NEW YORK, Jan. 7, 2002 - When the New York Marriott Financial Center welcomes back guests today, it will become the first hotel near Ground Zero to reopen.  Located two blocks south of the World Trade Center site, this 504-room, full-service hotel was damaged during the September 11 attacks.

For approximately two months the Marriott Financial Center collaborated with the Red Cross to serve as a Respite Center for recovery workers.  Banquet rooms were used for meals and a place of rest for the hundreds of workers at the World Trade Center site.  The hotel and its owner, Host Marriott, provided complimentary use of its public facilities, kitchens and all utilities.

"We are proud to be back in business at the Financial Center," said J.W.
Marriott, Jr., chairman and CEO of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR).  "We look forward to welcoming our guests and helping to revitalize this important part of New York City."

The New York Marriott Financial Center, located at 85 West Street, was under renovation prior to Sept. 11, so today it will reopen with a brand new lobby and guest rooms.  The signature restaurant, Roy's New York, also opens today.  A completely renovated bar and lounge, 85 West, will make its debut in just a few weeks.

The Marriott Financial Center's reopening is an important step in the revitalization of the Lower Manhattan community.  The hotel originally opened in December 1990.

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading worldwide hospitality company with nearly 2,400 operating units in the United States and 63 other countries and territories.