JW Marriott Grand Rapids Set to Open Fall 2007
Brand's First Property in the Midwest Offers Ultimate in Luxury for Business & Leisure Travel
GRAND RAPIDS, MI, November 30, 2006. Distinctive luxury comes to Michigan's West Coast with the opening of the JW Marriott Grand Rapids, set to open fall 2007. Owned and operated by Amway Hotel Corp. a subsidiary of Alticor, the hotel will create a strong presence in the Grand Rapids skyline along the Grand River, providing first-class lodging for business and leisure travelers alike. The 24-story, 340-room glass-enclosed property is the first of the JW Marriott family in the Midwest region.
"We are thrilled to offer Grand Rapids a first-class hotel and honored to fly the JW Marriott flag," said George Aquino, general manager of the JW Marriott Grand Rapids. "It is only fitting that we take advantage of the JW Marriott brand to highlight the city's emergence as an international hub for medical, academic, design and entrepreneurial ventures."
One of the area's only luxury accommodations, JW Marriott Grand Rapids will boast state-of-the-art amenities such as helipad access and 24-hour fitness facilities with steam rooms, spa-like whirlpool, and sparkling indoor heated pool. The 20,000 square feet of versatile meeting space includes a 12,470 square foot ballroom, which will be one of the largest in the region. A signature restaurant offering inspired Italian cuisine, a destination lounge, a Starbucks caf'e and 24-hour in-room dining round out the food and beverage outlets. Situated in the heart of the city, the hotel is within walking distance to DeVos Place Convention Center, and adjacent to a 750 space parking structure.
All 340 guestrooms will be smoke-free and include wireless Internet access, 32" flat screen televisions, gourmet-stocked mini bar and fridge, spacious workspaces, computerized safe box, luxurious bedding, complimentary personal care products, and nightly turndown. Concierge floors will offer 24-hour first class hotel services and secured privacy, including a 24-hour check-in/check-out and four inviting meals daily.
JW Marriott Grand Rapids, designed by Lohan Caprile Goettsch Architects Inc. and BETA Design Group Inc., will be themed after Grand Rapid's five sister cities, an initiative which was originally developed by President Eisenhower in 1956 to enhance relationships worldwide. All areas of the hotel, including public spaces, meeting rooms and guestrooms will feature art inspired by these cities: Omihachiman, Japan; Perugia, Italy; Bielsko-Biala, Poland; Ga District, Ghana; and Zapopan, Mexico. Renowned international photographer Dan Watts has been commissioned to capture the distinctive images from each city, for display in all guestrooms.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
