WASHINGTON - Dec. 2, 2002 - Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) announced today that The Woodlands Waterway Marriott & Convention Center hotel is scheduled to open on Dec. 13 in The Woodlands, Texas. Located at 1601 Lake Robbins Drive, this latest addition to the Marriott Hotels, Resorts and Suites portfolio is owned by The Woodlands Hotel, L.P. of The Woodland, Texas - a joint venture of The Woodlands Operating Company and the Town Center Improvement District - and managed by Marriott International, Inc. of Washington, D.C. The hotel plans to employ approximately 300 associates.

The Woodlands is one of the country’s premier master-planned communities. Located 21 miles from George Bush Intercontinental Airport and close to Houston, the community offers an escape from the bustling city and features its own retail, restaurant and entertainment venues. The new 345-room hotel is the focal point of The Woodlands Town Center and Waterway, a 1.25-mile linear park that includes shopping, restaurants, loft-style residences, entertainment and office parks. Nearby attractions include The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, a state-of-the-art indoor/outdoor performing arts venue; The Woodlands Mall; Market Street - The Woodlands, a pedestrian-friendly plaza opening in 2004; and championship golf at the Tournament Players Course and six additional courses within a 20-minute drive of the hotel.

With 70,000 square feet of meeting space, The Woodlands Waterway Marriott & Convention Center can accommodate business and social gatherings of all sizes. For large-scale functions, the hotel features a 37,000-square-foot exhibit hall and an 18,000-square-foot ballroom. A 4,000-square-foot junior ballroom and 13 break-out rooms are also available. In addition, a five-bay loading dock and four show offices cater specifically to meetings, conventions and trade shows. Technological capabilities include high-speed internet access in all meeting rooms, a business center, and audiovisual and videoconferencing services. For added convenience, a 1,000-space parking garage connects via skyway directly to the ballroom and is available in addition to the 500-space covered guest parking garage.
Guest rooms are handsomely appointed and feature an enhanced Marriott Bed with down duvets. Other amenities include two dual-line telephones, voice mail and data ports with high-speed internet capability, cable television with pay-per-view movies, in-room coffee and tea service, hair dryer, iron and ironing board. All guest rooms are designated as “The Room That Works,” specifically designed for business travelers with a moveable desk, glare-free desk lamp, ergonomic chair and power outlets located at desk level for convenient access. The hotel also offers two concierge levels with upgraded amenities, bathrobes and a concierge lounge.

Ristorante Tuscany offers an elegant yet informal dining experience and boasts an extensive wine list. Guests may enjoy breakfast featuring freshly brewed Starbucks Coffee, view the exhibition kitchen, or take in lush garden views from the restaurant’s outdoor seating. Three private dining rooms are also available for celebratory or business events.

Recreational amenities include an outdoor pool with Jacuzzi and a health club. Additional hotel conveniences include a gift shop, dry cleaning services and room service.

For more information or reservations, contact The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center at (281)367-9797, call the Marriott Worldwide Reservations Center at 1-800-228-9290, or visit the Marriott web site at www.marriott.com. Marriott Hotels, Resorts and Suites properties participate in the company’s award-winning Marriott Rewards® frequent guest program. Members earn their choice of points toward free vacations or frequent flyer mileage for dollars spent at nearly 2,300 Marriott hotels worldwide.

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