The deal by Nickelodeon (VIA-B) to partner with Marriott will be a family-focused venture targeted to a more upscale audience, says the L.A. Times. They are working with a large contractor, Miller Global Properties, that will provide $300 million in financing to start things off with.
At this time Nickelodeon has Nickelodeon Family Suites in Orlando, close to the Disney (DIS) theme parks, in the hotel space. It will also be extending the brand by opening a theme park based upon its TV characters in Mall of America in Minnesota in 2008.
Beginning this venture will be a 650-room hotel contructed in San Diego which is scheduled to open in 2010. It will include a water park and a number of interactive experiences centered around the popular Nickolodeon characters like SpongeBob 
and Dora the Explorer.
The Viacom-owned company has the goal of building 20 hotels around the world by 2020. Nickelodeon has a presence in 135 countries.
Miller Global Properties will build and own the hotels, Marriott will manage and market the properties and Nickelodeon will contribute their branded characters.
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