BETHESDA, Md., April 11, 2011 -- Marriott International (NYSE: MAR) announced plans today to open the first Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Mexico City, the 292-room Courtyard Mexico City Airport located directly across from international terminal number one at Benito Juarez International Airport.  Development of this hotel, expected to open in early 2012, with its owner Penon S.A. de C.V., will bolster Marriott's continued growth within Mexico and throughout Latin America.

"As one of the busiest, most populous cities in the world, Mexico City is a premier travel destination in Latin America, and we are thrilled to introduce the Courtyard by Marriott brand to Mexico's capital," said Laurent de Kousemaeker, chief development officer, Caribbean & Latin American Region, Marriott International.  "The Courtyard positioning and business model has had tremendous success throughout Mexico and Central America, and we look forward to continued growth throughout the region."

Guests at the Courtyard Mexico City Airport will have easy access to Latin America's busiest airport, as the property is connected to international terminal number one by a convenient foot bridge.  The hotel will also feature four levels of guest rooms; a patio level with retail outlets; a mezzanine level, which will include the lobby and fitness center; and two levels of underground parking for 480 cars.

"Marriott International has a long standing presence in Mexico, which has proven to be one of our most successful international markets," said Alejandro Acevedo, vice president of development, Mexico, for Marriott International.  "We are committed to continued expansion in this great country, and we look forward to working with existing and new partners to develop Courtyard by Marriott hotels and other Marriott International brands throughout Mexico."

Marriott International currently operates 18 hotels in Mexico under four different brands: Marriott Hotels & Resorts, JW Marriott Hotels, Courtyard by Marriott and Fairfield Inn & Suite. The Courtyard Mexico City Airport will be the seventh Courtyard to open in Mexico; four more Courtyards are in the pipeline.

The Courtyard by Marriott brand features hotels with a refreshing environment that helps guests stay connected, productive and balanced while traveling.   Intuitive services and design accommodate guests' desire for choice and control and allow them to use the public space and guest rooms to meet all of their needs while on the road.  With more than 900 locations in 36 countries, Courtyard is Marriott's largest brand.
The Courtyard by Marriott Mexico City Airport, along with more than 3,500 Marriott-affiliated hotels worldwide, participates in Marriott Rewards, the guest reward program that allows its more than 35 million members to earn points or airline miles for each dollar spent during each stay.

For more information about the brand, visit www.courtyard.com.

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SOURCE Marriott International, Inc