Marriott to change 628,000 Beds Worldwide in 2005

Marriott International, is by year-end to change 628,000 beds at approximately 2,400 hotels worldwide, across eight brands, with a new, more luxurious look and feel. The global bedding makeover will utilize over 30 million yards of fabric, enough to stretch more than two-thirds of the way around the world, creating softer sheets, plusher mattresses, stylish duvets, more pillows and a new fresh, white look.

J.W. Marriott, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of Marriott International, said, “Together with our hotel owners and franchisees, we are launching an unprecedented bedding makeover, continuing our invitation to guests to experience the new look and feel of Marriott. This initiative draws on the finest designs and service traditions at our best hotels worldwide to position each of our brands as the most luxurious in their segment. And our new bedding is already getting rave reviews.”

The company said its owners and franchisees are investing nearly $190 million in the new bedding. And, to speed the makeover, Marriott is offering owners and franchisees a one-time incentive, to ensure that guests can enjoy the comfort and luxury of the new bedding by year-end.

The more luxurious bedding is the new brand standard for the JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Renaissance Hotels & Resorts, Courtyard, Residence Inn, Fairfield Inn, TownePlace Suites and SpringHill Suites brands. As part of the makeover, the company is replacing traditional bedspreads with freshly laundered linens.

JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Hotels & Resorts and Renaissance Hotels & Resorts

Full-service JW Marriott, Marriott and Renaissance hotels and resorts will replace the traditional bedspread with down comforters nestled inside sheeted duvets. The duvet covers will be freshly laundered for each new guest. The bedding will feature 300-thread-count, cotton-rich, white top and fitted bottom sheets. The new JW Marriott, Marriott and Renaissance bedding will also offer thicker, more comfortable mattresses with the addition of a two- to four-inch mattress topper and more pillows. The stylized bedding will be accented with euroshams, a decorative bed scarf and an optional bolster.

Courtyard, Residence Inn, SpringHill Suites, Fairfield Inn and TownePlace Suites

The company’s select-service and extended-stay brands will feature comforters snuggly fit between triple sheeting, including 200-thread-count, cotton-rich top and fitted bottom sheets that will be “mercerized,” a process that elevates the softness of the linens. The bedspread will be replaced by triple sheeting, which is commonly found at luxury hotels and resorts, including a decorative top sheet with colorful trim. Comforters will fit neatly between the new triple sheeting. The new bedding also features more pillows. Thicker mattresses will become standardized across these brands. Courtyard hotels outside North America will also feature elements of the upgraded full-service bedding in some markets.

Marriott ExecuStay

Marriott ExecuStay, the company’s corporate and temporary housing brand, will offer the Elite Dreamer™ bedding package, offering featherbed comfort with a mattress topper wrapped in luxurious Tru Val™ sheets and a climate-customized blanket. On top is a deluxe goose down comforter with a cover and skirt designed exclusively for ExecuStay. Five pillows of two varieties, both Down Surround and fiber-filled, will also be offered.

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