Marriott International further strengthens its leadership position in Thailand with the opening of three new properties this year.  The Rayong Marriott Resort & Spa, The Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit and the Marriott Executive Apartments Bangkok - Sukhumvit Thonglor will all open in 2012 bringing Marriott International’s portfolio to 16 hotels in the country.         

Marriott International currently operates a portfolio of world-leading hotels and brands in the country including the world-class JW Marriott hotels in Bangkok, Phuket and Khao Lak, the stylish, lifestyle Renaissance-branded hotels in Bangkok, Phuket and Koh Samui, and the award-winning luxury retreat, Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Krabi, among others.

“We are delighted to be expanding our footprint in Thailand and bringing these three wonderful new hotels to the country,” explained Craig Smith, chief operating officer, Marriott International, Asia. “We have had a long relationship with Thailand having opened our first hotel here, the JW Marriott Bangkok, some 15 years ago. It is great to be able to bring these new hotels to Thailand which we feel will have a very positive impact on both domestic and international travellers to the country. We are totally committed to Thailand for the long term, and in addition to these three hotels we will continue to grow in Thailand with a further five hotels set to open in the next three to four years.”

Rising over Bangkok’s premier lifestyle district of Thonglor, the Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit will be perfect for business travellers, weekend getaways and families, with a great mix of leisure and business facilities, ideally located close to the BTS Skytrain station.

With 296 exquisite guest rooms and suites, the hotel will feature three superb restaurants, bars and lounges, four meeting rooms and a Grand Ballroom. The iconic building offers sweeping views of the city and will also host a stunning rooftop bar and restaurant.

Located on the popular Mae Phim beach in the resort area of Rayong – just 205 kilometers south of Bangkok - the 206-room Rayong Marriott Resort & Spa will be located on a beautiful stretch of coastline offering aspects of both picturesque mountains and stunning ocean views.

The hotel will feature a Grand Ballroom along with five additional meeting rooms with extensive outdoor group space overlooking the tranquil landscape of the Gulf of Thailand. With the ability to host lavish weddings, meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions, the hotel is expected to become an immediate favorite for MICE, events and meetings customers. Offering a total of 7,120 square meters of total meetings space, the hotel is fitted with LCD projection and state-of-the-art technology for successful and memorable functions and events.

Marriott Executive Apartments Bangkok - Sukhumvit Thonglor, which will be located in the same building as the Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit, will offer the conveniences of a full service 5-star hotel with the space, ambience and privacy of residential living.

Marriott Executive Apartments are furnished with a fully equipped kitchen and are appropriate for any length of stay. Located in the heart of Bangkok’s upscale residential district, the Marriott Executive Apartments Bangkok - Sukhumvit Thonglor will offer 74 units comprising one- two- and three-bed room apartments.

“We are delighted to be expanding the number of hotels we offer in Thailand and to be showcasing a new Marriott Executive Apartments in the city, as well as bringing our internationally branded hotels to the beautiful beachside area of Rayong,” explained Philip Bryson, Area Vice President South-East Asia for Marriott International.

“These hotels will appeal to business and leisure travellers from across Thailand and internationally and offer world-class service and facilities in locations were we have not previously been able to offer our hotels. It is great to be able to announce such strong growth in Thailand and to be able to bring a new level of hotel to Rayong, that we believe will really help to put the destination on the international map,” continued Bryson.”

NOTE: The statements about the opening dates for the new hotels are “forward looking statements” within the meaning of federal securities laws, not historical facts, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including supply and demand changes for hotel rooms; competitive conditions in the lodging industry; relationships with clients and property owners; the availability of capital to finance hotel growth; and other risk factors identified in Marriott International, Inc.‘s most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q; any of which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by our statements. These statements are made as of the date of this press release, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.