Nickelodeon moves into the hotel trade

Viacom-owned kids network Nickelodeon has joined forces with one of the world's biggest hotel groups to create its own chain of branded hotels.

'Nickelodeon Resorts by Marriott,' will see 20 self-contained resort spaces under construction by 2020.

Marriott International, which has nearly 2,900 hotels in 68 countries, made the deal with Miller Global Properties, which will have certain exclusive rights to develop and own the resorts in specified areas. The resorts, which aim to cater for business and leisure adult travellers as well as families, will all be managed by Marriott.

J W 'Bill' Marriott Junior, chairman and chief executive officer of Marriott International, said: "When you bring together the premier hospitality company with the number-one TV destination for kids and families, it’s a winning combination for unbeatable resorts."

The first site will be a 650-room resort at Liberty Station in San Diego, and will include a 100,000 square-foot water park and activity deck. Work begins early next year, with an opening date of early 2010.

Other potential resort locations being considered for development include family-oriented destinations in the US, Caribbean and Mexico, the UK, mainland Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East.

The resorts will feature live entertainment with costumed Nickelodeon characters including Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob SquarePants, showcased in a fully-equipped 'Studio Nick' space.