WASHINGTON, D.C. - Aug. , 2003 - Marriott Rewards received the highest ranking among frequent travel programs in the first annual SkyGuide “Best in Travel Awards.” SkyGuide GO magazine, published by American Express Publishing, surveyed more than 4,200 frequent business travelers and shared the results in the current summer issue.

This latest recognition adds to Marriott Rewards’ impressive list of honors, which includes being named “Best Hotel Rewards Program in the World” by Business Traveler magazine for the past six consecutive years.
“We are honored to be recognized as the preeminent frequent travel program by the readers of SkyGuide GO,” said Holly Mendelson, Marriott Rewards, director of marketing and communications. “Continually enhancing our rewards and recognition, while at the same time adding to our extensive selection of preferred hotels around the world, is what has made Marriott Rewards a leader for 20 years.”

With more than 18 million members and 2,300 participating hotels in 65 countries, Marriott Rewards is the largest and most popular frequent guest program in the world. In May 2003, Marriott Rewards announced several enhancements and new benefits for its Elite members:
? Members attain Silver Elite status and benefits after spending 10 nights per year at participating hotels, rather than 15.
? Elite members can now earn bonus points at all participating brands, including Courtyard, Residence Inn, Fairfield Inn, TownePlace Suites and SpringHill Suites, in addition to previously offered JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Renaissance Hotels & Resorts and Marriott Vacation Club International locations.
? Platinum Elite members are guaranteed a room at any hotel participating in Marriott Rewards when they book reservations 48 hours or more prior to arrival (excluding Marriott International Vacation Club). In addition, Platinum members receive a welcome gift of refreshments for every Marriott stay at participating hotels.
? Silver, Gold and Platinum Elite members may now enjoy exclusive Elite-only awards, including packages, destinations and savings.
? All Marriott Rewards members can now request hotel stay awards just 24 hours before check-in to most participating hotels by calling 1-800-450-4442 or visiting marriottrewards.com.
In addition to free hotel stays, members may redeem Marriott Rewards points for more than 300 different reward options, including Nick Faldo and John Jacobs® golf schools; airline travel; spa packages; luxury Caribbean, Mediterranean and Alaskan cruises; car and SUV rentals from Hertz; theme park passes to Disney®, Universal Studios and Discovery Cove Orlando; retail 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.

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 at marriottrewards.com.

To join Marriott Rewards, call 1-800-249-0800, visit the front desk of any of the more than 2,300 participating hotels, or log on to marriottrewards.com.
MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. (NYSE:MAR) 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®. For more information or reservations, please visit the web site at www.marriott.com.
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