Marriott International Announces First Hotel in the Northeastern Region of Brazil

"We are very excited about developing our first hotel property and in partnership with Marriott International" said Mr. Alberto Ferreira da Costa, President of Rio Ave Ltda. " With the brand's strong reputation and preference in Latin America, we are confident that the Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Recife will be very successful."

"We are fortunate to have great local partners in Brazil, with whom we expect to grow many successful hotels within the market," commented Craig S. Smith, President of Caribbean & Latin America at Marriott International, Inc. "With this project, not only are we bringing more hotel rooms to the Brazilian market, but doing so in a vibrant city like Recife which is set for revitalization and tourism growth."

"This hotel reinforces Marriott International's continued growth efforts in Brazil." says Laurent de Kousemaeker, chief development officer for Marriott International, Inc. in the Caribbean & Latin America. "In the last few years the Northeast of Brazil has become an economic powerhouse. Today it is the fastest growing region in the country and we are extremely proud to be a part of that growth and to have Rio Ave as partners in this key region of the Brazilian market."

In addition to 162 guest rooms, the 12 story hotel will feature the brand's refreshing business lobby, a casual dining restaurant, 300 square meters (3,230 sq. feet) of meeting space, recreational facilities include a swimming pool and a fitness center and ample parking.

Marriott International is currently represented in Brazil by the 445-room Renaissance Sao Paulo Hotel, 245-room JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro, the 311-room Sao Paulo Airport Marriott, 114-unit Marriott Executive Apartments Sao Paulo, the 128-room Hotel & Spa do Vinho Caudalie. Currently under development in Brazil is a 165-room Fairfield Inn by Marriott in Porto Alegre and a 160-room Fairfield Inn by Marriott in Curitiba, both set to open in the first half of 2014 before the World Cup and a 158-room Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Curitiba, scheduled to open in early 2015.

The Courtyard by Marriott brand features hotels with a refreshing environment that helps guests stay connected, productive and balanced while traveling. Intuitive services and design accommodate guests' desire for choice and control and allow them to use the public space and guest rooms to meet all of their needs while on the road. With more than 900 locations in 38 countries, Courtyard has more locations than any other Marriott International brand. For more information about the brand, visit www.courtyard.com.