Chicago's Magnificent Mile Lights Festival(R) presented by Harris kicks off the 2009 Holiday Season, November 21-22

Plain White T's, Mitchel Musso of Disney Channel's 'Hannah Montana,' and Deborah Roberts of ABCs '20/20' and 'Good Morning America,' and Ashley Greene of 'Twilight' among those in the celebrity line-up

CHICAGO, Nov. 10

    WHO:   The 18th Annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® Presented
           by Harris...

    WHAT:  ...will mark the official start of the 2009 Holiday Season with
           more than one million people traveling from all over the U.S. to
           enjoy a weekend filled with free holiday activities along the
           world class Magnificent Mile®. Offering something for everyone,
           the event will feature a variety of celebrity entertainers,
           appearances by beloved Disney characters, interactive booths and a
           mile filled with holiday offers at North Michigan Avenue's famous
           shops, restaurants and hotels.

           The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival presented by Harris procession
           will commence on Saturday, November 21 at 5:30 p.m. The procession
           will feature more than 30 spectacular floats, marching bands and
           other performers, with Mickey Mouse from Disney Parks as the grand
           marshal who will illuminate more than one million lights on 200
           trees along The Magnificent Mile.

           Deborah Roberts of ABC's "20/20" and Good Morning America will be
           among the hosts of an hour-long nationally televised ABC 7 Chicago
           special on The Magnificent Mile that will air on Saturday, November
           21 from 6-7 pm CST.  In addition to showing highlights of the day's
           entertainment and the entire procession, special celebrity
           greetings will also be featured as part of the program.

           This year's Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Presented by Harris
           also marks the launch of the first annual The Extra Mile: Acts of
           Kindness to Start the Holiday Season program. The program allows
           patrons of participating shops, restaurants and hotels to give to
           a variety of local, regional and national charity organizations
           through a host of day-long activities and deals. For a complete
           list of participants, visit www.themagnificentmile.com.

           Event highlights include:
              -- Lights Festival Lane, an interactive, holiday wonderland
                 on Pioneer Court (401 N. Michigan Avenue).
              -- A festive Culinary Pavilion brought to you by The
                 Signature Room at the 95th, which includes demonstrations
                 by several area restaurants like The Signature Room at the
                 95th and MARKETHOUSE.
              -- Musical performances on the Harris Stage from 11 am - 5 pm
                 featuring Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime
                 Players, Ralph's World, Radio Disney AM 1300 Road Crew,
                 Mitchel Musso presented by Radio Disney and the Plain White
                 T's presented by 101.9 FM THE MIX.
              -- Procession floats featuring Mickey Mouse and his friends from
                 Disney Parks and giant holiday-themed balloons, along with a
                 variety of performers including the famous NOGGELER
                 Guuggenmusig from Lucerne, Switzerland and numerous marching
                 bands. Ashley Greene of "Twilight" and Tony Esposito of the
                 Chicago Blackhawks will be among several of the celebrities
                 appearing in the lighting procession. The procession
                 culminates with Santa's arrival. A spectacular fireworks
                 display marks the grand finale.


           For a complete schedule and a list of activities and holiday
           offers, visit www.themagnificentmile.com.

           Become a fan of The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Presented
           by Harris on facebook and follow real-time event updates and
           special deals on twitter at www.twitter.com/Lightmymile

    WHERE: One of the Great Avenues of the World...
           North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL

    WHEN:  Friday, November 20
           Guests can settle in and begin to take advantage of all of the
           hotel, restaurant and retail holiday deals and offers listed in
           The Magnificent Mile Holiday Activity Guide. The guide will be
           available on site and is also available online at
           www.themagnificentmile.com.

           Saturday, November 21
           11 am - 5 pm: Lights Festival Lane at Pioneer Court is open
           with live entertainment and dozens of family friendly activities.
           5:30 pm: The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival presented by Harris
           lighting procession begins.
           6:55 pm: Fireworks display over the Chicago River at Michigan
           Avenue and Wacker Drive.

           Sunday, November 22
           Day-long shopping and dining deals offered benefiting a variety
           of charities as part of "The Extra Mile" program.

     To prearrange event day interviews and photo opportunities, and for
     a complete entertainment schedule, contact Denise O'Handley at
     847-648-2644.

SOURCE The Greater North Michigan Avenue Association

Welcome to BeachScape Kin Ha Villas & Suites (www.kinhabeach.com) the new name and new look for the former Ambiance Villas. Long recognized as Cancun's best beach location, BeachScape's new look and services, make it the best value and most comfortable resort in Cancun. Enjoy the best beach location and the comfort of a spacious suite.

The new BeachScape has updated its entrance and facilities to complement its extraordinary location as a hideaway in the heart of Cancun's hotel district. Guests may select from guestrooms or one, two and three bedroom suites - each with a kitchen, living space and terrace. All guestrooms and suites are comfortably appointed and stylishly furnished. The two bedroom suites can accommodate up to four adults and four children, while the three bedroom suites can accommodate up to six adults and six children.

BeachScape is perfect for families, couples, weddings, mature travelers, special gatherings or corporate retreats. Best of all, BeachScape is only steps from Cancun's famous nightlife, shopping, restaurants, and less than five minutes from a Robert Trent Jones Jr. golf course.

"Our guests are enjoying our new look and great amenities, such as the choice to enjoy a Full American Breakfast and the new on-site deli," said Paty Chapman, General Manager.

Guests have a choice of accommodations with or without a Full American Breakfast. Other services and amenities include: air-conditioned suites, cable TV, hair dryers, an exercise room, massage and salon services, concierge service, babysitting upon request, a children's play area, complimentary wireless Internet service in the Lobby, a laundry, dry cleaning, a coin-operated laundry, and an onsite travel agency and car rental. All kitchens are fully stocked with dishes, cutlery, and cooking utensils. For dining there is the Restaurant Bar: La Terraza, and the Restaurant Bar & Grill: La Palapa.

Business meetings or family gatherings will enjoy the conference room that can comfortably seat up to 50 people and the breathtaking outdoor lawn space adjacent to the beach and an absolute favorite for weddings and other special events.

BeachScape pays commission to travel agents. For more information or reservations, contact a travel agent, or book online at www.kinhabeach.com or 866.340.9082.

SOURCE BeachScape Kin Ha Villas & Suites

More than three-quarters of traveling pet owners would take Fido or Fifi on every vacation if they could, although more than half report difficulty finding pet-friendly accommodations, according to a recent survey commissioned by AAA and Best Western International.

The survey also found:

• Thirty-five percent of pet-owning respondents admitted to sneaking their pet into a hotel or motel in the past.
• Nearly one-third (28 percent) of those who travel with pets indicate they would rather travel with their pet than with their significant other.
• The top five frustrations respondents have with others who travel with pets are those who do not clean up after them (77 percent); those whose dogs constantly bark (53 percent); those who do not notify others their dog is aggressive (45 percent); not walking pets on a leash (42 percent); and owners whose pets are not trained to relieve themselves outside (30 percent).
• The most popular pet-inclusive vacations are visiting friends/family (73 percent) and road trips (56 percent).
  

"Not every pet is right for travel and not every trip is right for a pet, but when the right dog or cat and the right trip come together you never forget it," said Bill Wood, executive editor, AAA Publishing. "AAA is pleased to provide the millions of traveling pets owners with the tools and information needed to plan the perfect vacation."

Pet owners can find all the information they need to make their pet vacation easier and safer in Traveling with Your Pet: The AAA PetBook(R) including property listings and advice on transporting pets. Many hotel operators have discovered the popularity of traveling with pets and are making special efforts to accommodate four-footed friends such as the World's Largest Hotel Chain(R), Best Western, which has more than 1,900 pet-friendly properties worldwide. For reservations and information visit AAA.com/bestwestern. AAA members receive special benefits through Best Western's exclusive rewards program, AAA Preferred Best Western Rewards.

"With more than 1,000 pet-friendly properties in North America, Best Western knows pets are very much a part of our guests' families. As such, we want to welcome them and their owners to our properties," said Dorothy Dowling, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Best Western. "We are proud to offer a variety of ways for travelers to get information about hitting the road with their pets."

Traveling with Your Pet: The AAA PetBook(R) also features information on how to enter the annual AAA PetBook Photo Contest sponsored by Best Western, a AAA preferred lodging partner. Entry deadline is Nov. 30 and winning pets will appear on a cover of the next edition. To enter, visit www.aaa.com/petbook.

AAA's PetBook Photo Contest sponsored by Best Western(R)

Travelers who vacation with their furry friends have until Nov. 30 to enter the annual AAA PetBook Photo Contest.

Two winning entries will appear on a cover of the next edition. The "Best in Travel" winner will also receive $350 and five complimentary copies of the book, plus a $150 Best Western Travel Card that can be used at any of the more than 4,000 Best Western properties worldwide, including more than 1,900 pet-friendly locations. The second-place winner will receive $200 from AAA and two complimentary copies of the book. Photos and completed forms must be submitted by Nov. 30. Contest rules and entries from previous years are available online at AAA.com/PetBook.

Traveling with Your Pet: The AAA PetBook includes more than 13,000 pet-friendly, AAA Approved and Diamond Rated lodgings and campgrounds in the United States and Canada. The listings include fees, permitted pet sizes and conditions of stay for properties at every Diamond Rating level, including for pampered pets -- AAA Five Diamond(R) Award-winning hotels.

As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.

*Numbers are approximate and can fluctuate.

SOURCE AAA

Six Flags New England will celebrate its most celebrated coaster with 125 members of the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) on Sunday, October 25. BIZARRO, formerly SUPERMAN Ride of Steel, has once again received the Golden Ticket Award for Best Steel Coaster. The Golden Ticket Awards, hosted by Amusement Today, annually recognize the "Best of the Best" in the leisure entertainment industry. Winners are voted on by a panel of industry experts and theme park enthusiasts.

This is the 5th win for the coaster and its 4th in a row, having been previously honored in 2003, 2006, 2007 and 2008. The ride, known as "the best steel coaster on the planet," underwent a major transformation for the 2009 season, changing its name from SUPERMAN Ride of Steel to BIZARRO, a DC Comics character best known as a peculiar Superman-like creature. BIZARRO opened in May to rave reviews, unveiling a myriad of new enhancements, theming and special effects like a freeze vision "cool zone," bursts of fire, a spiked-shaped Auger of Doom and a state-of-the-art on board audio system.

"BIZARRO is King and still champ," said Amusement Today's Tim Baldwin. "Six Flags took an already amazing coaster and made it better ... something the coaster community didn't think was possible. The incredible drops and the airtime combined with all the great special effects has taken the experience to a whole new level."

"We're delighted that BIZARRO has been so well received," said Larry Litton, Six Flags New England Park President. "We're truly grateful to Amusement Today and coaster enthusiasts from all over the world for their ongoing support of what we believe is the greatest steel coaster ever made."

ACE members will enjoy exclusive ride time on BIZARRO Sunday night from 9 - 10 p.m.

SOURCE Six Flags New England

The new route for the 2009 Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City puts the Residence Inn Times Square front and center for prime viewing, from select guest rooms and from the hotel's 3rd floor Bryant Park Suite and Studio 100 Bar/Lounge. The hotel's location on Avenue of the Americas (Sixth Avenue) at West 39th Street makes it a perfect setting to watch the parade as it makes its way downtown just before turning onto West 34th Street. Guests can select from three different packages by going to www.residenceinntimessquare.com and clicking on the special Thanksgiving Day offerings.

The Parade View package includes a 3-night stay* with guest room accommodations facing Sixth Avenue, Residence Inn Buffet Breakfast and a VIP Parade View Gift Pack, up to 2 adults and 2 children per room. $2,100 plus tax

The Family View package includes a 3-night stay* (non-view guest rooms), and up to 2 adult and 2 children's VIP passes for access to the Thanksgiving Day Parade buffet in the Bryant Park Suite for the duration of the parade, from 8:30am to 12:00 noon. A Parade View Gift Pack is also included. $1,500 plus tax.

The Studio 100 VIP View package includes a 3-night stay* (non-view guest rooms) and 3 adult VIP passes to Studio 100's lounge reception where guests view the parade as they enjoy unlimited Mimosas and Bloody Marys, hot appetizers and other delicious finger foods, from 9:00am-12:00 noon. A Parade View Gift Pack is also included. $1,500 plus tax. (Note: Studio 100 VIP View package is for individuals 21 years of age or over)

These special Thanksgiving Day Parade Packages are based upon availability and restrictions do apply. To book one of these three packages, go to: www.residenceinntimessquare.com or call 1-866-710-4097.

The Residence Inn Times Square is a 43-story extended stay hotel on the corner of Avenue of the Americas and West 39th Street, overlooking Bryant Park. Its state-of-the-art guest rooms feature five "zones" for cooking, dining, working, relaxing and sleeping to ensure maximum comfort and convenience. Highlights include stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, luxurious bedding, and a multi-functional living area with a 27-inch flat screen LCD TV.

* Minimum 3-night stay required, with arrival on November 24 or November 25, 2009

SOURCE The Residence Inn Times Square

21c Museum Hotel has been selected as the #1 hotel in the United States and #6 in the world in the prestigious 2009 Conde Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards. Hundreds of hotels were evaluated by Conde Nast Traveler readers and more than 25,000 individuals voted. This year marks one of the few times an independent hotel has won the top award. 21c is the only U.S. hotel to make the list of the world's top twenty hotels for 2009.

The hotel awards are based on the quality of rooms, service, food/dining, location, and overall design. The 21c Museum Hotel scored above 95 in all categories with identical scores of 98.9 out of 100 for rooms and design.

The award was presented to 21c Museum Hotel at a ceremony in New York yesterday. The presenter, New York City restaurateur Danny Meyer, noted, "When I stay at 21c I feel coddled, transported, nurtured, nourished, stimulated, rested, and above all, smart."

21c Museum Hotel was launched in 2006 by Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson, philanthropists and art collectors with a vision for bringing contemporary art into daily life and supporting the revitalization of their hometown, Louisville, Kentucky. 21c Museum Hotel serves as a gathering place where guests, artists, and Louisvillians congregate for great food, innovative arts programs, and historic cocktails with a modern twist.

Art is integral to 21c Museum Hotel, which has 9,000 square feet of exhibition space featuring rotating exhibitions and arts programs. The museum is open to the public free of charge 24-hours a day, seven days a week. The vision behind 21c Museum Hotel is that contemporary art can be accessible for everyone, and its exhibitions create a playful and engaging atmosphere.

21c Museum Hotel's restaurant, Proof on Main, features award-winning food and beverages presented with warm, professional service and affordable prices. Chef Michael Paley's menu fosters sustainable agriculture, featuring ingredients produced by local farmers. The bar offers more than 50 of Kentucky's finest bourbons and specialty cocktails.

21c Museum Hotel--housed in a series of renovated 19th-century tobacco and bourbon warehouses listed on the National Register of Historic Places--was designed by Deborah Berke and Partners Architects. 21c combines a cosmopolitan sensibility with Southern hospitality with 90 inviting guest rooms that offer comfort, smart design, fun touches, and modern amenities.

"We are thrilled with the recognition 21c Museum Hotel has received from travelers around the world and from Conde Nast Traveler," said co-founder Steve Wilson. "Louisville is widely known for the Kentucky Derby, but there is much more to do in our city than go to horse races. We look forward to welcoming new visitors to experience 21c Museum Hotel and our presentation of works by living artists."

SOURCE 21c Museum Hotels

Four nights of runway fashion and entertainment create one rocking week.

Designers, models and fashionistas flock to Miami this week for Rock Fashion Week Miami Beach, presented by Rock Media and Entertainment, Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach and Elle Magazine. Taking place Wednesday, October 14, 2009, to Saturday, October 17, 2009, the glamorous event will feature four nights of cutting-edge fashion shows highlighted by top tier performances.

"We are thrilled to partner with Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach to host Rock Fashion Week in Miami," says CEO of Rock Media and Entertainment Scott Rosenblum. "They reflect the true spirit and missive of Rock Media and Entertainment, as well as Rock Fashion Week. By uniting both entities, we have been able to put forward a remarkable set of shows and are so excited to share it with Miami once again."

"Rock Media and Entertainment and Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach have been anxiously awaiting the opportunity to unleash this event to the world of fashion," states David Siguaw, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Miami hotel. "We have been developing a partnership with Rock Media and Entertainment over the course of the past year and the production for their premier event lies parallel with our Renaissance and lifestyle brands."

The highly-anticipated event will take place at Eden Roc Hotel in Miami Beach, located at 4525 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida. Contact Kristina Lynch or Shazeen Shah from TARA, Ink. at 305-864-3434 ext. 153/110, or email shazeen@taraink.com for more information.

For more information or to make a reservation, call 305-531-0000 or visit www.renaissanceedenroc.com.

SOURCE Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach

Restoration of Historic Stanford White Building Attracts Top New York Names

Opening in Spring 2010, The Chatwal New York re-creates the iconic glamour and style of 1930's Gotham, recognized and idolized the world over. Occupying top billing on its theater district block - also known as the "Great White Way" - the landmark Stanford White-designed building was originally host to the famous Lambs club, America's first professional theater club. Meticulously restored and modernized by Master Architect and Designer Thierry Despont, the circa-1905 building will be the first member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World in Manhattan's theater district. www.thechatwalny.com

A Grand Legacy in the Making:

The Chatwal Hotel New York is the vision of Mr. Sant Chatwal, entrepreneur and Chairman and CEO of Hampshire Hotels & Resorts. With a goal to create intimate gathering places and rooms with the highest attention to detail - The Chatwal truly joins past with future, while maintaining a uniquely New York character. The opening of The Chatwal New York also marks the launch of Sant Chatwal's new luxury hotel brand, The Chatwal - with plans in the works for additional luxury properties outside London and in India.

The Design:

The restoration of the historic former Lambs Club building into The Chatwal New York has been undertaken by world-renowned master architect and interior designer, Thierry Despont. Showcasing the mid-century Empire Art Deco style prominent during the Lambs Club golden era, the revival mixes classic Deco period work with modernized twists. A prime example of a "Baby Grand" hotel small in scale complete with all the design and amenities of larger properties. The Chatwal offers the glamour of yesterday and today, with interiors from Despont inspired by the famous Malletier (travel trunk makers) of the period, celebrating travel pieces as finely crafted objet d'art. Recurring flourishes of angular nickel trim accenting glimmering jewel-toned glass are evident throughout, as The Chatwal New York toasts glamorous travel in all its forms.

Guest Experience:

Guestrooms at The Chatwal New York capture the clubby, elegant and comfortably chic atmosphere of this New York landmark. Of the 88 guestrooms, 38 are larger suites, and behind each door, no attention to detail has been spared. In-room finishes include fine suede covered walls and leather-wrapped double closets, the Chatwal's retro playing cards and a specially crafted Backgammon set. The attention to modern small touches makes a difference complimentary internet access, a laptop-sized safe, a 42-inch HD flat screen IP television with Blueray DVD and multi-language options, a movie library, and in-room stereo system with an iPod dock all provide a comfortably wired experience. A rarity in New York City, private terraces are available on request for those who treasure their outdoor space. The service philosophy mirrors the accommodations, with guests benefiting from personalized, attentive service of the highest standard - from a discerning staff directed by General Manager Joel Freyberg.

The sign of a great hotel is a great night's sleep. The Chatwal commissioned Shifman Mattress to design a made-by-hand mattress, complemented with an expansive bed linen selection by Frette and pillow menu. Wrapping oneself in one of The Chatwal's plush Kashwere custom robes after a dip in the Rain Drop shower or Jacuzzi bath (complete with Asprey Amenities, exclusive to The Chatwal New York) is a perfect end to a hectic city day. Bathrooms also feature marble floors, mirrored walls and a 19-inch integrated mirror television. The hotel's turndown service includes a complimentary shoe shine service, bottled water, and the guest's preferred newspaper delivered each morning to their door. As this is the city that never sleeps, the fitness center at The Chatwal New York is complimentary to guests 24 hours a day.

Dining and Cocktailing at The Chatwal:

Paying homage to the building's original purpose showcasing talent and creativity, whether on stage, or in the kitchen and behind the bar celebrated Chef Geoffrey Zakarian is behind the 90-seat restaurant at The Chatwal New York. Offering diners an updated take on the classic bar and grill with an inviting, club-like ambiance, the menu will focus on traditional American cuisine and seasonal ingredients. This is a first time collaboration for Manhattan's established culinary and cocktail masters, Geoffrey Zakarian and Margaret Zakarian along with David Rabin, Will Regan and Jeffrey Jah (of New York's highly regarded Double Seven and Lotus nightclubs/cocktail lounges).

Signature breakfasts at The Chatwal will add a morning crowd of New Yorkers meeting up to start their workday in Midtown, and guests fueling up for a full Manhattan day. The regular lunch and dinner scene will focus on fresh market produce, grilled meats and seafood along with fine salads. Gourmet snacks, libations and afternoon tea will be served throughout the day. Similarly, the bar will brim with classic and refined cocktails made with the freshest juices, pressed each day on the premises. Pre/post-theater and after-work cocktails will be offered at the lively bar scene - a perfect meeting spot for friendly conversation, toasting a signed contract or discussing musical high points after a show. For those seeking the privacy of their suite for a meal, room service will be provided by Chef Geoffrey Zakarian 24-hours a day, with the same high standard of cuisine prevailing throughout the entire property.

The Lambs Club - A History:

Established in 1874, The Lambs Club was the gathering place of those who would make Broadway and Hollywood history. Legendary member names include George M. Cohan, W.C. Fields, John Barrymore, Milton Berle, Fred Astaire, Irving Berlin and Will Rogers.

SOURCE The Chatwal New York

The National Park Foundation released today the 2009 list of the most photogenic parks for fall foliage. The announcement is made in partnership with Olympus, the proud sponsor of the Share the Experience photo contest, which is seeking this year's best photo of the 391 national parks. The grand prize winning photo will be featured on next year's Federal Recreation Lands Pass and will receive an Olympus E-3 Digital Camera.

The 2009 list of the most photogenic parks for fall foliage with expected time frames for peak colors:

• Acadia National Park, ME
  • Peak colors are expected now through October 15(th).
• Cuyahoga Valley National Park, OH
  • Peak colors expected the third and fourth weeks of October.
• Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, PA
  • Peak colors are expected the weekend of October 17(th).
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC/TN
  • Peak colors are expected during the last two weeks of October.
• Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, IN
  • Peak colors are expected this weekend and for the next ten days.
• Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, MN
  • Leaves are already turning; the peak is expected in the next ten days.
• Mount Rainier National Park, WA
  • Peak colors are expected this weekend and for the next ten days.
• New River Gorge National River, WV
  • Peak colors are expected during the third week of October, starting around the weekend of the 17(th).
• Saratoga National Historic Park, NY
  • Peak colors are expected this weekend and for the next ten days.
• Valley Forge National Historical Park, PA
  • Peak colors are expected during the last two weeks of October.
    

To help amateur photographers make the most of the opportunities, Olympus offered the following tips to park-goers:

• Sun hiding behind the clouds? Don't be disappointed. Colors can often appear more vibrant in an overcast day. This type of even lighting is also great for displaying details in the shadows.
  

• Consider different perspectives for each photo. Look up toward the sky and down toward your feet. You'll be amazed by the number of interesting subjects available beyond eyelevel.
  

• Look for the small details. The landscape vistas will be beautiful with fall colors but close-up photos of small objects such as a single leaf or cluster of fall berries can also make for a striking photo.
  

• Think about backlighting your subjects on a sunny day. Backlighting is when you intentionally place the main light source behind your subject. Pictures of colorful leaves can be very striking when photographed this way. Also, don't let the sun shine directly into your lens.
  

• Bring a lens cleaning cloth. When capturing images outside, dust and moisture in the air can build up on the lens' glass surface. You'll want to keep it clean so that the light can pass through evenly.
  

Amateur photographers are invited to submit up to three photos to the Share the Experience contest through December 31, 2009. In addition, at the end of the submission period the public will be invited to vote for their favorite photo. Enter by visiting www.sharetheexperience.org or pick up a brochure and entry form while visiting a Federal Recreation Land this year. Great prizes include: Olympus digital cameras, trips to a federal recreation area, Federal Recreation Lands Passes and more!

Share the Experience is the official photo contest of America's national parks and federal recreation lands. Sponsored by Olympus and the National Park Foundation in partnership with the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Forest Service, the Share the Experience Photo Contest showcases the more than 500 million acres of Federal Lands and draws entries from all across the United States.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION

The National Park Foundation is an independent charitable organization chartered by Congress in 1967 to strengthen the connection between the American people and their 391 national parks. As the official national non-profit partner of America's National Parks, the Foundation raises private funds, makes strategic grants, creates innovative partnerships and increases public awareness about the need and opportunity for park philanthropy. In its 2008 fiscal year, the National Park Foundation distributed grants and program support of $27.3M.

SOURCE National Park Foundation

President Alvaro Uribe of Colombia, along with J.W. Marriott Jr., chairman & chief executive officer of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR), and Ricardo Poma, president of Grupo Poma, celebrated the grand opening of the 239-room Bogota Marriott Hotel last evening in Bogota, Colombia. The hotel is operated under a franchise agreement with Real Hotels & Resorts of El Salvador. It is the first Marriott International branded hotel to open in the country.

"Colombia has emerged as one of the most vibrant markets for development in all of Latin America. We are excited about the potential for many of our Marriott brands throughout the country, such as Courtyard by Marriott, Renaissance Hotels & Resorts, The Ritz-Carlton, and our new luxury boutique Edition brand," said J.W. Marriott Jr., chairman & chief executive officer of Marriott International, Inc. "We are delighted to work with Real Hotels & Resorts on this project, and to introduce our award-winning Marriott Hotels & Resorts brand in Bogota."

Speaking on behalf of Real Hotels & Resorts, Ricardo Poma, the company's president, said, "Colombia remains one of the most dynamic countries in the region. We are thrilled be here to partner with Marriott and celebrate the official opening of the first Marriott Hotel in this beautiful country. We are confident it will become the preferred choice for business travelers visiting the city."

The hotel is located on Avenue El Dorado, in the center of Bogota's newest business and commercial district of Salitre, This vibrant district is adjacent to the city's industrial district which is home to many of the country's largest and most important businesses. It is conveniently located within a 10-minute drive of Bogota's El Dorado International Airport. The general manager is Ricardo Menendez; the director of marketing is Leonel Villasmil. The hotel's state-of-the-art architectural and interior design concept was created by the firm of Miguel Soto Casas y Cia.

The hotel, which is adjacent to a modern office tower, includes a fully equipped business center, and wi-fi in each individual guest room and throughout all public space. For meetings and events, the hotel offers 930 square meters of function space including eight rooms of varying sizes and configuration. The hotel's largest conference space is the ballroom, which covers 372 square meters, ideal for a conference, exhibit, or social event. Other amenities include an expansive fitness center with lap pool and three specialty treatment rooms available for massage or other spa services.

For dining and entertainment the hotel offers Pimento restaurant, serving three meals daily. It was designed by the internationally acclaimed firm, Waterman Design Studio, and includes an outdoor terrace area. The hotel also features Tanoshii Lounge & Sushi Bar, which presents guests with a wide selection of sushi, soups, and tapas. A lobby bar, which offers continental breakfast, is located on the hotel's main level. The lobby lounge area offers expansive views of the hotel terraces and exterior gardens, designed by famed Colombia landscape architect, Ramiro Olarte.

In addition to the Bogota Marriott Hotel, Marriott International and Real Hotels & Resorts will partner on a second Marriott International-flagged hotel in Colombia in 2010, the 264-room JW Marriott Hotel Bogota. The Bogota Marriott, along with over 3,000 Marriott-affiliated hotels worldwide, participate in Marriott Rewards, the guest reward program that allows members to earn their choice of points or airline miles for each dollar spent during each stay.

Marriott Hotels & Resorts inspires your best performance during travel, delivering an experience that helps you work and relax in your own way. Marriott's nearly 500 locations in 60 countries provide genuine care coupled with fresh, classic design, making it the leading choice for travelers and meeting planners. All Marriott hotels participate in the award winning Marriott Rewards frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information, visit www.marriott.com

SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.