Exhibit 99
CONTACT:  Tom Marder
          (301) 380-2553
          thomas.marder@marriott.com


MARRIOTT SELECTS ERNST & YOUNG AS INDEPENDENT AUDITOR

WASHINGTON, D.C. - May 3, 2002 - Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR)
announced today that its board of directors has appointed Ernst & Young LLP as
the company's independent auditor for 2002, replacing Arthur Andersen LLP.

The change was based on the unanimous recommendation of the Audit Committee
after careful consideration. "We are pleased to select Ernst & Young as our
independent auditor," said Arne M. Sorenson, executive vice president and chief
financial officer of Marriott International.

Prior to the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP, Arthur Andersen had served as the
company's independent accountants since 1959. "We appreciate the dedication and
professionalism Andersen brought to Marriott, and thank the firm and the
individuals who worked on our account for their years of service," said
Sorenson.

Although the timing of events involving Andersen this year prevented Marriott
from submitting the selection of its independent auditor to the shareholders in
2002, the company fully expects to resume this practice next year.

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MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. (NYSE:MAR), a leading worldwide hospitality company
celebrating its 75th Anniversary in 2002, has nearly 2,600 operating units in
the United States and 64 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 Ramada International brand names; develops
and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club
International, Horizons, The Ritz-Carlton Club and Marriott Grand Residence Club
brands; operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate
housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division; and operates conference
centers. Other Marriott businesses include senior living communities and
services, and wholesale food distribution. The company is headquartered in
Washington, D.C., and has approximately 142,500 employees. In fiscal year 2001,
Marriott International reported systemwide sales of $20 billion. For more
information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com.
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