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LEADING global lodging company, Marriott International, is planning to open its first Residence Inn in Bahrain later this year, under a long-term management agreement with International Trading and Investment.
Marriott International operates, manages, develops and franchises more than 3,400 residential, hotel, and resort-style properties in 68 countries and territories such as the Marriott Hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, the Marriott Vacation Club and The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club.
The Residence Inn is the company's second largest lodging brand with more than 600 properties in North and Central America and the Caribbean with additional development under way in Europe, Africa and now the Middle East.
It is a pioneer in the 'extended-stay' hotel segment and the first brand developed to serve business travellers who want apartment-style accommodation when they are traveling.
This will be the first Residence Inn to open in the Middle East and only the third outside the US.
Ed Fuller, Marriott's president and managing director for international lodging, said: "We're thrilled by the continued expansion of our presence in Bahrain and are excited to introduce our third lodging brand in the country, giving travellers a growing choice of accommodation when they visit the country."
Construction of the 78-unit property, located in the bustling Juffair district, adjacent to the Marriott Executive Apartments, is currently underway and is scheduled for completion towards the end of November.
The Inn aims to offer a mix of spacious and stylishly appointed studios, one, two and three-bedroom suites. Designed for stays of five days or more, each suite will have a fully-equipped kitchen and separate living area, flat screen TV and state-of-the-art connectivity.
A special feature will be the lobby with its 'club-like atmosphere' and restaurant that serves breakfast and small snacks for lunch and dinner. Also available is a business centre including a 20 sq/m meeting room, a 'Grab and Go' kiosk/market offering basic food items for those in a hurry.
There will also be a weekly complimentary social hour for its guests, and weekly grocery shopping services. Recreational amenities will include an outdoor swimming pool, a health and leisure club with men/women lockers as well as a separate sauna and whirlpool.
Shaikh Hisham Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, chairman of International Trading & Investment Company, said: "We are delighted to develop the first Residence Inn in the Middle East and this reflects our full confidence in the economic growth of Bahrain under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad.
"We are grateful to the Marriott team for their support. After the success of the Marriott Executive Apartments, the opening of Residence Inn will provide more options of branded serviced apartments in Bahrain and will further strengthen our valuable association with Marriott."
