An upscale Marriott-branded hotel is planned to open in Xi'an, China, in 2011 under a long-term management agreement reached between Marriott International and Shaanxi Chang'An Construction & Investment Development Co., Ltd.

When opened, the 315-room Xi'an Marriott Hotel will be part of the Chang'An Metropolis Center on Nanguan Zhengjie, near the South Ancient City Gate in Xi'an's central business district and within easy reach of major historical sites and entertainment areas. Xi'an's hi-tech zone is about a 15-minute drive away.

"We're delighted to have one of our premier hotel brands represented in Xi'an, one of China's most important historic cities and currently a major transportation and economic hub," said Ed Fuller, president and managing director of international lodging for Marriott International. "We are confident that the Xi'an Marriott Hotel will be very popular among business, conference and leisure visitors to the city."

Accommodations at the Xi'an Marriott Hotel will be stylish, spacious and comfortable and will feature plush bed and bath linens and amenities, flat screen televisions and high speed internet access.

For dining and entertainment, the hotel will offer a casual restaurant serving three meals daily, a Chinese restaurant and a specialty restaurant. In addition, the hotel will have an open lobby and lounge whose ambience will encourage impromptu meetings with colleagues, get-togethers over cocktails or tea with friends or relaxation over coffee with a daily newspaper or book.

Recreational amenities will include an indoor swimming pool and a signature spa including a fully equipped health and fitness center. An executive level and lounge, business center with two small meeting rooms, and a gift shop complete the hotel's array of amenities.

For social events and conferences, the Xi'an Marriott Hotel will have 1,535 square meters of space. This will be comprised of a 920-square meter grand ballroom that will be divisible into four sections, a 150-square meter junior ballroom, and five individual meeting rooms in varying configurations.

The Marriott International hotel portfolio in China currently consists of 28 hotels representing the company's JW Marriott, Marriott, Renaissance, Courtyard by Marriott and Marriott Executive Apartments brands. Another 20 hotels have been announced and are scheduled to open over the next 36 months.

About Marriott International

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 8,100 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 139 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel program. Connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.