Residence Inn by Marriott rolls out collaborative reading app for iPhones and iPads to allow kids and their parents, grandparents and other loved ones read stories remotely

Partnership with Cricket Media’s Story Bug enables parents to read a bedtime story with their children across the miles

Bethesda, Md., 2014-12-8 — /Travel PR News/ — Geographic distance no longer means having to compromise sacred bedtime rituals with your children. Launching today, Residence Inn by Marriott announces a partnership with Story Bug by Cricket Media, a collaborative reading app for iPhones and iPads that allows kids and their parents, grandparents and other loved ones to read stories together even if they aren’t physically in the same location.  With the help of video chat, an interactive reader and Cricket Media’s award winning collection of digital books, sharing a bedtime story while traveling has never been easier.

“We understand how difficult it is for parents who have to travel for work to maintain the daily routines for their children, especially in the evening before bedtime,” said Diane Mayer, vice president and global brand manager, Residence Inn. “As a part of our ongoing commitment to celebrating families, the Story Bug app helps our guests use technology in a fun and meaningful way to stay connected with their kids.”

All app users will have access to two co-branded, travel-themed books titled “I Left My Sock in San Francisco,” and “We’re on our Way.” As part of the experience, parents and their little ones will be able to see and hear each other while viewing the same digital book, plus share controls for turning pages and interacting with content. A digital hand shows where the child is pointing to on the page, so grown-ups can challenge their young readers to point to items or sound out words.

“In addition to being a fun way for families to connect, Story Bug is a great educational tool,” explained Katya Andresen, CEO at Cricket Media. “Families can choose from a vast library of digital books for children aged 0-6 that engages young readers through early development concepts and topics, such as counting, rhyming, colors, animals and more.”

Story Bug offers families access to award-winning Cricket Media content, like complete issues of Babybug Magazine and dozens of e-books for children ages 0-6. Residence Inn guests will be able to receive a free one-month subscription to the app through March 20, 2015 but there are additional ways to receive the 30 day trial outside the relaxing hotel stay. Those interested may also visit www.RuleStorytime.com to receive the 1 month free trial coupon code.

Residence Inn by Marriott 
With more than 650 properties in the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East and Central America, Residence Inn by Marriott is the leader in the extended-stay lodging segment. Designed for long stays, the brand offers spacious suites with separate living and sleeping areas. Fully functional kitchens, grocery delivery, 24-hour markets and complimentary breakfast help guests maintain a healthy balance while on the road. Complimentary Wi-Fi allows guests to stay connected to the home and office, while health and fitness options and inviting lobby spaces provide comfortable places to work and relax.

Residence Inn participates in the company’s award-winning Marriott Rewards®frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information or reservations, call the Residence Inn toll-free number at 800-331-3131 or visit residenceinn.marriott.com. For travel tips, the latest on the brand or to connect with other travelers, “like” Residence Inn on Facebook: www.facebook.com/residenceinn and follow Residence Inn on Twitter: www.twitter.com/residenceinn.

Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) for company information. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

Cricket Media
Cricket Media(TSXV: CKT) is an education media company that provides award-winning content on a safe and secure learning network for children, families and teachers across the world. Cricket Media’s 13 popular media brands for toddlers to teens include Babybug, Ladybug, Cricket® and Cobblestone® and digital apps in English and Chinese. The Company’s innovative web-based K12 tools, for school and home, include the ePals virtual classroom for global collaboration as well as In2Books®, a Common Core eMentoring program that builds reading, writing and critical thinking skills. Cricket Media serves approximately one million classrooms and millions of teachers, students and parents in over 200 countries and territories through its platform and NeuPals, its joint venture with China’s leading IT services company Neusoft. Cricket Media also licenses its content and platform to top publishing and educational companies worldwide. For more information, please visit www.cricketmedia.com.

Connect with ansley.brown@marriott.com

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