LONDON - March 12, 2013 – Marriott International (NYSE: MAR) today announced plans to open a luxury resort on the private island of Sacca Sessola, located in the Venetian lagoon. The 266-room JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa will operate under a management agreement with an affiliate of Aareal Bank AG and is expected to open in 2014. Just a short boat ride from the beautiful city of Venice and in an unparalleled setting, the resort will be the JW Marriott brand’s first hotel in Italy and a world-class addition to its global portfolio of 59 luxury properties.

JW Marriott is currently represented in Europe by five elegant hotels in London, Bucharest, Cannes and Ankara with the fifth joining just last year in Baku, Azerbaijan. Each hotel seeks to offer today’s discerning traveller an authentic, crafted luxury experience reflective of its locale.

“Introducing JW Marriott to Venice is an exciting time for the brand as the destination continues to be one of the most desirable in the world, famous for its stunning architecture, art, and culture,” said Amy McPherson, president and managing director for Marriott International in Europe. “We are delighted to offer our guests the distinctly unique setting of Sacca Sessola coupled with the elegance and intuitive service synonymous with the JW Marriott brand.”

“Northern Italy’s Venetian Lagoon is one of the world’s most picturesque destinations, and we are thrilled to bring the JW Marriott brand to such an iconic and thriving location,” added Mitzi Gaskins, vice president & global brand manager for JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts. “We look forward to bringing our guests’ passion points of Culinary, Culture and Well-Being to life at this beautifully appointed property through authentic, unique and enriching travel experiences.”

Nestled amongst Sacca Sessola’s expansive private gardens and olive groves, the JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa will feature 266 guest rooms and suites designed by renowned Matteo Thun & Partners of Milan, offering exceptional comfort and refined style. The tranquil and private setting will invite guests to relax and rejuvenate, and, in harmony with the brand’s emphasis on well-being, the resort will offer a health club, spa, and indoor, outdoor and rooftop swimming pools.

The resort will also offer exceptional dining experiences in an array of restaurants and bars as well as unique event and wedding space in the form of a beautifully restored church. In addition to attracting leisure guests, the hotel is expected to be popular with the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) market with over 13,000 square feet of meeting space across a variety of meeting rooms.

Man-made in 1860, Sacca Sessola is one of the largest islands in the Venetian lagoon covering an area of approximately 40 acres. Home to a number of hospitals during the 19th and 20th centuries, the island’s expansive parkland and gardens hint to its interesting history as a place for recuperation and well-being. Today, just 15 minutes by boat from the historic heart of Venice, St Mark’s Square, the island offers unique access to the city’s cultural gems. Known as the gateway to the Orient, Venice is embellished with historical monuments and intricately decorated buildings, making it infinitely popular with visitors.

All JW Marriott hotels and resorts participate in Marriott Rewards, Marriott International’s award-winning guest loyalty program, where guests can earn points at more than 3,200 hotels in 68 countries.

About JW Marriott
JW Marriott is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio and consists of beautiful properties in gateway cities and distinctive resort locations around the world. These elegant hotels cater to today’s sophisticated, self-assured travellers, offering them the quiet luxury they seek in a warmly authentic, relaxed atmosphere lacking in pretence. 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 59 JW Marriott hotels in 23 countries; by 2015 the portfolio is expected to encompass 79 properties in 28 countries. Visit us online, www.jwmarriott.com, @jwmarriott and http://www.facebook.com/pages/JW-MARRIOTT/104246359610277

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