JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts Brand Celebrates Opening of First Hotel in the Caribbean: The JW Marriott Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – August 27, 2014 - Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR) continues to grow its world-class luxury JW Marriott hotel brand with the opening of the 150-room JW Marriott Santo Domingo. The grand opening celebration took place today in Santo Domingo and was graced with the presence of President Danilo Medina, Minister of Tourism Francisco Javier Garcia, along with the President of FVI-Fondo de Valores Inmobiliarios S.A.C.A, Mr. Luis Emilio Velutini and Mr. Craig Smith, President of the Caribbean and Latin America at Marriott. 

The much anticipated hotel is located in the upscale Piantini financial district and located inside the luxurious Blue Mall which that features several fine dining restaurants and high end shops such as Cartier, Carolina Herrera and Louis Vuitton.

"Santo Domingo remains one of the most vibrant countries for new development in the Caribbean," said Craig S. Smith, President of the Caribbean and Latin America at Marriott International. "We are thrilled to have partnered with Mr. Velutini on this project, and reveal our first world class JW Marriott luxury brand hotel to the Caribbean. This beautiful hotel brings the highest levels of accommodations and service to the Dominican Republic and is a great addition to the brand's growing global portfolio."

"The opening of this high luxury, sophisticated hotel marks an important milestone in the Dominican Republic's tourism industry", said Luis Emilio Velutini, President of FVI-Fondo de Valores Inmobiliarios S.A.C.A. "With the thriving economy in the country and the success of the high-end Blue Mall complex, we are confident that this unique and visually stunning hotel will become a landmark in Santo Domingo attracting travelers and groups from all over the world".

JW-Santo-Marriott-Domingo-poolSure to be the city's newest hotspot, the stunning VERTYGO 101 lounge, the Dominican Republic's first "floating" restaurant and bar, features a glass floor terrace rising 101 feet above the bustling city street below and offers a full menu of crafted cocktails and innovative food items.

Along with VERTYGO 101, the JW Marriott Santo Domingo also houses the exclusive Winston Grill & Patio, a sophisticated fine dining restaurant overseen by the talented Chef Sergio Delfino that features Latin-American specialties with an Asian influence as well as an extensive international wine and cocktail menu.

The modern and sophisticated 150 rooms and suites will all include the highest speed wireless internet on the market, LCD TV'S, apple TV in every room, embedded TVs in the bathroom mirrors, alarm clocks with iPhone 5 and iPad docking station, Nespresso coffee machine and the signature JW Marriott brand Aromatherapy bathroom amenities. The presidential suite will feature some of the most high-end details in the Caribbean, including an $8,000 Kholer bath tub with light therapy, massage and hydrotherapy to reach the highest level of relaxation after a long day in Santo Domingo.

"Each JW Marriott delivers a warm, authentic, relaxed and elegant environment that is unique to the luxury segment, and we are thrilled to open our doors for business and receive guests to experience this incredible new hotel" said Nigel Cook, General Manager of the JW Marriott Santo Domingo.

The stunning hotel also offers 9 event spaces, totaling over 2,938 square feet of flexible meeting and event space, including the 1,158 square foot ballroom. The excellent location along with the luxurious accommodations and outstanding service offered at the JW Marriott Santo Domingo is sure to make this hotel the number one choice to host social and business events in the city.