PRNewswire WASHINGTON Nov. 20 :

It started with a grassroots effort by a few Marriott hotels to reward
frequent guests. Two decades later Marriott Rewards, which celebrates its
20th anniversary today, has grown into the largest and longest running
guest loyalty program in the world with more than 19 million members.

Originally called Marriott`s Honored Guests, the program included only
Marriott hotels. It was expanded in May 1997 to include all Marriott
brands. This multi-brand program was a first for the industry.

“From the beginning, we knew this program was a perfect fit for our
company. We have a rich tradition of taking care of our customers, and
Marriott Rewards is all about rewarding our best customers for their
business,” said J.W. Marriott, Jr., chairman and CEO, Marriott
International. “As we continue to expand our hotel portfolio throughout
the world, Marriott Rewards` membership has grown at astounding
double-digit rates everywhere we have hotels.”

“Rewarding loyalty has paid off. We`ve found that our members more than
double their number of stays with us after joining the program,” said Rita
Cuddihy, senior vice president, marketing, Marriott International.

She added that the program has led the industry for 20 years because it
offers the best value for the dollar of any hotel loyalty program and
because of the broad distribution of Marriott International`s brands where
members can earn and redeem points. In addition to 2,300 hotels in 65
countries, Marriott Rewards features almost 300 reward choices, including
partnerships with 24 airlines, amusement parks, merchandise and more.

Marriott Rewards offers more resorts, more spas and more hotels with on-
site golf, as well as the opportunity to redeem free nights at more Mobil-
rated three-, four- and five-star hotels than any other lodging program.

“Our members earn their dream vacations 30 percent faster than our
competitors.* Ultimately, people want to know, `How soon can I take my
family on a free vacation,`” said Ms. Cuddihy.

“Despite the success of the program, we are not going to rest on our
laurels. Since the beginning, we have fostered a two-way dialogue with our
members. This constant stream of communication will continue to shape the
program. The program enhancements we introduced earlier this year are an
example of how member input is used to strengthen Marriott Rewards. We
will continue to take their advice to heart as we evolve the program,”
said Ms. Cuddihy.
Complete details on the entire Marriott Rewards program, including Silver,
Gold and Platinum Elite level benefits, program partners, reward options,
news and special offers, are available on marriottrewards.com.

To enroll in Marriott Rewards, call (800) 249-0800, visit the front desk
of participating hotels, or log onto marriottrewards.com.

* Based on seven nights at Starwood, Hilton, InterContinental Hotels Group
and Hyatt hotels of similar quality and points earned on dollars spent.
Assumes standard award offerings for base level members.  All
comparisons as of 8/03.
Celebrating 20 years of guest loyalty, Marriott International, Inc.`s
Marriott Rewards is the world`s largest multi-brand frequent guest
program, now with 2,300 participating hotels and 19 million members.
Marriott Rewards offers members the choice of earning/redeeming points or
earning frequent flyer mileage at nine distinct lodging brands—Marriott
Hotels & Resorts; JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts; Renaissance Hotels &
Resorts; Marriott Vacation Club International; Courtyard by Marriott;
Fairfield Inn by Marriott; Residence Inn by Marriott; SpringHill Suites by
Marriott and TownePlace Suites by Marriott. Points may also be earned at
ExecuStay by Marriott and Marriott Executive Apartments. For the past five
years, Marriott Rewards has been named “Best Hotel Reward Program in the
World” by Business Traveler magazine. Marriott Rewards can be found online
at http://www.marriottrewards.com/

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. is a leading worldwide hospitality company
with over 2,600 lodging properties in the United States and 68 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 Ramada International brand names; develops and operates
vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club International,
Horizons, The Ritz-Carlton Club and Marriott Grand Residence Club brands;
operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate
housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division; and operates conference
centers. The company is headquartered in Washington, D.C., has
approximately 128,000 employees, and was ranked as the lodging industry`s
most admired company and one of the best places to work for by FORTUNE(R).
For more information or reservations, please visit the web site at
http://www.marriott.com/.
——-