GRAND Lion Group has signed a deal with global hotel chain Marriott International that will see the Cambodian firm manage a new Siem Reap hotel when it opens next year.

The agreement was announced in a press statement made at the weekend, in which Grand Lion also pledged to invest US$300 million in its ongoing hotel ventures throughout the Kingdom.

The 218-room Courtyard by Marriot Siem Reap is being built on a 1.2 hectare site about 15 minutes from Angkor Wat.

President and CEO of Grand Lion Group Lundy Nath said in the release the group had thoroughly reviewed well-known hotel brands before teaming up with Marriott. “It will appeal to our guests exploring the Indo-China region, where Marriott International has already established a presence.”

The CEO hopes that more visitors from Europe, Asia and the United States will be drawn in by the brand.

The Grand Lion Group said it plans to build a new super resort in Sihanoukville and a 200-room business hotel in Phnom Penh, both due for completion in 2013.