agra.”

Sharing his thoughts, Mr. Vishal Bharti, General Manager, Courtyard by Marriott, Agra said, “The opening of Courtyard by Marriott Agra marks our entry into one of the most important leisure cities in India.” He further adds, “Agra being one of the most important tourist destinations in North India, we are excited to offer business and leisure traveller’s the best in class customer service, where every guest experience will be curated to perfection.”

The hotel also offers large conference and banquet facilities, with more than 30,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor banquet space, which can accommodate up to 1200 guests. Magnificent lawn and extensive banqueting spaces make a perfect setting for social or business engagements. An on-site events team will ensure flawless coordination and execution, be it a lavish wedding or social event.

Guests are invited to explore three unique restaurants on property. MoMo Cafe, a chic all day dining restaurant which is contemporary, warm, welcoming and offers a gastronomic à la carte and the largest buffet spread in Agra, with a menu featuring fresh ingredients and international flavors. MoMo 2 Go, the coffee shop certifies the best bakery in town while MoMo To You, a round-the-clock in-room dining menu offers guests the option of dining in the comfort of their rooms. Onyx Bar at the hotel serves a selection of spirits, wines and cocktails with delectable finger-foods to go, giving our patrons and guests, that perfect backdrop to just sit back and unwind, at close of day.

The hotel is located near popular attractions and shopping districts including the Agra Fort, Akbar’s Tomb, Jama Masjid and Kinari Bazaar. Guests driving from Delhi can also easily access the hotel from the Delhi – Agra Yamuna Expressway. With its ideal location supported by warm, caring and personalised service, Courtyard by Marriott, Agra endeavour’s to become the most preferred hotel for business and leisure travellers in the city of love.

Following the festivities in Agra are other major celebrations for the Courtyard 1,000th hotel milestone including grand openings of Courtyard Recife Boa Viagem in Brazil marking the brand’s first property in the country, as well as Courtyard Abu Dhabi, the first Marriott endorsed hotel in the capital city of U.A.E. Images and global conversation of the festivities will be shared using #Courtyard1000.

Boasting the largest global rooms pipeline in the Marriott portfolio, more than 50 percent of which is outside of US, Courtyard expects to be in 40 countries by summer and is in all 50 U.S. states. The brand celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2013 and is Marriott’s second largest revenue generator.

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About Courtyard by Marriott
Courtyard by Marriott offers a refreshing environment that helps guests stay connected, productive and balanced. Intuitive services and design accommodate guests’ needs for choice and control. With nearly 1,000 locations in 38 countries and territories, Courtyard hotels participate in the award-winning Marriott Rewards® frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information or reservations, call the Courtyard toll-free number at 800-321-2211, visit courtyard.marriott.com, become a fan at www.facebook.com/courtyard or follow Courtyard at www.twitter.com/courtyardhotels.

About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a leading global lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 4,100 properties in 79 countries and territories and reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

*Source: Smith Travel Research December 2014 Worldwide Census. Ranking is based on number of rooms.

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