Then last October, after local and state governments put together a package of incentives for Marriott, the hotel company announced it would remain in Bethesda. All that was left was to decide where, exactly, it would locate. The Downtown area was a logical choice as it was a transit-friendly location.

“Montgomery County has been Marriott International's home for more than 60 years, and we take great pride in the strong relationships we've developed and the contributions we have made as a committed community partner,” said EVP and Global Treasurer Carolyn Handlon in a prepared statement.

“We look forward to continuing that legacy as we create our new, 21st century home in downtown Bethesda and continue our work as the world's largest hotel company.”

Marriott anticipates final project agreements to be executed in the next several months, including an office lease and hotel management agreement as the hotel will be owned by The Bernstein Cos. The project is also subject to receipt of necessary zoning and land use entitlements, and final approval of support from the State of Maryland and Montgomery County.

Montgomery County will provide $22 million for relocation expenses. The state of Maryland will offer another $20 million for the relocation.

Last year Marriott International and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide completed their merger creating the world's largest hotel company, operating or franchising more than 5,500 properties with 1.1 million keys worldwide.

BETHESDA, MD–Marriott International announced on Friday that it signed a letter of intent to lease space for its new headquarters at 7750 Wisconsin Ave., a planned development by Boston Properties and Bernstein Cos.

The $600 million campus will feature a 22-story office building for the hotel company's 3,500 headquarter employees and a 230-key flagship hotel.

The new buildings will open in 2022, which is also when Marriott's lease at its Fernwood Road headquarters expires.

About a year ago Marriott announced it expected to relocate its headquarters on Bethesda's Fernwood Road. At the time it said it would stay in the Washington DC area but it did not commit to staying in Maryland. It considered sites in Arlington, Fairfax, Washington DC and North Bethesda, according to a prepared statement made last year by CEO Arne Sorenson.

Then last October, after local and state governments put together a package of incentives for Marriott, the hotel company announced it would remain in Bethesda. All that was left was to decide where, exactly, it would locate. The Downtown area was a logical choice as it was a transit-friendly location.

“Montgomery County has been Marriott International's home for more than 60 years, and we take great pride in the strong relationships we've developed and the contributions we have made as a committed community partner,” said EVP and Global Treasurer Carolyn Handlon in a prepared statement.

“We look forward to continuing that legacy as we create our new, 21st century home in downtown Bethesda and continue our work as the world's largest hotel company.”

Marriott anticipates final project agreements to be executed in the next several months, including an office lease and hotel management agreement as the hotel will be owned by The Bernstein Cos. The project is also subject to receipt of necessary zoning and land use entitlements, and final approval of support from the State of Maryland and Montgomery County.

Montgomery County will provide $22 million for relocation expenses. The state of Maryland will offer another $20 million for the relocation.

Last year Marriott International and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide completed their merger creating the world's largest hotel company, operating or franchising more than 5,500 properties with 1.1 million keys worldwide.