Stirring Changes at Melbourne Marriott Hotel

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA--(Marketwire - Jul 3, 2012) - The newly relaunched five-star Melbourne Marriott Hotel is serving up a feast of fresh changes at Essence on Exhibition and Espresso Bar this month, with the introduction of Italian barista Alfredo Scrivano, winter warming specials and new menus. Dining in Melbourne CBD has never been better!

Essence on Exhibition Restaurant, located inside the hotel, epitomises the casual yet sophisticated Melbourne dining experience. The food and service is among the best in the CBD. Menus reflect contemporary Australia and the multiculturalism of Melbourne.

Alfredo, the friendly, short-macchiato-loving barista, is excited to bring 20 years of European coffee-making experience to the guests and locals of the city centre Melbourne Marriott Hotel. The bustling Espresso Bar has already welcomed Alfredo to the family, and the regulars are delighted that Alfredo's entry brings with it a new $5 Coffee & Muffin deal.

Meanwhile in Essence on Exhibition, there is another exciting $5 option for diners -- the newly introduced SOUPer Deal*, which will be keeping Melbournites and tourists warm this winter. The SOUPer Deal is available five days a week (12pm - 4pm), covers a variety of soup options (changing daily) and is served with bread.

Diners choosing to eat in at Essence on Exhibition will also be delighted by the restaurant's newly designed menus, which are aligned with the Melbourne hotel's recent redesign efforts.

George Varughese, General Manager of the Melbourne Marriott Hotel, has said, "Melbourne is a city with such a great, competitive coffee and dining scene that anyone wishing to keep up must be willing to constantly re-invest in their offering. Alfredo, the specials and menu changes this month indicate that our food and beverage options are forever evolving."

Essence on Exhibition Restaurant is located in the heart of the Melbourne CBD on the Corner of Exhibition and Lonsdale Streets, and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, 365 days a year. For more information about Essence Restaurant, visit: http://www.essence.melbournemarriott.com.au/restaurant/hotels/hotel-information/travel/melmc-essence-restaurant-melbourne-marriott/.

Boutique in size, yet grand in style, the Marriott offers the perfect welcome. To learn more about Melbourne Marriott Hotel or make reservations, visit us online at: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/melmc-melbourne-marriott-hotel/ or call 61-3-9662 3900.

About Melbourne Marriott Hotel
The new luxurious Melbourne Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city's commercial, theatre and shopping district. Featuring 185 spacious and recently renovated guest rooms and suites, the five star hotel is equipped with high speed wireless internet throughout, luxurious bedding and a refined urbane design. Renowned for its exceptional service, the Melbourne Marriott Hotel is also home to sophisticated conference and event facilities, heated saltwater swimming pool, 24 hour spa and gym, and superb food and beverage offerings.

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company with nearly 3000 lodging properties in the United States and 68 other countries and territories. Marriott International operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites and Bulgari brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club, Horizons by Marriott Vacation Club, The Ritz-Carlton Club and Grand Residences by Marriott brands; operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division; and operates conference centers. The company is headquartered in Bethesda, Md., and had approximately 151,000 employees at 2006 year-end. It is ranked as the lodging industry's most admired company and one of the best places to work for by FORTUNE®. The company is also a 2006 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ENERGY STAR® Partner. In fiscal year 2006, Marriott International reported sales from continuing operations of $12.2 billion. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com.