Marriott International, Inc. , Four
Fires LLC, a unique financial partnership of Native American tribes, and
The Donohoe Companies, celebrated the grand opening of the $43 million
Residence Inn by Marriott Capitol, at 333 E Street, S.W. The celebration,
which included a Native American blessing and flag ceremony, was held at
the hotel at 11 a.m. today. The 13-story, 233-suite hotel is the first of several such joint ventures.
The project was conceived and developed by The Donohoe Companies, a
120-year- old Washington, D.C., full-service real estate company. The
tribal partnership is the first of its kind to jointly invest in a
non-gaming hotel property. J.W. Marriott, Jr., chairman and CEO of
Marriott International, and James A. Donohoe III, president and CEO of The
Donohoe Companies, joined the Four Fires tribal chairs for the opening.

“We are truly delighted that Marriott is part of this extraordinary
project and partnership,” said Mr. Marriott. “This development is
important from a cultural and economic perspective, particularly because
the four tribes have combined their resources to create a dynamic business
venture.”

“The Four Fires partnership is an example of how we are building on our
success to attract top-tier owners and franchisees who represent the
diversity of our guests and the communities where we do business,” added
Norman K. Jenkins, senior vice president of North American Lodging
Development for Marriott.

Marriott recently announced a $1 billion diversity outreach initiative,
which includes the commitment to double the number of minority-owned
Marriott properties over the next five years. Marriott is an industry
leader in hotel franchisee/owner, employee and supplier diversity.

For Four Fires, the Residence Inn by Marriott Capitol also represents a
significant tribal investment in non-gaming enterprises. By combining
resources, the tribes hope to minimize risk and build upon one another’s
diverse business experiences.

“Combining financial interests and expertise with those of other tribes is
key to ensuring the financial stability and security of future generations
of our tribal communities,” said Anthony Pico, chairman of the Viejas Band
of Kumeyaay Indians.

Hospitality Partners of Bethesda will manage the D.C. property, which will
feature traditional Residence Inn amenities, including 2,400 square feet
of meeting space, underground parking with 100 spaces, a business center,
breakfast/evening reception area, fitness center, indoor pool and gift
shop. The building’s architecture, designed by BBGM - Architects &
Interiors, has elements that are evocative of the design of the nearby
National Museum of the American Indian.

“The timing could not be better for our opening,” said Michael Dickens,
president and CEO of Hospitality Partners. “It comes just months after the
opening of the new National Museum of the American Indian and Washington’s
new convention center. We are proud to be a part of this exciting venture.”
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