Source: Marriott International
January 8, 2002
NEW YORK, NY -- When the New York Marriott Financial Center welcomed back guests yesterday, it became the first
hotel near Ground Zero to reopen. Located two blocks south of the World Trade Center site, this 504-room, full-service
hotel was damaged during the September 11 attacks.
For approximately two months the Marriott Financial Center collaborated with the Red Cross to serve as a Respite
Center for recovery workers. Banquet rooms were used for meals and a place of rest for the hundreds of workers
at the World Trade Center site. The hotel and its owner, Host Marriott, provided complimentary use of its public
facilities, kitchens and all utilities.
``We are proud to be back in business at the Financial Center,'' said J.W. Marriott, Jr., chairman and CEO of Marriott
International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR). ``We look forward to welcoming our guests and helping to revitalize this important
part of New York City.''
The New York Marriott Financial Center, located at 85 West Street, was under renovation prior to Sept. 11, so today
it will reopen with a brand new lobby and guest rooms. The signature restaurant, Roy's New York, also opens today.
A completely renovated bar and lounge, 85 West, will make its debut in just a few weeks.
The Marriott Financial Center's reopening is an important step in the revitalization of the Lower Manhattan community.
The hotel originally opened in December 1990.
MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading worldwide hospitality company with nearly 2,400 operating
units in the United States and 63 other countries and territories. Marriott International operates and franchises
hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites,
Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites and Ramada International brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership
resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club, Horizons, The Ritz-Carlton Club and Marriott Grand Residence Club brands;
operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its ExecuStay by Marriott
division; and operates conference centers. Other Marriott businesses include senior living communities and services,
and wholesale food distribution. The company is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has approximately 152,000
employees. In fiscal year 2000, Marriott International reported systemwide sales of $19.8 billion. For more information
or reservations, please visit our web site at http://www.marriott.com .
SOURCE: Marriott International