Nick-Branded Marriotts Slated for 2010

After piloting a Nickelodeon-branded Holiday Inn hotel in Orlando, Fla., the kids’ kingpin plans to make a more lengthy stay in the resort arena.

Nickelodeon announced a deal Thursday with Marriott International and real estate developer Miller Global Properties to launch a family resort brand, Nickelodeon Resorts by Marriott.

“This partnership with Marriott to bring the Nickelodeon experience to families all over the world comes at the perfect time, as the first generation of kids who grew up with our brand now have come of age and are having families of their own,” said Cyma Zarghami, president of Nickelodeon and MTVN Kids and Family Group.

Beginning with a 650-room resort and water park that is due to debut during 2010 in San Diego, the three partners expect to have at least 20 hotels open worldwide one decade later. The partnership is slated to break ground on the prototype in January 2008 on 18 acres in the heart of waterside Liberty Station.

Centering on a water park, there will be Nick-themed climbing structures, dunk tanks, kiddie pools, adult lap lanes and cabanas and poolside entertainment. Also to be included: sports courts, a climbing wall, game rooms, restaurants and cafes, business facilities and a 30,000-square-foot conference space. The bulk of the rooms will be oversized to cater to families.

Other locations in the United States, Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Australia and Asia are under consideration.