The Cali Marriott Hotel opens its doors and invites guests to Travel Brilliantly, Caleño style — Photo by Marriott

Marriott Hotels, the flagship brand of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR), celebrates the grand opening of Cali Marriott Hotel, its first property in Cali, Colombia, and the company's third in the country. Surrounded by the high-tech features and iconic glamour of the all-new Marriott, the 300 VIP guests, enjoyed the pulsating rhythms and vibrant vitality for which the destination of Cali – the Salsa Capital of the World – is known.

The 170-room hotel, developed under an agreement with Real Hotels and Resorts, S.A. and Grupo

Poma, represents Marriott's growing presence in Colombia. The night of celebration offered the perfect opportunity to showcase the iconic brand's belief that travel should be brilliant to attract the next generation of travelers.

IMG_9178In attendance, and accompanied by Colombian model, actress and TV personality Andrea

Serna, were investors, celebrities, social figures and Marriott executives, including Craig Smith, Marriott International's President for the Caribbean and Latin America.

IMG_9166The Grand Opening kicked off with a red carpet leading to a cocktail reception. Chefs from

the hotel's restaurants The Market and Tanoshi, tantalized guests with an array of international dishes, from a fresh pasta station to a ceviche bar, finishing off with a sinfully delicious chocolate room inspired by "Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory.

The event program also featured property tours to enable guests to get a full look at the new hotel

including a modern room design equipped with black-out windows, luxury bedding, high-quality personal care amenities and high-speed internet.

Cali Marriott Hotel is the third hotel under the Marriott International portfolio in Colombia following the

success of its predecessors, Marriott Hotel Bogota (2009) and JW Marriott Bogota (2010). The opening not only emphasized the company's rapid expansion in the region, but also its commitment to booming markets in Latin America.

IMG_9144The hotel is situated in Granada, the heart of Cali, which bustles with restaurants, bars and

business, and serves as the city's financial district. The company wants to establish this new property as "the place to be," for business and social gatherings in the capital of Valle del Cauca.

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.