Orlando, Florida – March 11, 2013 – The 160-room Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Orlando, Florida is scheduled to open this Friday, March 15, 2013, with its smart, inventive public space and guest room design, and its bright and inviting décor. Located at 8214 Universal Boulevard, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando International Drive/Convention Center will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by Avista Hotels XI, LLC. This is the first Fairfield Inn & Suites in Orlando to feature the brand’s new design and décor, which enhance the guest experience through flexible features, and a warm and welcoming environment.

Located one mile from Universal Orlando and 12 miles from Orlando International Airport, the hotel offers guests convenient access to the Orlando Convention Center, SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove, Aquatica and the Disney Theme Parks.

“Delivering both function and comfort, our new design and décor elevate the Fairfield brand, setting a new standard in the moderate tier category,” said Shruti Buckley, vice president and global brand manager, Fairfield Inn & Suites. “At Fairfield Inn & Suites, we provide an easy, positive and productive travel experience, as well as the promise of consistent and reliable service at an exceptional value. The Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando International Drive/Convention Center is a truly stunning example of the brand’s contemporary new look and feel, and we are pleased with the continued growth of Fairfield Inn & Suites hotels in the Orlando area.”

From the moment they arrive, guests are welcomed by Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando International Drive/Convention Center’s modern, bright new design features including an updated exterior with an inviting glass entrance that ushers them into the hotel. Once inside, guests experience the hotel’s open public space featuring natural light. Consistent with the Fairfield brand’s heritage of great service and a warm welcome, guests are greeted by associates who can easily move from behind the angled front desk to interact and answer questions.

In the hotel lobby area, guests can choose to be productive, relax or enjoy breakfast or a snack in a modern and flexible environment featuring a vibrant, natural color palette of greens, blues and oranges. The spacious lobby gives guests ample connectivity options, as well as a “connect and print” area that offers both standing and seated Internet stations. Guests can also unwind in the lobby’s inviting living area ― whose focal points include a natural stone hearth, organic-shaped sofa and lounge chair, and unique local features — or they can grab a drink or snack item from the 24/7 Corner Market.

The breakfast area’s signature farm table provides a central gathering place where guests can watch television, meet up with colleagues or get work done. In the morning, guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast, choosing from delicious breakfast sandwiches, make-your-own waffles and other healthy items, such as fruit, yogurt, and whole grain cereals and breads.

The Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando International Drive/Convention Center’s signature “smart” room décor warmly welcomes guests into a comfortable, productive and restful environment. Flexible and functional, the guest room includes a well-designed work area, an ergonomic chair, task lighting and electrical outlets where guests need them. A curved, mobile desk enables guests to create their own work space, while also optimizing their television viewing.

Inspired by nature, the hotel’s thoughtfully designed rooms and suites place the living and working area near the window to allow for more natural light and views. Building on this natural design, the room décor features organic patterns and fresh colors, blending wood tones with bright pops of color. The new design also places the sleeping area toward the middle of the room, helping to give guests a better night’s sleep on plush mattresses, as well as easier access to the bathroom and wardrobe. The bright, spacious living area also offers a comfortable couch, refrigerator, coffeemaker and microwave, and the bath area continues the room’s bright, spacious, contemporary feel with showers available in all standard king rooms and suites.

The six-story hotel features three types of one-bedroom suites. The Executive King Suite with kitchenettes and separate bedroom, the Executive Kitchen Suite with full kitchen and the Family Fun Suite with king-size bed, bunk beds and kitchenette.

Additional hotel amenities include an outdoor swimming pool with a whirlpool spa, an exercise room, valet laundry service, complimentary Wi-Fi, as well as fax and copy services. The hotel also offers 3,000 square feet of space to accommodate functions of up to 150 people.

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott is designed for today’s traveler who is looking to be productive on the road, whether for business or leisure. In addition to complimentary Wi-Fi and breakfast, Fairfield Inn & Suites offers thoughtfully designed rooms and suites that provide separate living, working and sleeping areas. With more than 675 properties throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, Fairfield Inn & Suites hotels participate in the award-winning Marriott Rewards® frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information or reservations, contact the Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando International Drive/Convention Center hotel directly at 407-581-9001, call the Fairfield Inn & Suites toll-free number at 800-228-2800, visit www.fairfieldinn.com or become a fan at www.facebook.com/fairfieldinnandsuites.

Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 3,800 properties in 74 countries and territories and reported revenues of nearly $12 billion in fiscal year 2012. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.