Marriott Vacation Club is teaming up with Audubon International to further the “greening” of its resorts in North America and the Caribbean region through the Audubon Green Leaf Eco-Rating Program for Hotels.  This latest endeavor is part of Marriott Vacation Club’s larger Green Initiative which began at its corporate headquarters, and has continued with various program roll-outs to various resorts worldwide. In addition to these most recent steps, each Marriott Vacation Club resort has established its own “green team”, which manages its environmental efforts. With 28 resorts currently enrolled, Marriott’s signature timeshare brand expects to have all 43 resorts in the region participating in the program by next year.  In 2009 the brand demonstrated its continued commitment to green operations by implementing recycled key cards, pens and Forest Stewardship Council certified paper for guest arrival packets at its resorts, thus eliminating more waste added to landfills.

As an extension of Marriott Vacation Club’s current Green Initiative program, the Audubon Green Leaf Eco-Rating Program combines environmental awareness and education with best management practices tailored to the lodging industry. In order to achieve a “Green Leaf” rating, resorts must meet requirements for water quality, water conservation, waste minimization, resource conservation and energy efficiency. After a review of the environmental checklist, a verification audit is conducted and resorts receive a rating from one to five “Green Leafs.”  The company’s Spirit To Preserve(R) environmental strategy calls for: greening its $10 billion supply chain and further reducing energy and water consumption by 25 percent per available room by 2017.  Marriott Vacation Club’s green initiatives are a key component to Marriott International’s commitment to protecting the environment. Building on more than 20 years of energy conservation experience, Marriott is committed to protecting the environment.

Source: Marriott.com and hospitality industry, November 2010

Frequent travelers give Marriott Rewards top honors at the first annual Frequent Travel Awards, sponsored by the Frequent Travel Educational Association.  Ed French, senior vice president for Marriott Rewards was quoted as saying, “Marriott Rewards is designed for our guests so there is no bigger honor than to be recognized by our members as the best in the business…we are constantly striving for ways to make our program better for our members.  This year we have added new brands where members can earn and redeem points, elite night rollover and instant redemptions allowing members to redeem points for virtually anything on their folio at any point during their hotel stay.”

Marriott Rewards won 11 of the 15 hotel loyalty program awards, including Program of the Year for the America, Europe and African guest hotel/resorts.  Frequent guests point to Marriott Reward exciting features such as:

> Program of the year – Americas
> Program of the year – Europe/Africa
> Best Redemption Promotion – Americas
> Best Redemption Promotion – Europe/Africa
> Best Redemption Promotion – Middle East/Asia
> Best Redemption Ability – Americas
> Best Redemption Ability – Europe/Africa
> Best Redemption Ability – Middle East /Asia
> Best Earning Promotion – Americas
> Best Earning Promotion – Europe/Africa
> Best Earning Promotion – Middle East/Asia

The Frequent Traveler Awards represent excellence in frequent travel programs worldwide, rating the best frequent flyer and frequent guest programs by evaluating select programs in one of three global regions; Americas, Europe/Africa, and the Middle East/Asia and Oceania, and consider airline and hotel programs in relation to the Hotel or Resort destination.

Information provided by the AP, November 18^th, 2010

Marriott International has recently announced that it expects to expand its portfolio from the current 11 to 100 hotels in India within the next five years across seven leading brands.  In addition to the introduction of its Ritz-Carlton brand, Marriott expansion plans will include the debut of its moderate-tier Fairfield by Marriott brand.

The seven agreements announced are for five moderate-priced Courtyard properties, an upscale Marriott hotel and a life-style Renaissance property.  Some of the planned properties include:

> 100-plus room Courtyard by Marriott Kochi/Cochin International Airport. It is owned by Lulu Flight Kitchen Private Ltd. and is planned to open in 2012.

> 100-plus room Courtyard by Marriott Bhopal. It is owned by DB Malls Private Ltd. and is planned to open in the first half of 2012

> 150-plus room Courtyard by Marriott Chembur; owned by Acron Hotels Private Ltd. The hotel’s first phase is scheduled to open in 2013 with an additional 75ish rooms expected to be added

> 150-room Courtyard by Marriott Nashik; owned by Wasan Hotels Private Ltd.; the hotel is expected to open in 2013

> 200-room Courtyard by Marriott Hyderabad Hitec City. It is owned by Future InfraIndia Private Ltd. and is scheduled to open in 2013

> 365-room Jaipur Marriott Hotel; owned by Serveall Land Developers Private Ltd. and is expected to open in 2011

> 150-room Renaissance Raipur Hotel, opening in 2013 and owned by Krish Hotels Private Ltd

Marriott International has operated in India since 1999 with the opening of the Goa Marriott. Today the company is represented in the country by its JW Marriott, Marriott, Renaissance, Courtyard by Marriott and Marriott Executive Apartments brands. Another 23 of its hotels are currently under construction and expected to open now through 2013.

Discover your paradise with Marriott’s legendary aloha spirit at the new KAUAI MARRIOTT RESORT ON KALAPAKI BEACH. Located on the serene, family-friendly Kalapaki Beach, the centrally located, 800-acre oceanfront resort makes it easy for guests to experience the pure bliss of Kauai, world renowned for its natural beauty, isolated beaches, relaxed-ambience and exhilarating activities. Fresh off a $50 million renovation, Kauai Marriott Resort guests will find absolute comfort in completely new guest rooms and suites. The premise boasts one of the island’s largest swimming pools and five saunas.  The transformed Kauai luxury resort on Kalapaki Beach now features redesigned guest rooms, unique oceanfront dining options, with five open-air restaurants at the Lihue, Kauai Airport hotel restaurants and a new kids’ swimming pool. Kauai Marriott Resort guests will continue to enjoy benefits at Kauai Lagoons Golf Club such as preferred resort rates and clinics.  

Experience a mixture of creative islan- inspired cuisine masterfully prepared at the oceanfront Kukui’s on Kalapaki Beach Restaurant featuring the new Toro Tei sushi bar. Golfers can tee up at the premier Kauai Lagoons golf club, a Jack Nicklaus Signature course offering breathtaking ocean views 

Rated as one of the Top 50 golf resorts in Golf World’s Readers Choice Awards two years in a row, the original Kauai Lagoons offered 36 holes divided into two courses — the oceanfront Kiele Course and the Mokihana Course.  One of golf’s greatest players spent hours on the oceanfront Kauai Lagoons golf course on a hot summer day, but he didn’t tee up or swing a club. Instead, golf legend Jack Nicklaus returned to the Garden Isle to map out the redesign of his signature Kauai Lagoons Golf Club. The redesign will result in nine of Mokihana’s holes being added to the Kiele Course for a total of 27 holes. Improvements will be done in three phases; including new irrigation, new grass on the greens, new sand in the bunkers and drainage and design changes. One of the highlights will be the addition of a new oceanfront hole, bringing the total to four with a half mile stretch of ocean holes, the longest such stretch in the state. “It’s great to be back here in Hawaii and at Kauai Lagoons…Kiele was always one of my favorite courses and what they are doing to enhance the golf course here makes a lot of sense. With these changes, Kauai Lagoons Golf Course is going to be an incredible golf facility with a premier layout and immaculate course conditions,” said Nicklaus.   Planned re-opening date is set for May, 2011; Kauai Lagoons will continue to offer 18 great holes of Jack Nicklaus designed golf during this transformation period.

Located between CityCenter and Bellagio, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas hotel and resort’s multi-tower design features 2,995 guest rooms and residential-style living spaces, all of which were designed around spectacular views and luxurious resort amenities, including a 100,000-square-foot casino, eclectic boutiques, Sahra Spa & Hammam, three pools, multi-level nightclubs, state-of-the-art convention space and seven restaurants.

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, opening December 15, 2010, has entered into a distribution agreement with the Autograph Collection, Marriott International, Inc.’s portfolio of luxury independent hotels and resorts. The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, a design-focused independent luxury brand, will be the Autograph Collection’s first member resort in the city.

Marriott International, Inc. is a leading lodging company with more than 3,400 properties in 70 countries and territories. Marriott International operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, Bulgari, the Autograph Collection, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, and SpringHill Suites brand names

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas will introduce a new category in the Autograph Collection and will be the brand’s largest property and its first casino resort. With an innovative perspective on luxury, this Las Vegas Strip resort will join other Marriott brands, such as The Ritz-Carlton and EDITION, Marriott’s new lifestyle brand developed with Ian Schrager.

JW Marriott is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio and consists of beautiful properties in gateway cities and distinctive resort locations around the world.  JW Marriott properties artfully provide highly crafted, anticipatory experiences that are reflective of their locale so that guests have the time to focus on what is most important to them.  These elegant hotels cater to today’s sophisticated, self-assured travelers, offering them the quiet luxury they seek in a warmly authentic, relaxed atmosphere lacking in pretense.

The Camelback Inn Scottsdale Resort & Spa occupies 125-acres, and in addition to spacious, Pueblo-style casita guest rooms with garden or mountain views of Paradise Valley, the resort provides guests plenty of opportunity to enjoy the fabulous Arizona sunshine with 36-holes of championship golf, a sparkling outdoor pool, nearby stables for horseback riding and perfectly manicured grounds; setting the standard among luxury resort and spa destinations.  Enjoy the best of Arizona’s desert southwest with exquisite accommodations indulging spa packages for a vacation or weekend getaway that is truly rejuvenating. At the Camelback Inn Scottsdale Resort & Spa, guests are invited to take advantage of fabulous spa packages that include therapies inspired by the techniques and nature-based ingredients of indigenous Native American cultures.  An option that should be on the to-do list is a visit to the Conde Nast award-winning spa, The Spa at Camelback Inn is included in the premier spa guide “100 Best Spas of the World” and is regularly voted “Best Spa and Best Massage in Phoenix” by readers of Phoenix Magazine and “Best Spa” by Scottsdale Life.  Another option not to be missed is a relaxing 60-minute Swedish massage that uses gentle manipulation of the muscles and massage oils to improve circulation, ease muscle aches and tension, improve flexibility and create relaxation.  Scottsdale travelers will also delight in the menus of six fine restaurants offering everything from heart healthy food at Sprouts Restaurant or Sunday brunch at the popular Rita’s Kitchen.

The Camelback Inn offers guests a unique opportunity to relish the moments of balance and tranquility and connect with their inner selves with special Scottsdale vacation packages.  Guests are sure to indulge their senses with panoramic views of the crimson-hued Camelback and Mummy Mountains against the dancing sands of the Sonoran Desert while relaxing to any one of the many services or therapies offered at lone of the finest full-service destinations JW Marriott/Marriot International has to offer; The Camelback Inn Scottsdale Resort & Spa.

Lincolnshire Marriott, a leading Chicago area resort, is proud to announce enticing new fall promotions highlighting their new meeting spaces and dining outlets. The Chicago area resort now features a new M.I Great room and upgrades among many of the resort’s most famous and popular features, including the lobby, lounge, grand ballroom and meeting space.  The Lincolnshire Marriott Resort is located on 175 acres in Chicago’s North Shore suburbs. From business retreats to family vacations and romantic weekends, the resort holds something for everyone. In addition to a wide range of guest rooms and accommodations, guests can dine at any one of a half dozen eateries located on the property. The resort also features an 18-hole PGA championship golf course and the award-winning Marriott Theater. Meeting and event planners will find 72,000 square feet worth of space, and the picture perfect settings make the resort an ideal spot for weddings and social events.

Guests visiting the Chicago area resort this fall will also enjoy the benefit of a new golf promotion, offering up to three rounds of golf for two people, including a sleeve of balls, cart and greens fees, plus breakfast for two at the Fairfield Inn.

The new renovations were completed in late April 2010 and bring new social spaces and meeting areas to guests and meeting attendees at the Lake County Illinois hotel.

The Marriott International Great room has three zones designed to better meet your needs including Social Business Zone, the Individual Zone and the At Your Service Zone. It’s a comfortable and inviting space where you can be productive when meeting with colleagues when conducting business as well as a place to relax, enjoy food, beverages, and socialize.

Recent additions to the Chicago area resort’s public spaces include upgraded lobby décor and a new day-and-night bar, offering contemporary American cuisine and creative cocktails.

Marriott Vacation Club has recently announced the opening of Marriott’s Lakeshore Reserve at Grande Lakes in Orlando.  This sought after resort is incredibly popular.  The historic resort is the first to hold both be managed by both the JW Marriott and the Ritz Carlton brands.  Respected names in the hospitality industry, the 85 villas of unsurpassed Marriott luxury is sure to suit the discerning traveler.  It’s magnificent first phase and 340 proposed villas are built upon the 500 acre Grand Lakes property.  Timeshare owners have already begun to offer their weeks at this stunning resort up for rent and sale.  The secondary marketplace is an affordable way to experience Marriott’s Lakeshore Reserve this year!

Located in beautiful Orlando, Florida the class Tuscan style is warm and inviting with the elegance of a Marriott resort matched with Ritz Carlton Golf Club and Spa.  Guests can enjoy fine dining on-site and extraordinary shopping and Orlando nightlife nearby.  And while Marriott is notorious for the astounding resorts it has established across the globe, this resort will feature some revolutionary floor-plans.  Six types of spacious villa are available and range from 1,185 to 1,655 square feet of lavish Marriott living space to enjoy on your vacation.

“We are thrilled to open the doors of the stunning new resort in one of Orlando’s most prestigious settings, “ said Lee Cunningham, executive vice president and chief operating office for Marriott Vacations Club, North America and the Caribbean. “We are constantly striving to meet and exceed our Owners’ and Guests’ expectations and we believe Marriott’s Lakeshore Reserve will truly impress everyone.”  For the first time in North America, Marriott Vacation Club has introduced two-story townhomes in addition to traditional two- and three-bedroom configurations.

Each floor-plan features a fully-equipped gourmet kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.  Along with the generous living area and massive dining room, each suites features flat-screen televisions, DVD players and an oversized shower and soaking tub in the master suites.  The gigantic three bedroom townhouse can accommodate 12 guests comfortably.  Washer and dryers and included to keep the packing light and wireless internet is available for you to keep in touch with reality.

The Resort features a stunning pool in the center of the resorts and parallel waterslides and whirlpool spas.  The fitness center includes a sauna and steam room and Blossom’s Pool Bar & Grill offers daily lunch and dinner specials.  The massive courtyard is peaceful with Italian inspired brick paving and vibrant landscaping that delivers a magnificent view of the resort from anywhere you decide to relax.

Marriott Vacation Club is a world leader in vacation ownership with over 50 resorts and over 12,000 magnificent suites though the U.S., Caribbean, Europe and Asia.  As the timeshare concept has gained popularity over the past years, the resale market is becoming the choice way to acquire a lifelong relationship with Marriott Vacation Club resorts.  Do not hesitate to keep vacationing and vacation for less money than ever, with the resale market securing inexpensive luxury vacations to millions of travelers around the globe!

Source: Marketwire, June 21, 2010

Greater flexibility, further personalization and more experience opportunities for Owners is what Marriott Vacation Club, the premier timeshare brand of Marriott International, had in mind when they developed the points-based Marriott Vacation Club Destinations program for North America and Caribbean timeshare hotels and resorts.

Lee Cunningham, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Marriott Vacation Club, North America and the Caribbean was quoted saying “after a quarter century of providing unforgettable vacations, we are excited to announce the most significant program innovation in our history: a new product offering that is easy to use and will provide our Owners unparalleled flexibility”.  The vacation program was designed specifically for both current and future Owners and will offer an enhanced opportunity to new customers going forward.  Current Owners will maintain the full rights and privileges of their ownership; at the same time, existing Owners will have the choice to enroll in this new program to further enhance their vacation experience.

The Marriott Vacation Club Destinations program allows Owners to redeem Vacation Club Points to travel within any of the four Vacation Collections listed below:

1. Marriott Vacation Club Collection: Enjoy reservation access among 50-plus luxurious Marriott Vacation Club resorts, and take advantage of the ease of any day check-in, varied lengths of stay, accommodation-size options, and an increase in choices for travel season at resorts in North America and the Caribbean

2. Marriott Collection: Have your choice from over 3,000 hotels, and experience new destinations through trade for Marriott Rewards points

3. Explorer Collection:  Lead the way and explore new lands or cruise the seas in luxury with exchange for exceptional travel packages

4. World Traveler Collection: Gain access to a global system of over 2,500 resorts in more than 75 countries through Marriot Vacation Club’s esteemed exchange partner, Interval International

The program is structured such that Marriott Vacation Club Destinations Owners will receive annually, an allocation of Vacation Club Points to redeem for customized getaway experiences.  Also, owners have the ability to bank, borrow, or purchase additional Vacation Club Points each year.  A personalized feature of the program provides Owners the services of a personal Vacation Ownership Advisor to assist in travel arrangements within any one of the four Collections.

Source: earthtimes.com, May 29, 2010

Travel season is upon us, and if you are a Marriott Vacation Club member you may find the perfect destination for family fun and San Antonio, TX vacation packages at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa.  The beauty of the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is that it is 100% designed for family and younger guests.  For younger guests, you can arrange in-room childcare services through accredited professionals in the area.  Range Riders Kids Club (ages 4-12) is a full-service, fully accredited children’s recreation program at the resort hotel which features fun-filled days of interactive games and activities that exercise the mind and the body of the kids.  While the kids are playing parents can take advantage of abundant spa treatments at Lantana Spa or get a couple of rounds in at either of the resorts area golf courses; AT&T Oaks at TPC San Antonio and AT&T Canyons at TPC San Antonio.  

The Resort & Spa has a 1,100 foot lazy river on the premise and offers breathtaking views as the water winds through lush landscaping of native trees and brilliant flowers.  Of course the Resort couldn’t design such an awesome feature without making it interactive; so for fun take a ride down the thrilling rapids ride…a fast moving 650 foot river ride that carries you into the lazy river…or hop down another 315 foot slidein order to enter the spectacular lazy river.

While there are endless ways to enjoy the abundant recreation and amenities at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, locals and past visitors will tell you that a visit to San Antonio is not complete without a stroll along the famous River Walk.  The River Walk is noted for its three miles of stone path that lines the San Antonio River.  In addition to the River Walk, there are many popular family attractions in San Antonio that make this Texas City and the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa a great timeshare destination.  Noted attractions include; Sea World, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, the historic Alamo and the three-time NBA champions, San Antonio Spurs.