Marriott

BERLIN and BETHESDA, Md., March 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- As part of a global reorganization aimed at accelerating worldwide growth, Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) plans to double its portfolio in Europe by 2015. Amy McPherson, president and managing director of Marriott International Europe, made the announcement today at the International Hotel Investment Forum here.

SUNDAY, November 1, marks the first day of operation of the JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa, north of Phuket. It's the latest in a surge of openings as the Marriott brand makes its presence felt in the Andaman region.

Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort will unveil a new lobby sushi and cocktail bar, Korals, on September 25. The $2.5-million redesign expands the lobby to include nearly 1,000 square feet of additional space, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, and a sushi bar with a Bisazza tile mural backdrop.

Marriott International, Inc., one of the world's leading lodging companies, is helping families plan fun-filled trips to some of the Tar Heel State's top attractions. From big cities to small towns, museums to Mother Nature, with comfortable, affordable North Carolina hotels in virtually every corner of the state, families can find budget-friendly accommodations near the places they want to see most.

Bombs tore through the Ritz Carlton and JW Marriott luxury hotels in Jakarta, killing at least nine people and injuring 50 others in the Indonesian capital’s first terrorist attack since 2005.