Springhill Suites Marriott

From a nationwide design contest to an iAd poll, SpringHill Suites, Marriott International's all-suite brand, pulls out all the stops when it comes to finding fresh and creative artwork to enhance its guest experience. Guests checking in to SpringHill Suites this spring will encounter artwork that has either been vetted or created by local community artists. Using Apple's new outreach vehicle, iAd to reach a tech-savvy audience, the brand posted six different art images along with blurbs on their artists' backgrounds. More than 2,000 users then voted on the artwork they would like to see in the suites of new SpringHill Suites hotels.

"We chose innovative, up and coming artists because we feel their artwork would create unique experiences for our guests," said Callette Nielsen, vice president and global brand manager for SpringHill Suites. "Design is the core element of our brand and getting the general public to select the winning piece helps our hotels stay current and energized."

Michael Lane fell in love with digital photography shortly after sailing from British Columbia to Alaska on a freight boat with a few fellow photographers. His winning picture aligns well with the SpringHill Suites feel that incorporates organic and natural elements into its design but also brings an abstract edge with its cool illumination and lighting technique. Michael's artwork will start being incorporated into SpringHill's Suites later this year.

In addition to artwork in the rooms, guests will also see a different kind of keycard this spring. Last year, SpringHill Suites launched a National Key Card contest in search for originality for its 2012 special edition hotel key. Nearly 400 artists nationwide sent in paintings, photography and digital art. Courtney Cotton's dreamy painting won, allowing her art to be shared with thousands of guests at nearly 300 hotels starting April 1, gaining exposure to thousands of guests and visitors. Courtney also happened to be an exhibitor at SpringHill Suite's ArtNight, a brand initiative that transforms its lobbies into an art gallery for a night, featuring local artists.

"Our dedication to design and local art has come full circle," said Nielsen. "Being able to provide a venue to exhibit talent in our communities is great, but using the actual work in our hotels, makes the connection even deeper and more meaningful."

ArtNight events will take place again in April and May 2012 at SpringHill Suites hotels across the country. For a complete listing of upcoming ArtNight events, check out http://www.facebook.com/springhillsuites?sk=events For more information, please visit www.marriottnewscenter.com, www.springhillsuites.com or become a fan at www.facebook.com/springhillsuites

About SpringHill Suites

SpringHill Suites is ideal for business and leisure travelers who look for style and inspiration in their stay. Featuring suites larger than traditional hotel rooms, SpringHill Suites makes it easy for guests to spread out and fully enjoy their space. Launched in November 1998, the brand currently has more than 280 locations in the United States and Canada. SpringHill Suites along with over 3,100 Marriott-affiliated hotels worldwide, participate in Marriott Rewards, the guest reward program that allows its over 30 million members to earn points or airline miles for each dollar spent during each stay. For more information, visit www.springhillsuites.com.

About Marriott International

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 8,100 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 139 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel program. For more information, please visit our website, and for the latest company news, visit Marriott News Center. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.