WASHINGTON, Marriott International's (NYSE: MAR - News) Residence Inn brand, which pioneered the extended-stay category, today announced its "Gen7" suite, a new design that will re-define extended-stay lodging. A bold statement in 21st century residential style, the new suite showcases contemporary decor and finishes that reflect the comforts and luxuries of a modern American home.

Commanding a 30 percent REVPAR premium over the competition, Residence Inn by Marriott has dominated the extended-stay category for 30 years by reinventing itself as customer needs have changed and today remains one of the lodging industry's most powerful brands with $1.7 billion in sales. Residence Inn also leads the segment with a 19 percent occupancy premium and a 10 percent rate premium over the competition. Representing the new urban emphasis of the brand, later this year, the 500th Residence Inn will open in the heart of Manhattan -- a 43-story mixed-use development on Avenue of the Americas overlooking Bryant Park.

Residence Inn expects to add 30 hotels to its system this year and is on track to add 25 to 30 hotels each year from 2006 to 2008.

Laura Bates, senior vice president, extended-stay brand management, Marriott International, said, "Gen7 will re-define the extended-stay experience and we're delighted to report that the response from our guests, owners and franchisees has been overwhelmingly positive."

Extended-stay guests who evaluated the new design gave it high marks for being stylish, sophisticated, distinctive and innovative. The suite was rated "good" or "excellent" by 98 percent of guests, who also indicated they would be willing, on average, to pay 16 percent more for the experience.

The new Gen7 suite features "zones" to meet the living needs of the extended-stay guest -- cooking, dining, working, relaxing and sleeping. Incorporating elements of a modern residence, the room features stainless steel appliances and granite countertops in the kitchen; upgraded bedding that is softer and more luxurious; a comfortable and multi-functional living area, with recliner and ottoman, and a striking red chaise lounge that converts into a bed.

"We invested in our portfolio of more than 25 Residence Inns because it defines and sets the standards of the extended-stay category -- no other brand comes close," said Bruce White, chairman and CEO of White Lodging Services, a major Residence Inn franchisor. "Now with their newly designed room, we can deliver an even more superior guest experience that will enable us to attract new customers and grow market share."

"Residence Inn is one of Marriott's strongest performing brands with tremendous growth potential," added Bates. "Extended-stay product represents just 8 percent of the lodging market, while customer demand is upwards of 30 percent. Outstanding development opportunities exist in traditional locations, as well as in urban markets and with mixed-use developments."

Residence Inn introduced the term "extended-stay" to serve the needs of business travelers seeking apartment-style accommodations for their longer stays. The brand's home-like suites provide spaciousness, flexibility and comfort with a relaxing, social community that enriches life away from home. Residence Inn participates in the company's award-winning Marriott Rewards® frequent-guest program, which enables guests to earn their choice of points toward free vacations or frequent flyer mileage in their preferred airline program for dollars spent at more than 2,500 Marriott hotels in 65 countries. For more information or reservations, call the Residence Inn toll-free number at (800) 331-3131, or visit the web site at .

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. (NYSE: MAR - News) is a leading lodging company with more than 2,600 lodging properties in the United States and 65 other countries and territories. Marriott International operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Bulgari, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn and SpringHill Suites brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club International, Horizons, The Ritz-Carlton Club and Marriott Grand Residence Club brands; operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division; and operates conference centers. The company is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has approximately 133,000 employees. It is ranked as the lodging industry's most admired company and one of the best places to work for by Fortune® magazine. In fiscal year 2004, Marriott International reported sales from continuing operations of $10 billion. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at .

Betsy Higgison
(301) 380-8192
Marriott