As Marriott International (NYSE:MAR) continues its expansion throughout Europe, the company has announced plans to open its first hotel in Ulyanovsk, Russia, the 135-room Courtyard by Marriott Ulyanovsk. The official signing ceremony took place in the presence of the Governor of the Ulyanovsk region, Mr. Sergey Morozov. The hotel, which will be built to the new Courtyard by Marriott brand European prototype, will operate under a management agreement with LLC New City and is expected to open in 2015.
"The signing of the Courtyard Ulyanovsk is an exciting development as we continue to grow our footprint in Russia and expand into new areas," said Amy McPherson, president and managing director for Marriott International in Europe. "We continue to see great opportunity for expansion throughout Eastern Europe, particularly with our Courtyard by Marriott brand, which is specifically designed to address the needs of business travellers.
"
Ulyanovsk is famous as the birthplace of Vladimir Lenin and today serves as a hub of industry and commerce with aerospace, automobile and mechanical engineering being the mainstay industries. The city is located approximately 890 kilometres south-east of Moscow on the banks of the Volga River, and very well connected by two airports just a short distance from the hotel.
The Courtyard Ulyanovsk will be located in the commercial centre of the city and just a short drive from its historic heart. Its prime location on the bank of the Sviyaga River offers a green and attractive setting.