Ramada International Hotels & Resorts, a division of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR), announced their expansion into The Netherlands through an operational services agreement with AMS Hotel Group BV, which includes the conversion of 10 existing hotels and two new hotels totaling 1,186 rooms.

The existing 10 hotels, which are owned by AMS Hotel Group, are located within walking distance of each other in Amsterdam’s city center and will be converted over the next two years. The new hotels will be located in Amsterdam Southeast and Lijnden near Schipol Airport. They are due to open by 2005. Ramada International and AMS have signed an operational services agreement (OSA), a first for Ramada International. With this agreement, Ramada will provide management support to assist AMS in establishing an international operation and brand.
“We are very happy to bring the Ramada brand to The Netherlands. We feel Ramada fills a gap in Northern Europe’s hospitality market by offering unparalleled quality and value. We look forward to working closely with AMS through our OSA, which will allow AMS more control over its hotel operations than the usual management agreement,” said Reas Kondraschow, senior vice president and managing director, Ramada International.

All of the Ramada hotels in The Netherlands will maintain Ramada International’s six pillars, which are: a restful sleep; an invigorating shower; a well-trained staff; an exceptional level of cleanliness; the “Ramada Mornings Breakfast” - a selection that is hot, delicious and easy; and a Spirit to Serve Our Communities with community partnerships, family services, associate involvement and career opportunities.

Reservations can be made by calling any of Ramada International’s reservation numbers, calling the hotel directly, through a travel agent or through Ramada International’s web site, www.ramadainternational.com.

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