International Balloon Fiesta Takes to the Sky Over Hotel in Albuquerque

2011 'Greatest Show Off Earth' to Launch October 1-9 in New Mexico


ALBUQUERQUE, NM--(Marketwire - Aug 16, 2011) - Celebrating 40 years of filling the Albuquerque skies with brilliant colors, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta will take to the skies again October 1-9, 2011 for a breathtaking picture show of magical movements.

Drawing thousands of guests to the colorful Southwest and Albuquerque Old Town hotels, this world-renowned event is a hit with kids of all ages as hundreds of hot air balloons soar across the New Mexico sky under the skillful guidance of dedicated pilots. Launching from the 365-acre Balloon Fiesta Park, this incredible event draws attendees from all over the world. In addition to balloon launches, the event offers a variety of entertainment, food, competitions and fireworks.

The smell of roasting chiles is classic to this unique fall festival which kicks-off on Saturday, October 1, but the spectacular mass ascensions held at 7 a.m. each Saturday and Sunday of the Fiesta are a true highlight as spectators gaze to the sky for one of the most amazing displays of sights and sounds known to aviation. Spectators and participants will find accommodations at the Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North hotel the perfect choice for enjoying Fiesta activities as it is the nearest full-service hotel to Balloon Fiesta Park and joins in the festivities as an event sponsor as well as creating a festive atmosphere for guests. Due to the "box" pattern of wind currents, many guests have the pleasure of viewing balloons from their hotel room at some point during their stay.

Distinctive among hotels in Albuquerque, NM, the Marriott welcomes Fiesta travelers with a "Balloon Gondola" in the center of its 10-story Atrium and offers a complimentary "Grab and Go" breakfast for early risers heading out to the launch site. Ice cream socials, prize drawings and movie nights for the family are among a few of the special activities planned during the nine-day event. The hotel's High Desert Lounge has also booked special entertainment and will be offering balloon-themed drink and appetizer specials as part of the celebration.

As one of the premier hotels in Old Town Albuquerque, the Marriott Pyramid North offers guests a blend of comfort, luxury and functionality throughout the property along with impeccable Albuquerque hotel suites and guest rooms. All accommodations include luxury bedding, high-speed Internet access, a 32-inch flat screen television, cable/satellite service and pay-per-view movie options. Guests enjoy marble bathroom accents and toiletries from Bath and Body Works.

Balloon enthusiasts can easily book accommodations online by clicking "Check Availability" at http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/abqmc-albuquerque-marriott-pyramid-north/ or by calling 1-800-262-2043.

About the Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North

The Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North hotel stands boldly amidst the flaming Albuquerque landscape offering guests exceptional comfort, lavish amenities and keen attention to detail for a remarkable hotel experience. With 10 floors of stylish guest rooms and spacious hotel suites, this Albuquerque Marriott is conveniently located in the Journal Center Business Complex just off I-25; so regardless the reason for travel guests have easy access to business destinations, Historic Old Town, the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway and Albuquerque Airport.

Marriott Hotels & Resorts is Marriott International's signature and most widely distributed brand, with more than 500 hotels and resorts in 60 countries. Marriott continues to inspire performance and a balanced life on the road for discerning and high-achieving business and leisure travelers, offering warm, professional service; sophisticated yet functional guest room design; lobby spaces that facilitate working, dining and socializing; restaurants and bars serving international cuisine prepared simply and from the freshest ingredients; meeting and event spaces and services that are gold standard; and expansive, 24-hour fitness facilities. All Marriott hotels participate in the award winning Marriott Rewards frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information, visit www.meetthedriven.com. Follow Marriott Hotels & Resorts on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MarriottHotels.

Contact Information:

CONTACT:
Mike Givens
Marriott Hotels & Resorts
301-547-4761

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