Marriott International, Inc. announced a company first -- the opening of more than 100 hotels in 100 days. Between April 1 and July 2, Marriott and its owners and franchisees expect to open more than US $1.2 billion worth of new properties including 16 conversions primarily throughout North America.

“Our focus has always been on growth, and this exciting milestone brings us even closer to the company’s year-end goal of 3,000 hotels worldwide,” said J.W. Marriott, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer, Marriott International. “We have a great group of owners and franchisees and our development team is working closely with them to open, refresh and reinvent hotels faster than ever before.”

More than 90 percent of this unprecedented growth involves Marriott’s select service and extended stay brands which are undergoing major makeoevers. The majority will be franchise hotels including Courtyard (32), Fairfield Inn (20), Residence Inn (16), SpringHill Suites (16) and TownePlace Suites (13). Outside North America, a new Courtyard will open in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico; and Marriott hotels in Ashbourne, Ireland and Tijuana, Mexico during the 100 days.

The company will also open new full service Marriott hotels in Charleston, South Carolina; New Orleans, Louisiana; and a JW Marriott luxury property in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Renaissance hotels will be added in Washington, D.C.; Providence, Rhode Island; Mobile, Alabama; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Minneapolis, Minnesota.

• The JW Marriott Collection features the most distinctive hotels and resorts bearing the Marriott name. The award-winning brand offers a new dimension of luxury – sophisticated, yet relaxed public space; well appointed guest rooms with designer bedding, world class restaurants and state-of-the art fitness facilities and spas.

• New Marriott hotels represent the latest in guest room and public space design including signature features such as fire pits, expressive use of bold patterns and colors, luxurious bedding and state-of-the-art in-room technology – the 32 inch LCD TV and exclusive Plug-in panel give the customer a new level of personal control (visit www.Marriott.com for a demonstration of the Plug-in technology).

• Renaissance is undergoing a major $1 billion transformation over the next three years in North America, thanks to investments being made by property owners and franchisees. The eclectic brand offers a stylish new urban guest rooms, artful public space and a level of culinary that truly reflect the destination. Rooms will also feature a 32” LCD TV and multi-function tech panel for connecting mp3 players, laptops and digital cameras.

• Courtyard is applying creative guest room and lobby elements to its newly opened and renovated hotels. The new guest room not only enhances productivity, but offers frequent business travelers a décor scheme that is fresh, sophisticated and modern.

• SpringHill Suites, one of Marriott’s most successful and fastest growing brands, is blending smart, striking design with essential comforts and services including a new guest room and free breakfast. The brand is redefining the upper moderate lifestyle category.

• Residence Inn, the first purpose build extended stay brand, has launched its “Innfusion” décor, reflecting the comforts and luxuries of a modern American home. The design features state-of-the-art accommodations with five “zones” for cooking, dining, working, relaxing and sleeping. Elements include stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, luxurious bedding, and a multi-functional living area with a 27-inch flat screen LCD TV.

• TownePlace Suites is centering its redesign on the concept of Real Living. The lobby features four elements: The Welcome Counter – an accessible, informal space offering quick and easy check-in and local information; In a Pinch – a market area with local food and beverage items; The Towne Map – a floor-to-ceiling lobby map to help guests learn about local area restaurants, shopping, activities and culture; and The Home Office – a dedicated, versatile work area in the guest room with modular furniture and storage for work and personal items.

• Fairfield Inn and Suites feature spacious accommodation with separate living and sleeping areas, new best in class bedding, in-room CD players, 32-in TVs, free breakfast and free high-speed internet.