Marriott International (NASDAQ: MAR) today announced that it has signed an agreement with luxury hospitality development firm Flag Luxury Group to bring The Ritz-Carlton brand to New York City's vibrant NoMad neighborhood, also known as North of Madison Square Park. Flag Luxury Group will develop the hotel and residences tower, which will represent a more than $500 million investment.

Designed by award winning architect Rafael Vinoly, this landmark project will include both hotel accommodations and branded residences conceived of by renowned interior design firm Yabu Pushelberg. Located at Broadway and 28th Street, the hotel and residences tower will be situated in the heart of Manhattan's fast-growing center for creative and tech firms, alongside world-class retail, dining and nightlife venues.

To soar over 500 feet high, the tower will provide hotel guests and residents extraordinary views of the Empire State Building and downtown Manhattan as well as direct access to a historic neighborhood recognized for its architecture, central location and dynamic culinary scene. Once the location of some of the first luxury hotels in New York, this neighborhood was the meeting place for the Gilded Age elite and, later, for music publishers and songwriters. NoMad later became known as Tin Pan Alley, source of the famed music from The Wizard of Oz. In 1913, the neighborhood was home to the infamous 69th Regiment Armory Art Show that introduced modern art to the American public, forever changing the American art scene.

True to The Ritz-Carlton brand, the tower will include refined accommodations, a fine-dining restaurant, the brand's renowned Club Lounge, a signature Ritz-Carlton Spa and fitness center, and a chic rooftop bar. A large public garden and open terraces will feature greenery and trees, offering a unique element of nature in New York City. Two ballrooms will offer groups an attractive setting for corporate and social gatherings. Nearby, Madison Square Park - a public space since 1686 - will provide guests the opportunity to enjoy a full schedule of cultural, culinary and family events.

The tower will include 250 hotel rooms and 16 branded residences that will feature The Ritz-Carlton's legendary service, luxurious amenities and visionary interior design. With construction already underway, the hotel and residences are expected to open in 2021.

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.