Hyderabad, India Hotel Staff Embodies Spirit to Serve

HYDERABAD, INDIA--(Marketwired - Sep 23, 2013) - Being part of a community isn't just about setting up shop, and when J.W. Marriott began his venture in the hotel business, he built it on the foundation of supporting the surrounding areas and its people. That Spirit to Serve is at the core of Marriott today, and the Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre and its staff are proud to be part of -- and give back to -- the local community through a number of initiatives.

The staff at this Hyderabad luxury hotel fell in love with the students at the government-run Bowenapally School, where the hotel sponsored mid-day meals every day of the week. When the economy hit a low point and the donated meals were going to be cut from the budget, the hotel associates stepped up and donated parts of their own salaries to ensure the kids, who come from economically challenged families, did not suffer. Today, INR 40,000 a month is donated by hotel staff, and the money goes toward not only the mid-day meal but improving the school with a library, play area and proper desks. Because of the more than 1,100 hours donated in 2012, the school has increased its enrollment by nearly 200 students.

Children have a special place in the hearts of this Hyderabad Convention Center hotel's employees. To benefit the Ayush Nilayam Children's Home, an orphanage that takes care of kids from HIV-affected families, associates set up a donation drive to collect toys, clothing and groceries, and contributed books and stationery. The hotel also sponsored the Monsoon Regatta, which took all of the home's 34 kids for an evening sail that included pastries and ice cream.

This downtown Hyderabad hotel also teamed up with Little Sisters of the Poor to cook food for and visit the elderly residents of the LSOP's Hyderabad location. Other initiatives include distributing food amongst the city's homeless population; donating blood for patients with Thalassemia; urging drivers to turn off their engines with a sign-carrying campaign; and raising INR 14,000 for the Marriott Children's Home through guest and employee donations.

About Marriott
Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA with more than 3,700 properties in 73 countries and territories and reported revenues of over $12 billion in fiscal year 2011. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands, including Marriott Hotels & Resorts, The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Bulgari, EDITION, Renaissance, Autograph Collection, AC Hotels by Marriott, Courtyard, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, ExecuStay, Marriott Executive Apartments, Marriott Vacation Club, Grand Residences by Marriott, and The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club. There are approximately 300,000 employees at headquarters, managed and franchised properties, including those at this hotel near Salarjung Museum. Marriott is consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business operations, which it conducts based on five core values: put people first, pursue excellence, embrace change, act with integrity, and serve our world. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.