Eco Friendly Marriott Hotels near Washington DC Offer Green Vacation Packages & Programs for Kids

Washington, DC — June 17, 2009 - This summer, the Washington, DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland Marriott hotels are helping families to be environmentally friendly with Marriott's Growing up Green vacation package in the Washington, DC area. Inspired by First Lady Michelle Obama's White House Kitchen Garden planted with the students from Washington DC elementary schools, families who book the Growing up Green vacation package will receive a packet of seeds to take home and grow their own organic vegetable garden.

With rates starting at $94, now through September 7, 2009, the Growing up Green vacation package is available Thursday – Sunday at participating eco-friendly Marriott, JW Marriott, and Renaissance's hotels in Washington, DC, the suburbs of Northern Virginia and Maryland. Other ways parents can involve their kids in green practices when staying at a eco friendly Marriott hotel near Washington, DC include: conserve energy by switching off the TV when it's not being watched, turning off the lights when leaving the room; conserve water by turning off running water when brushing teeth; and recycle together by using Marriott's in-room recycling receptacles.

Growing up Green Family Vacation Package includes:
- FREE breakfast, lunch, and dinner from the "Kids Only" menu for children 12 and under.
- Reusable mini tote.
- Kid's gardening gloves.
- 4 packets of Certified Organic vegetable seeds.
- Kid's "Passport to DC" adventure guide.

Rates are per room, per night based on availability and exclude tax and gratuities. Terms and conditions apply. For more information about Marriott's eco-friendly hotels or for reservations, please call (800) 834-6418 or visit www.marriott.com. Refer to promotional code ZJL.

Last year, Marriott announced its environmental strategy to address climate change, which it calls its "Spirit To Preserve." The plan calls for: Greening its $10 billion supply chain; further reducing fuel and water consumption by 25 percent per available room, and installing solar power at up to 40 hotels by 2017; creating green construction standards for hotel developers to achieve LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council; educating and inspiring employees and guests to support the environment; and helping protect the rainforest. Earlier this year, Marriott launched "Green Your Hotel Stay," inviting guests to "offset" their hotel stay by making a donation to the Amazon rainforest in Brazil when they make a reservation on Marriott.com.

The Marriott Hotels and Renaissance Hotels Washington, D.C., 3,000 Marriott-affiliated hotels worldwide, participates in the company's award-winning Marriott Rewards® frequent guest program. Members earn their choice of points toward free vacations or frequent flyer mileage for dollars spent at Marriott International branded hotels worldwide. Check www.marriott.com, for other hotel availability in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast United States.