SWISSOTEL IN BRUSSELS TO BE REBRANDED RENAISSANCE BRUSSELS IN AUGUST, 2001

Conversion returns Renaissance hotel brand to Brussels; Introduces third Marriott Executive Apartments hotel in Europe


Marriott International (NYSE:MAR) will reintroduce its upscale Renaissance lodging brand to Brussels and will open its third Marriott Executive Apartments hotel brand for extended stay travelers in continental Europe as a result of the recent purchase of the Swissotel in Brussels by City Hotels, S.A.

City Hotels is the owner of the 218-room Brussels Marriott Hotel, which is expected to open in 2002. Marriott International will assume management of the Swissotel on June 28, 2001 and will rebrand the property to its Renaissance lodging brand and to the European Quarter Marriott Executive Apartments. An immediate, total refurbishment of all guest rooms, public space and residence apartments is planned.

Located on Rue du Parnasse in the Quartier Leopold area of Brussels, the 262-room Renaissance Brussels Hotel originally opened in 1995 as a Renaissance Hotel. Banimmo S.A., from whom City Hotels purchased the property, acquired the hotel 1997, two years after its opening, and changed its flag to Swissotel.

The property is situated within a short walking distance of the European Parliament and other EU institutions. Within a short drive is the Inner Ring, which, in turn, provides quick and easy access to all areas of the city including the Gare du Nord and Gare du Midi (for Eurostar rail connections to the U.K. and other parts of Europe). Avenue Louise, the city’s exclusive retail district, is easily accessible from the hotel and the Grand Place, the historic heart of Brusssels, is located about two miles to the northwest of the property. Zaventem International Airport is located approximately eight miles to the northeast of the hotel.

“We are very excited by the significant growth of our lodging portfolio in Brussels, one of Europe’s most important cities and to be working with City Hotels in this endeavor,” said Ed Fuller, President and Managing Director of International Lodging for Marriott International. “At the same time, we are delighted that, in the next 18 months, we will be able to offer three of our lodging brands -- Renaissance, Marriott and Marriott Executive Apartments -- in Brussels, giving travelers a choice in accommodations, depending on their trip purpose and taste in lodging.

“It is a major achievement for City Hotels to add the Renaissance Hotel to its hotel portfolio in Brussels. We are very proud to be providing to Marriott International two first class properties in the heart of Brussels. We are sure that Marriott management will enhance the value of our property,” said Victor Hasson for City Hotels S.A.

For dining and entertainment, the Renaissance Brussels Hotel will have a casual restaurant, lobby lounge and bar. Recreational amenities will include a fitness center with sauna and whirlpool and indoor swimming pool. Other amenities will include a business center, 24-hour room service, in-room mini-bar, laundry and valet service, airline/car rental/tour desk, and underground parking space for 170 automobiles that will be shared by hotel guests and residents of the Marriott Executive Apartments.

For social events and conferences, the Renaissance Brussels Hotel will offer 6,870 square-feet of flexible meeting space. This will include a 3,100-square-foot ballroom that is divisible into two sections and a 3,770 square-feet of individual meeting rooms in varying sizes.

The European Quarter Marriott Executive Apartments wilands in 17 countries.