Bethesda, Maryland – July 20, 2011 – An 84-unit Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott (NYSE:MAR; www.Marriott.com ) is scheduled to open at 1255 41st Avenue in Capitola, California on Thursday, July 21, 2011.  This stately, Mediterranean-style hotel offers convenient access to the gorgeous Monterey Bay, the historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and quaint Capitola Village, with its wharf, beach, boutique shops and fine restaurants.  Rates begin at $119 on weekdays and $199 on weekends.

The property will be operated as a Marriott franchise, owned by Aspromonte Inns, LLC and managed by Aspromonte Hospitality, with over 50 years of lodging industry experience in Santa Cruz County and beyond.  Elena Aspromonte, company founder and CEO, declared “this is going to be a state-of-the-art Fairfield Inn & Suites with impressive design features.  We wanted to make a bold statement – to build a hotel the local community would be proud of – and I feel we have done just that. Plus, we’re delighted to have used a lot of local talent to build the project, including architects Bob Corbett and Phil Baldwin, interior designer Velia Anderson, Slatter Construction, Ifland Engineering and many wonderful subcontractors and artists.”  More information on Aspromonte Hospitality may be found at SantaCruzHotelGroup.com

The public space features an innovative and contemporary design.  The open and bright lobby welcomes guests with a vibrant color palette of greens, blues and oranges and a stunning jellyfish chandelier by Johnson Art Studio. The décor has been infused with a subtle ocean theme, accented by the lighting of Johnson Art Studio, and featuring the works of Heather Glass, Maia Negre and photographers Seraphina Landgrebe, William Constantine and Nikki Brooks.

All rooms are suites with distinct living and sleeping areas.  Each includes a microwave, mini-fridge, coffeemaker, free Internet connectivity, cordless VoIP phones and a vast HD channel lineup. The sleeping area features plush mattresses, downy blankets and crisp linens to create a truly revitalized bedroom experience. The bright, spacious living room provides a well-lit work area, an ergonomic chair and an entertainment center with a second television.  The hotel also offers upgraded suites with whirlpools, fireplaces and showers with dual heads.

A complimentary continental breakfast is available each morning that can be enjoyed either indoors or next to a fireplace on the rooftop patio.  Other hotel amenities include a heated outdoor swimming pool, whirlpool spa, exercise room, bocce court, valet laundry service and business center.  The hotel also offers 1,766 square feet of meeting space and a lounge serving an assortment of beers, wines and other beverages.

“We are pleased to introduce Fairfield Inn hotels in the Capitola area,” said Brian King, senior vice president, Select Service and Extended Stay Brand Management, Marriott International.  “This hotel offers business and leisure travelers convenient, quality accommodations at an affordable price.  We look forward to welcoming guests and providing the friendly service that sets Fairfield Inn apart.”

Launched in 1987, Fairfield Inn has become a leader in the midscale hotel category.  With more than 640 properties throughout the United States, guests can rely on Fairfield Inn to meet their lodging needs wherever their travels take them.  Fairfield Inn participates in the company’s award-winning Marriott Rewards® frequent guest program.  Members can earn points at 3,100 Marriott hotels worldwide and use them towards free vacations and frequent flyer mileage.

For more information or reservations, call 1-800-Marriott or visit FairfieldInnCapitola.com.

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