WASHINGTON, D.C. � Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE/MAR) has been named to manage a new 180-room, full-service hotel in Mendoza, Argentina. When opened in the year 2000, the Mendoza Marriott Hotel will be the second property in Argentina to carry the Marriott flag.

Situated adjacent to the existing Mendoza Plaza Shopping complex on Route7 along the eastern fringe of the city, the Mendoza Marriott Hotel is owned by Schiappa de Azevedo Inversora S.A. (SAISA). Route 7 is the principle road linking Mendoza with Buenos Aires, approximately 670 miles to the east. Santiago, Chile, is about 235 miles to the west of Mendoza.

"We are very pleased to see our presence in Argentina expand," said Ed Fuller, president and managing director for Marriott Lodging International. "Because of the city's importance as a regional transportation hub, as well as its proximity to Santiago and its thriving manufacturing, tourism and wine industry, Mendoza represents a logical next step in our expansion strategy for Argentina. The Mendoza Marriott Hotel will be a wonderful complement to the Marriott Plaza Buenos Aires Hotel and will provide us with operating and marketing synergies."

Speaking for SAISA, JuanCarlosSchiappa de Azevedo, president, said, "Our family has deep roots in the history of Mendoza and a serious commitment to its future. This hotel will provide employment opportunities, both during its construction phase and after its opening. We are honored to be associated with a corporation such as Marriott and are certain that this first venture may bring many more in the years ahead."

For dining and entertainment, the Mendoza Marriott Hotel will have a restaurant and two lounges.

Other amenities will include a business center, gift shop, health club, indoor swimming pool, in-room mini-bars and safes, room service, laundry and valet service, and parking for 100-120 automobiles.

For conferences and social events, the Mendoza Marriott Hotel will offer 6,735 square meters of space, including a 4,785-square-meter ballroom, a 550-square-meter boardroom and 1,400 square meters of additional meeting space.

In South America, Marriott International is currently represented by the 315-room Marriott Plaza Buenos Aires Hotel and the 415-room Renaissance Sáo Paulo Hotel in Brazil. Three additional hotels are scheduled to open in the next 36 months: the 259-room Quito Marriott Hotel (1998), the 280-room Santiago Marriott Hotel (1999) and the 300-room Lima Marriott (2000).