Marriott to operate Grosvenor House in London and Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin

Marriott International has announced it is to operate the Grosvenor House hotel in London’s Mayfair district and the Shelbourne hotel on St. Stephen's Green in Dublin, beginning Jan. 31, 2004. Prior to that time Le Meridien will continue to run the hotels under a short term transitional arrangement.

The Royal Bank of Scotland, the owner of the two hotels, plans to complete substantial renovations and improvements to both over the next few years, including guest rooms, public areas and infrastructure. Following the renovations and improvements, the Grosvenor House will become a 498 room JW Marriott hotel and the Shelbourne a 276 room Renaissance hotel. Marriott will operate both hotels under long-term leases. No other terms of the agreements were disclosed.

James M. Sullivan, Marriott International’s executive vice president - lodging development, said, “We are delighted to conclude an agreement that will bring two legendary properties and prime conference space into the Marriott International system, in two of the most coveted and prestigious locations in Europe.”