Marriott International Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) today announced it has signed an agreement with Landbridge Hotel Operations Pty Ltd to open The Westin Darwin, marking the company's expansion into Australia's Northern Territory. The Westin Darwin joins Marriott's growing presence in the Pacific, where it's on track to open 50 hotels by 2020, including The Westin Brisbane, The Westin Perth and The Westin Coolum Resort & Spa, which are all under planning or development. 

“Darwin has always been a fascinating place to visit and the natural gateway for visitors to the Northern Territory,” said Richard Crawford, Senior Director Development, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Marriott International. “In the last few years, as tourism increases, the city has developed into a vibrant and cosmopolitan hub and The Westin Darwin is sure to set a new benchmark for hospitality in the market.”

The eight-story hotel, constructed as part of a large-scale mixed-use development including vibrant restaurants and stylish residences, boasts 240 guest rooms, including 14 spacious suites, with sweeping water and city views, as well as the world-renowned Heavenly® Bed and invigorating Heavenly® Bath experience. The hotel also offers three dining venues, including an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant and a bar, where guests can sample a variety of culinary options, including the Westin brand's healthier-choice SuperFoodsRx™ menus.

Guests will enjoy the hotel's extensive leisure facilities, including the WestinWORKOUT® fitness studio featuring the finest exercise equipment from world-class brands in open, airy and well-designed spaces; a resort-style swimming pool; and The Heavenly® Spa by Westin. The hotel will appeal to business travellers as well, featuring more than 1,100 square metres of meeting and event space, as well as an executive lounge.

“We are delighted to partner with Landbridge Hotel Operations Pty Ltd to operate The Westin Darwin,” said Sean Hunt, Area Vice President Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Marriott International. “Westin's powerful wellness proposition resonates with guests around the world and continues to fuel the brand's growth momentum: now with more than 200 hotels globally. In Australia, the brand is enjoying outstanding growth, with a footprint in each of the country's key cities – Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth – and plans to debut Australia's first Westin resort, in Coolum on the Sunshine Coast.”

The Westin Darwin is prominently located in the Darwin Waterfront Precinct, a 15-minute drive from Darwin International Airport. The precinct is cradled on the ocean side by Stokes Hill Wharf, where visitors will find a mix of cafes and restaurants, plus space to relax and enjoy the harbour views. Guests staying at the hotel can conveniently access key attractions, including the Darwin Convention Centre and the city centre via Darwin's Sky Bridge and the Hughes Avenue Walkway.

For more information please visit www.westin.com.

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About Westin Hotels & Resorts

Westin Hotels & Resorts, a leader in wellness and hospitality for more than a decade, lives its philosophy “Empowering a Better You™” through the brand's Six Pillars of Well-Being: Feel Well, Work Well, Move Well, Eat Well, Sleep Well and Play Well. At more than 200 hotels and resorts in nearly 40 countries and territories, guests can experience offerings that include the iconic Heavenly® Bed, RunWESTIN™ and Westin Gear Lending with New Balance®, delicious and nutritious SuperFoodsRx™ and more.  To learn more, visit www.westin.com. Stay connected to Westin: @westin on Twitter and Instagram and facebook.com/Westin.

Media contacts:

GTI Tourism on behalf of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Pacific:

Abbey Sands

E: Abbey.Sands@gtitourism.com.ua

P: +61 (0)2 8077 3550

Lizzy Chadwick

E: Lizzy.Chadwick@gtitourism.com.au

P: +61 (0)2 8077 3541