MARRIOTT OPENS 400TH FAIRFIELD INN - CHARLOTTE, N.C.;
Plans Call for Fairfield Inn to Add Nearly 50 Hotels by Year-End 2000
Press Release: Marriott International, Inc.
September 3, 1999
WASHINGTON, DC -- Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) announced late last month that Fairfield Inn by Marriott
opened its 400th hotel in Charlotte, N.C., growing to a total of 38,000 rooms in 47 states. Positioned in the lower
moderate lodging segment, Fairfield Inn is one of Marriott's fastest growing brands, opening an average of 34 hotels
per year since its launch in 1987. The brand will add nearly 50 hotels by year-end 2000. Occupancy rates for Fairfield
Inn continue to outpace its industry segment by 15 percent.*
``From the very beginning, Fairfield Inn has been very popular with customers looking for consistent, quality lodging
at an affordable price,'' said Craig Lambert, senior vice president, select services lodging, Marriott International.
``Fairfield Inn is also equally popular with our franchisees who continue to be strong partners and supporters
in the brand's development. Franchising accounts for 87 percent of the brand and will continue to drive much of
Fairfield Inn's future growth.''
The 93-room Charlotte Fairfield Inn is owned and operated as a Marriott franchise by Day Hospitality Group, which
is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Day Hospitality Group owns and operates a total of nine Marriott hotels including
Fairfield Inn (7), TownePlace Suites (1) and SpringHill Suites (1).
``We've found that the Marriott name adds tremendous value to our lodging operations,'' said Peyton Day, chairman
and chief executive officer, Day Hospitality Group. ``Guests look for the consistency, quality and superior service
Marriott is known for, and the company's reservations system, sales support and frequent guest program is unmatched.''
Future development plans include a commitment by Marriott International and its franchise partners to build Fairfield
Inn hotels in several key urban markets, including Charleston, S.C. (Oct. 1999); Seattle, Wash. (Feb. 2000); Miami,
Fla. (May 2000); and downtown Chicago, Ill. (Sept. 2000). Marriott International also recently began construction
of a 388-room Fairfield Inn in the Little Lake Bryan area of Orlando, Fla., which is expected to open early next
year.
Fairfield Inn room rates typically range from $59 to $79. The properties feature large guestrooms with a king-size
or two double beds and suite rooms at many hotels. A complimentary continental breakfast -- featuring bagels, fresh
fruit, pastries, cereal, juices and coffee and tea -- is available each morning in the lobby area. Other amenities
include a swimming pool and whirlpool spa; free local phone calls; facsimile and copy service; phone with data
port; large, well-lit work desk; cable TV; iron and ironing board; and a meeting room and fitness room in most
locations.
Fairfield Inn also participates in the company's award-winning Marriott Rewards program, the world's largest frequent
stay program with over 11 million members, offering more than 1,650 participating hotels worldwide.
Fairfield Inn was voted the top hotel brand in its lodging segment by Business Travel News in the 1997 Top U.S.
Hotel Chain Survey, rating best for overall price/value and helpful and courteous staff. Fairfield Inn was also
rated ``best value'' in Zagat's 1997 U.S. Hotel, Resort and Spa Survey.
Reservations at Fairfield Inn can be made nationwide by calling toll-free 800-228-2800, a travel agent or by visiting
www.fairfieldinn.com.
EDITOR'S NOTE: MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. (NYSE: MAR - news) is a leading worldwide hospitality company with
over 1,900 operating units in the United States and 55 other countries and territories. Marriott Lodging operates
and franchises hotels under the Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Fairfield Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites,
SpringHill Suites and Ramada International brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership (timeshare) resorts
under the Marriott and Horizons brands, and provides furnished corporate housing through its ExecuStay by Marriott
division. Other Marriott businesses include senior living communities and services, wholesale food distribution,
and procurement services. The company is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has approximately 140,000 employees.
In fiscal year 1998, Marriott International reported total sales of $8 billion.
DAY HOSPITALITY GROUP (DHG) is a full-scale management, development and consulting firm specializing in the select-service
lodging segment of the hotel industry. A franchise partner of Marriott International, Inc., (NYSE: MAR - news),
DHG operates seven Fairfield Inn by Marriott properties in Atlanta, Macon and Charlotte, plus the TownePlace Suites-North
Point and SpringHill Suites-Alpharetta, both in suburban Atlanta.
Smith Travel Research 1998
SOURCE: Marriott International, Inc.