January 13, 2012 - LONDON – Yesterday Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) celebrated the grand opening of the 107-room Residence Inn Edinburgh, the first Residence Inn branded property in the United Kingdom. The hotel, operated by Marriott International under a management agreement with Gladedale Ventures Limited, is centrally located in the Scottish capital’s new Quartermile development, the city’s most exciting new address.

On hand for the festivities, Amy McPherson, president and managing director for Marriott International in Europe said, “Following the opening of our first Residence Inn in Europe in Munich in October last year, we are thrilled to introduce our first Residence Inn here in Scotland.” McPherson added, “We are proud to call Edinburgh home and look forward to welcoming extended stay guests to this fantastic new hotel and providing them with everything they need to help them thrive and maintain balance while on the road.”

Colorfully dressed stilt-walkers, Scottish bagpipers and giant pandas “Sweetie and Sunshine,” representing Edinburgh’s most famous new residents since their arrival at the Edinburgh Zoo in December, also joined in on the festivities to mark the occasion.

Boasting 107 stylish and spacious studio and one bedroom suites designed by acclaimed architect Foster + Partners and interior design house ICA Interiors, the Residence Inn Edinburgh is located near the picturesque Edinburgh Castle and the famed Royal Mile, as well as Edinburgh’s bustling business district, University and Haymarket and Waverly rail stations. Each suite offers a kitchen and expansive living, dining and working zones, designed for comfort for travelers staying five days or more. Special amenities include complimentary hot breakfast and Wi-Fi, grocery delivery service, 24/7 marketplace and fitness center.

Paul Curran, managing director at Quartermile said, “We are delighted to welcome the UK’s first Residence Inn to the Quartermile development. It is a prestigious location in Edinburgh and I am sure visitors will agree it is the ideal base when in the city for business or pleasure. The presence of a large, international corporation like Marriott at Quartermile is a great testament to the quality of our product. Our commercial offering at Quartermile is off to a fantastic start in 2012.”

Scottish Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing added, “I am delighted that Edinburgh is home to the first Residence Inn in Scotland. They have chosen to make the most of an excellent location in Quartermile which reflects the unique heritage of the city but also underlines the opportunities for development and growth. Around four million people visit our capital every year to make the most of our world renowned festivals and this will provide Marriott with an excellent platform for success with this new venture."

Residence Inn by Marriott pioneered and defined the extended-stay hotel segment in the United States and currently has more than 620 properties globally. Designed for long stays, Residence Inn by Marriott offers spacious suites with separate living and sleeping areas. Fully functional kitchens, grocery delivery, 24-hour markets and complimentary 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. For more information visit www.residenceinn.com.

Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) for company information. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.