Marriott International Introduces its Courtyard Brand in Turkey, with the Opening of Courtyard Istanbul International Airport

“This hotel is designed specifically for European business travelers who want all the conveniences of an upscale hotel but in a more casual, open design where they can be totally at ease,” says Wolfgang Koller, general manager of the hotel. “Istanbul is a thriving business hub and a world class destination -- the perfect location for this global brand.”

“This latest Courtyard brings our total roster of properties to more than 800 hotels,” said Brian King, senior vice president of the Courtyard brand. “We have also recently added hotels in France, Thailand, Hawaii and Washington, D.C.”

Its 228 deluxe and 32 superior rooms and suites are fully equipped with Marriott’s new, highly-acclaimed plush bedding and bath linens; two telephone lines; wireless Internet access; a well-lighted, over-sized work desk and ergonomic chair for comfort; an in-room safe and refrigerator; a coffee and tea maker, keyboard, Internet via TV, satellite plasma TV, an ironing board and iron. Opening special rates for the month of June are €89 on weekend nights and €99 midweek.

For dining and entertainment, Oleo Pazzo Restaurant offers delicious Mediterranean cuisine and Turkish specialties and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Additional amenities include a business center/Internet corner in the lobby and wireless Internet throughout all public areas of the hotel. A Grab & Go market in the lobby provides snacks and refreshments, including beer and wine, 24 hours a day. And the Caretta Spa offers a fully equipped gym, 77 square meter indoor pool, sauna, steam bath and four treatment rooms.

For conferences and social events, the hotel has a 300-square-meter ballroom and seven smaller meeting rooms with daylight and soundproof windows.

As part of its social and environmental commitment, the Courtyard Istanbul International Airport commissioned a garden to surround the property that features 4,200 plants transferred from seven areas of Turkey including the Black Sea and Anatolian region.

For more information about Marriott’s commitment to environmental and social responsibility, visit .

The Courtyard by Marriott Istanbul International Airport, along with over 2,500 Marriott-affiliated hotels worldwide, participates in Marriott Rewards, the guest reward program that allows members to earn their choice of points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay.

For more information about Istanbul’s newest hotel, please call: 0212 692 0000 or visit .

Courtyard by Marriott is a moderately-priced lodging brand offering a refreshing environment that helps guests stay connected, productive and balanced. Intuitive services and design accommodate guests’ needs for choice and control. With more than 800 hotels in 28 countries, Courtyard is Marriott’s largest brand; 200 additional Courtyard by Marriott hotels will open around the world over the next three years.

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) is a leading lodging company with more than 3,200 lodging properties in 66 countries and territories. Marriott International operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites and Bulgari brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club, The Ritz-Carlton Club and Grand Residences by Marriott brands; operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division; and operates conference centers. The company is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and had approximately 146,000 employees at 2008 year-end. It is recognized by BusinessWeek as one of the 100 best global brands, by FORTUNE® as one of the best companies to work for, and by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as Partner of the Year since 2004. In fiscal year 2008, Marriott International reported sales from continuing operations of nearly $13 billion. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at . For an interactive online version of Marriott's 2008 Annual Report, which includes a short video message from Chairman and CEO J.W. Marriott, Jr., visit .