First JW Marriott Resort in Asia Opens December 15, 2001

JW Marriott Phuket Resort and Spa, Thailand

Marriott International is looking forward to the opening of its first “JW Marriott” resort in Asia in December; JW Marriott Phuket Resort and Spa will be the third JW Marriott resort worldwide, other destinations being located in Mexico and Hawaii. Four additional JW Marriott properties are scheduled to open in 2002.

JW Marriott Hotels are the most elegant and luxurious hotels carrying the Marriott brand name; catering to discerning upscale travelers seeking an experience of high comfort and prestige. They compete with other deluxe hotel brands in the high-end hotel market and are positioned between The Ritz-Carlton and Marriott Hotels, Resorts & Suites.

JW Marriott Hotels build upon the Marriott Hotels, Resorts & Suites cornerstones of genuine care and dependability, and extend these in elegant surroundings with upgraded finishes and amenities together with great emphasis on high levels of personal service.

JW Marriott Phuket Resort and Spa will open on December 15. The resort is located in 11 hectares (27 acres) of lush tropical gardens with swimming pools, freshwater ponds and natural preserved coastal wetlands overlooking the Andaman Sea on Mai Khao Beach. Just 15 minutes north of the Phuket International Airport, the resort enjoys 17 kms (10 miles) of natural beachfront and is adjacent to the Sirinath Marine National Park and sea turtle nesting area.

The resort comprises 265 rooms, including 13 luxurious suites. Accommodations are spacious and elegant with a minimum of 47 square meters (508 square feet) of luxurious living space, featuring Thai design and interior accents reflecting the ambiance of the destination.

The target customer for JW Marriott properties is primarily the individual traveler, either on business or at leisure, who values a high level of personal service and luxurious environment that is both understated and tasteful. The growth of the brand is in gateway cities worldwide, established business destinations and emerging luxury markets.

Attributes of JW Marriott properties include

· Dramatic and distinctive architectural and interior features

· Spacious guest rooms with luxurious appointments and amenities

· Restaurants and lounges that offer unique and imaginative dining experiences

· Fitness centers and spas with state-of-the-art equipment and pampering environments

· Executive Business Centers with 24-hour access offering a full spectrum of services as well as work and meeting environments, the latest communications technologies and an “office away from the office”

· Oversized residential style Executive Guest Lounges with a relaxing environment and superior food and beverage services

The addition of JW Marriott Phuket Resort and Spa will bring to five, the number of Marriott International properties in Thailand. Other properties include

· JW Marriott Hotel, Bangkok - 435 rooms

· Bangkok Marriott Resort and Spa – 413 rooms

· Hua Hin Marriott Resort and Spa – 216 rooms

· Pattaya Marriott Resort and Spa – 290 rooms

Within the Marriott International portfolio of hotels and resort, currently 18 properties carry the “JW” designation. Another five are expected to open in the next 36 months. They will be located in Cairo, Shanghai, Caracas, Mumbai and Puerto Rico.

A 162-unit The Mayfair, Marriott Executive Apartments for extended stay travelers is under construction in Bangkok and will open in 2003.