Marriott to manage new Bahrain Executive Apartments Hotel

Marriott is to open the first Marriott Executive Apartments Hotel in Bahrain in the Juffair District of Manama in 2006 under a management contract concluded with International Trading and Investment Co. W.L.L. (ITICO).

The 95-unit building will be located approximately five kilometers from city center and 10 kilometers from Bahrain International Airport, near Al Fateh Highway. Bahrain's landmark Al Fateh mosque is located nearby.

"We are excited to see our Executive Apartment brand expand in the Middle East," said Ed Fuller, president and managing director for international lodging at Marriott International. "Bahrain is a multi-faceted destination with a strong, diverse economy that offers a wealth of business and tourism related activities. With its large expatriate community, we are certain that our Marriott Executive Apartment brand will be very appealing and successful."

"We are delighted to be partnering with Marriott International in this important project to build a luxury apartments hotel," said Sheikh Hisham Bin Abdul Rahman Al-Khalifa, owner of ITICO. "Recent efforts by Bahrain to attract international tourism are reflected by its success in attaining the rights to host a Formula One Grand Prix event annually beginning in 2004.

The Kingdom has enjoyed positive growth and expects an increase in the numbers of visitors. The introduction of Marriott Executive Apartments will play a large role in satisfying the demand for high-end, quality accommodations," he added.

The Bahrain Marriott Executive Apartments will offer a mix of apartment layouts including one, two, and three bedroom units.

For dining and entertainment, the property will offer a coffee shop and a resident's lounge. Recreational amenities will include a health and leisure club and an outdoor, rooftop swimming pool.

Other amenities will include a business center, room service, a shopping service, laundry and valet service, parking for 135 automobiles, a gift shop and a prayer room.

The upscale Marriott Executive Apartments are designed to meet the housing needs of business executives on an overseas assignment of 30 days or more and for leisure travelers who require more space than is offered by a traditional hotel.

Currently, there are eight Marriott Executive Apartment hotels in the world. They are located in Hong Kong, Mumbai, Prague, Budapest, Brussels, Dubai, Tokyo and Bangkok.

Future openings include the 237-unit Shanghai Marriott Executive Apartments (2003) and the 121-unit Sao Paulo Marriott Executive Apartments (2004).