BETHESDA, MD - December 11, 2012 - Have you ever wondered what goes into operating a global hotel empire spanning more than 70 countries, nearly 3,800 properties, 645,000 rooms and 18 brands, ranging from Marriott Hotels & Resorts to Courtyard to The Ritz-Carlton?

On Wednesday, December 12, at 9 p.m. ET/PT, Marriott International (NYSE: MAR) will be featured in a one-hour TV special: "Hotel: Behind Closed Doors at Marriott." The global hospitality leader invited CNBC into the "heart-of-the-house" over a 6-month period for a rare glimpse at the inner workings of the hotel business.

Viewers will visit the New Orleans Marriott as hotel managers and employees prepare for Hurricane Isaac—a nerve wracking exercise for a team with still-fresh memories of Katrina—and again on a more "typical" day, to follow “a day in the life” of a bustling 43-story, 1,400-room hotel.

Executive Chairman J.W. "Bill" Marriott, Jr., who stepped aside earlier this year as CEO after celebrating his 80th birthday, talks about leading the company that bears his name. In 40 years, Mr. Marriott transformed his father's restaurant business, which began as a single root beer stand, into the world's largest publicly traded hotel corporation. Mr. Marriott discusses his boldest decisions, from deciding to build the huge 2,000-room Marriott Marquis in what was then New York City's down-trodden Times Square, to expanding rapidly overseas, as well as his decision to endorse Arne Sorenson as his CEO successor.

Marriott welcomes CNBC to India to witness the company's “shrewd” expansion in the developing world despite many obstacles.

Also featured is the magic that makes The Ritz-Carlton the legendary benchmark of luxury service; and the science of hotel pricing.

Bill Marriott blogs about his personal involvement on the show on www.marriottonthemove.com. Watch video excerpts in advance at www.marriott.cnbc.com.

And if you are watching tomorrow night, join us on Twitter--send live tweets (use #WatchingCNBC).

About Marriott International, Inc.
Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA with more than 3,700 properties in 74 countries and territories and reported revenues of over $12 billion in fiscal year 2011. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands. There are approximately 300,000 associates at headquarters, managed and franchised properties. Marriott is consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business operations, which it conducts based on five core values: put people first, pursue excellence, embrace change, act with integrity, and serve our world For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.