Marriott International to manage Courtyard hotel at Jebel Ali-Dubai for Integra International FZCO

When opened in early 2011, the 20-storey Courtyard by Marriott Jebel Ali will be Marriott's 16th branded property in Dubai. It will be located on the corner of the eastern section of the $12bn Downtown Jebel Ali project along Sheikh Zayed Road, near the Jebel Ali Free Zone.

"We are thrilled by the continued expansion of our portfolio in Dubai and to be working with Integra International FZCO on this Courtyard hotel," said Ed Fuller, president & managing director of international lodging for Marriott International.

"Courtyard was developed around what business travelers told us they want in a hotel. At nearly 800 hotels worldwide, Courtyard has become the preferred choice for those travelers who want freedom from routine but who also want to get as much out of their time while traveling for business and leisure."

"We are delighted to have concluded our contract with Marriott. I'm confident this exceptional property will compliment Downtown Jebel Ali, and its vibrant neighboring business community" said Hassan H. Nia, chief executive officer, Integra International FZCO.

Courtyard by Marriott hotels outside the continental U.S. represent a range of international architectural styles and scale that is appropriate for its market. Guest rooms are usually larger than those offered by other hotels in its segment. They feature large work desks with bright lighting, separate seating area, voice mail that is remotely accessible, high-speed Internet access, WIFI, in-room smoke detectors and sprinklers and coffee/tea makers in room,

Public space evokes a residential feeling of scale and ambience that is casual and of high quality, allowing guests to feel relaxed, comfortable and welcomed. All Courtyard hotels have dining facilities offering a range of delicious cuisine, a lobby lounge that is conducive to small, impromptu gatherings, an outdoor swimming pool where climate permits, and a well-equipped fitness center. Courtyard hotels also offer meeting rooms for groups of varying sizes and business center services.

The hotel will have two restaurants and a lobby lounge, a main meeting room divisible by 6, various meeting and flexible breakout rooms on 6,000 square feet in addition to pre-function areas. Public amenities will include 24-hour room service with limited menu, a health club, and one swimming pool, and The Market, "grab and go" deli counter, in the hotel's casual restaurant.

The Marriott International lodging portfolio in Dubai currently consists of six hotels spanning six brands: JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton in the luxury tier, Renaissance in the deluxe segment, Courtyard by Marriott in the upper-moderate tier and Marriott Executive Apartments for extended stay travelers.

Over the next 36 months, another eight properties in addition to the Courtyard by Marriott Jebel Ali are expected to open.