New Marriott Inspires Departure From Mainstream Airport Hotel Design

Local Architect & Design Firm is Recognized With a FERDIE Award

MONTREAL , Feb. 4 /CNW Telbec/ - The FERDIE Awards (Les Prix Intérieurs / Ferdie, the design prize awarded to the best in interior design on the Québec scene) recently honored the Montréal Airport Marriott (www.montrealairportmarriott.com) for its exceptional interior design, honoring the new luxury hotel the first prize in the Hotel Design category. The award acknowledges the local design firm of Moureaux Hauspy, who working closely with world-renowned Marriott International, Inc. created a full-service flagship Marriott that is a departure from the expected. Located atop the new U.S. Departures Terminal at The Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, the hotel opened to the public in August 2009 . It is the first Marriott-managed property in Québec.

"We're thrilled to have been acknowledged with this award," says Brenda Rodricks , General Manager of the Montréal Airport Marriott. "We knew that our partnership with local design house Moureaux Hauspy was going to add an enormous value to the Marriott brand. Their dedicated and innovative approach to creating a space of contemporary international design is befitting Marriott's first hotel worldwide within an airport terminal."

The three-year project was helmed by leading senior designer Brent Swanson who challenged his design team to create a hotel that was bathed in natural light, and encouraged movement and social networking. "Our first observation when looking at traditional airport hotels and hotels in general was that most offer amenities and services on a multi-level edifice design," explains Swanson. "Marriott's approach is the opposite, preferring to create movement throughout the space." The entire hotel is built on the 4th floor and serviced from a backstage kitchen and service area. From the administrative offices to the upscale Bijou Restaurant I Bar, the reception, the Great Room Lobby, the glass interview rooms, the suspended meeting rooms and flexible conference spaces, all were strategically stretched out over the same floor making it convenient and accessible, while encouraging circulation. That coupled with floor to ceiling windows throughout produced a dynamic open space that is refreshing to do business, mingle and relax.

Fusing its innovative design plans into the strong and highly respected Marriott identity was no small feat. However, the result has been tremendously rewarding in the establishment of a flagship Marriott hotel within an international airport setting. The design introduces many original concepts for Marriott, from the central double-sided lobby fireplace, to the flight arrival and departure screens in the Resto I Bar, to the high-tech equipped floating boardrooms, stirring the interest of CEO Bill Marriott himself who recently paid a visit to the hotel and was very impressed with the décor and the interior design.

"The goal of the design from the beginning was to create an open space that would encourage the movement of people as they travel, do business and leisurely enjoy the high-calibre hospitality offered by one of the world's most respected hoteliers," says Swanson. "Our intention was also to highlight the best of local design using Québec and Canadian-based companies for the interior décor. We custom designed many elements within the space, such as the chandeliers, the recycled wood floors, the artwork that can be seen throughout the space, as well as the numerous moveable, custom-made seating that helps define social zones."

From its modern architecture, designed by partner firm Provencher Roy to its warm and inviting boutique-like interior, this full-service hotel serves (business) travelers a stylish gateway to Montréal. Boasting 279 guestrooms and suites that feature Marriott-famed bedding and 24-hour services, the interior design of the hotel, while being contemporary and modern is warm and cozy. WiFi equipped throughout, the hotel fosters easy communication and offers travel-smart services. The upscale Bijou Resto I Bar presents a delectable and innovative Montréal-inspired menu, as well as signature 5/10/20-minute menus for hurried travelers. The hotel also houses the first espressamente illy coffee bar in Canada . Spa services and a stunning indoor pool area that promotes tranquility, a fitness room fashioned with state-of-the-art workout machines with a breathtaking view onto the airport tarmacs are all part of the special ambiance to be experienced in this stylish, new hotel.

About Marriott International

Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company with more than 3,200 properties in 66 countries and territories. The company is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, and had approximately 146,000 employees at 2008 year-end. It is ranked as the lodging industry's most admired company and one of the best companies to work for by FORTUNE(R), and has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with the 2009 Sustained Excellence Award and Partner of the Year since 2004. In fiscal year 2008, Marriott International reported sales from continuing operations of nearly $13 billion . For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com.

/NOTE TO PHOTO EDITORS: A photo accompanying this release is available at http://photos.newswire.ca. Images are free to accredited members of the media/

For further information: Giselle Argentin, GA & Associates, [phone], 1-866-936-2736, [email protected]