Marriott International (NYSE:MAR) announced today plans to open the first Courtyard by Marriott brand hotel in Bogota, Colombia?s largest financial, political, and cultural center, also known as one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in South America. The deal was signed with close affiliates of Inrama S.A., a prominent construction company in Colombia with over 37 years of experience and a portfolio that includes the largest shopping center in Bogota and some of the most sought after office space and residential units.
The hotel, opening in April 2014, will be the 146-room Courtyard hotel on the prestigious Avenida El Dorado, making it the closest hotel to the recently inaugurated new terminal at El Dorado International Airport, and will also be part of a mixed-use complex which will include prime office and retail space.
[quote]?The Courtyard by Marriott brand was a perfect fit for this hotel and, combined with Marriott?s backbone and sales engine, we are confident that the hotel will be highly successful and play a large role in the continued emergence of Colombia,? said Jorge Rinc?n, General Manager of Optimus S.A..
“The new Courtyard by Marriott in Bogota will be a significant milestone in our rapid expansion across Latin America,” said Craig S. Smith, President of the Caribbean & Latin America at Marriott International. “The hotel will feature a modern, functional design while embracing Colombia’s vibrant culture and the amenities travelers trust from our globally renowned Marriott International brands.”
?With the success of the brand across Latin America, the Courtyard by Marriott brand has become a favorite amongst regional travelers?, says Laurent de Kousemaeker, Chief Development Officer for Marriott International, Inc. in the Caribbean & Latin America. ?The El Dorado airport recently underwent a multimillion dollar renovation and is considered among the key hubs in Latin America, making the hotel at Avenida El Dorado an excellent option for the modern regional business traveler.?[/quote]
The hotel will feature the brand?s refreshing business lobby, lobby bar, a casual dining restaurant, flexible meeting space and recreational facilities including a swimming pool and sauna.? Additionally, it will include the brand?s new modern guestroom design.
Marriott International is currently represented in Colombia by the 264-room JW Marriott Hotel Bogota and the 239-room Bogota Marriott Hotel. Currently there are two hotels under development in the country: the 278-room Cartagena Marriott Hotel and the 170-room Cali Marriott Hotel, both scheduled to open in 2014.
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 37 countries, Courtyard has more locations than any other Marriott International brand.
[box type=”tick”]About Marriott International, Inc.
Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA with more than 3,700 properties in 75 countries and territories and reported revenues of over $12 billion in fiscal year 2011. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands, including Marriott Hotels & Resorts, The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Bulgari, EDITION, Renaissance, Gaylord Hotels, Autograph Collection, AC Hotels by Marriott, Courtyard, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Marriott Executive Apartments, Marriott Vacation Club, Grand Residences by Marriott, and The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club. There are approximately 300,000 employees at headquarters, managed and franchised properties. Marriott is consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business operations, which it conducts based on five core values: put people first, pursue excellence, embrace change, act with integrity, and serve our world.[/box]