LONDON – Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) today announced plans to open the 107-room Residence Inn Edinburgh under a management agreement with Gladedale Ventures Limited. The hotel is expected to open in October 2011 and will be the first Residence Inn by Marriott in the United Kingdom and only the second in Europe. The first Residence Inn by Marriott in Europe, the Residence Inn Munich Orleanstrasse is slated to open this fall.

With more than 600 properties in the United States, Canada and Costa Rica, Residence Inn by Marriott is a leader in the extended stay lodging segment. Designed for long stays, the brand offers spacious suites with separate living and sleeping areas.  Fully functional kitchens, grocery delivery, 24-hour markets and complimentary hot breakfast help guests maintain a healthy balance while on the road. WiFi allows guests to stay connected to home and office while health and fitness options and inviting lobby spaces provide comfortable places to work and relax.

“We are excited to introduce our first Residence Inn by Marriott in the United Kingdom in the beautiful city of Edinburgh,” said Amy McPherson, president and managing director of Marriott International in Europe. “Residence Inn is Marriott’s third largest global lodging brand and we see great potential for further expansion of the brand throughout Europe.”

Featuring upscale design and style, the Residence Inn Edinburgh will boast 107 spacious suites.  Located in the high quality Quartermile development in the heart of Edinburgh’s city centre, the hotel is located a quarter mile from the picturesque Edinburgh Castle and the famed Royal Mile. Edinburgh’s bustling business district, university and the Haymarket and Waverly rail stations are all situated in close proximity to the hotel as well.

When complete, the Quartermile mixed-use development will boast 900 luxury apartments, over 10,000 sq meters of retail space and over 30,000 sq meters of office space. Designed by Foster + Partners, it is one of the most exciting new addresses in the Scottish capital.

In 2010 Marriott International announced its goal to double its portfolio in Europe by 2015. In addition to expansion in Europe, Marriott also plans to bring the Residence Inn brand to South America next year with the opening of its first property in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) for company information.