June 27, 2012 - Marriott International (NYSE: MAR) has opened its first hotel in Azerbaijan, the 243-room JW Marriott Absheron Baku under a management agreement with Yeni Absheron Oteli LLC. A stunning addition to Marriott International’s luxury JW Marriott global brand portfolio, the hotel overlooks Baku’s famed Azadliq Square and the Caspian Sea.

“We are thrilled to grow our luxury JW Marriott portfolio in Europe and to open world-class hotels such as the JW Marriott Absheron Baku,” said Amy McPherson, president and managing director for Marriott International in Europe. “A dynamic and cosmopolitan city, Baku is a destination on the rise, experiencing impressive growth and a cultural rebirth. With its beautiful natural surroundings, fascinating history and vibrant nightlife, Baku is the perfect location to showcase our JW Marriott brand in Eastern Europe. Baku is fast becoming a new European and International hotspot and we see great opportunity to expand our portfolio here.”

The JW Marriott brand is reserved for select luxury properties in key gateway cities and distinctive resort locations. These elegant hotels offer accomplished travelers a luxury travel experience with a distinct sense of place that appropriately reflects the genuine flavor of their surroundings.

Azerbaijan is located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, bordered by the Caspian Sea to the east. Baku, home to 1.9 million people, is the capital and largest city as well as the country’s primary port. Steeped in history, this ancient city has long been associated with oil, but old and new are fusing together at breathtaking speed with an influx of investment and infrastructure and the planned construction of around 500 new buildings in the next few years.

Located in Baku’s most prestigious neighborhood, in the heart of the business, shopping, and entertainment district, the JW Marriott Absheron Baku is a modern and stylish hotel in keeping with the relaxed elegance and effortless luxury synonymous with the JW Marriott brand. Just 25 minutes from Heydar Aliyev International Airport, the hotel offers easy access and luxury accommodation to business and leisure travelers to Baku.

The 243 elegantly appointed guestrooms, including 15 Executive Studios and Presidential Suite, offer exceptional comfort and stunning views of the Caspian Sea. Boasting natural textures and colors reflecting the Azerbaijan landscape, the rooms also feature the latest technologies, contemporary furnishings and luxurious bed and bath linens.

The hotel features a fully equipped business center and 3200 square meters of flexible meeting space flooded with natural light, including a spectacular 1,208 square meter column-free ballroom with high ceilings and panoramic views perfect for weddings, banquets or galas. The idyllic spa with sea views sets the stage for a truly relaxing experience, while the 24-hour fitness center features the hotel’s crowning glory - a rooftop indoor pool overlooking the sea.

Dining at the JW Marriott Absheron Baku takes guests on a culinary journey with four options including the Fireworks Oriental Kitchen where Azerbaijan, Turkish, Iranian and Indian cuisines are masterfully crafted with the spices and flavors of the region, and the OroNero Bar & Ristorante where the delights of fashionable northern Italy from Parma to Milan can be enjoyed in an al fresco setting. The Razzmatazz Cocktail Bar&Lounge offers a sophisticated and sociable setting while the delicatessen style Zest Lifestyle Cafe provides an informal, flexible option for any time of day.

About JW Marriott
JW Marriott is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio and consists of exceptional properties in gateway cities and distinctive resort locations around the world. These elegant hotels and resorts cater to today’s sophisticated, self-assured travelers, offering them the quiet luxury they seek in a warmly authentic, relaxed atmosphere lacking in pretense. JW Marriott properties artfully provide highly crafted, anticipatory experiences that are reflective of their locale so that their guests have the time to focus on what is most important to them. Currently, there are 54 JW Marriott hotels in 23 countries; by 2014 the portfolio will encompass 76 properties in 28 countries. For more information visit www.jwmarriotthotels.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.