Exhibit 99.(a)(7)


                           Offer to Purchase for Cash
                     All Outstanding Shares of Common Stock
         (Together with the Associated Preferred Stock Purchase Rights)
                                       of

                        Sodexho Marriott Services, Inc.
                                       at
                              $32.00 Net Per Share
                                       by
                             SMS Acquisition Corp.
                          a wholly-owned subsidiary of
                             Sodexho Alliance, S.A.

                                                             May 17, 2001

To holders of stock certificates issued by Marriott International, Inc. prior
to March 27, 1998:

   We are sending this letter to you in your capacity as a stockholder of
Sodexho Marriott Services, Inc. ("SMS"). As more fully described in the
enclosed documents, we are making an offer to purchase all of the outstanding
shares of SMS for $32.00 per share in cash, without interest (the "Offer").

   Before March 27, 1998, SMS was called "Marriott International, Inc." (We
refer to this old name as "Old Marriott"). On March 27, 1998, Old Marriott
changed its name to "Sodexho Marriott Services, Inc." and each share of Old
Marriott common stock became subject to a one-for-four reverse stock split.
Because of the reverse stock split, every four shares of Old Marriott common
stock held on March 27, 1998 were combined into one share of SMS stock. In
1998, Old Marriott asked its stockholders to exchange their Old Marriott stock
certificates for SMS stock certificates which reflect the company's new name
and the reverse stock split. SMS's records indicate that you have not yet
exchanged your certificates.

   If you still hold Old Marriott stock certificates, you may participate in
the Offer by: (1) submitting your Old Marriott stock certificate(s) pursuant to
the Offer; and (2) completing the enclosed Letter of Transmittal along with any
other required documents as specified in the enclosed materials. Old Marriott
stock certificates are easy to identify--they were issued prior to March 27,
1998, they bear the name "Marriott International, Inc." and they have a red
border surrounding the certificate.

   Old Marriott certificates that are properly tendered to EquiServe Trust
Company, N.A., as depositary (the "Depositary"), pursuant to the Offer will be
forwarded to SMS's transfer agent following completion of the Offer. SMS's
transfer agent, in turn, will forward certificates representing SMS shares to
the Depositary, who will pay the $32.00 per share offered by us. For example,
if you hold a certificate for 100 shares of Old Marriott, that certificate now
represents 25 shares of SMS. So, you would receive $800 for the shares (that
is, 25 shares multiplied by $32.00 per share).


   When completing the Letter of Transmittal, in the space requesting number of
shares, please fill in the number of shares listed on your Old Marriott stock
certificate, and the Depositary will make the proper exchange.


   While the Offer is fully explained in the enclosed materials, should you
have any questions you may call MacKenzie Partners, Inc., the information agent
for the Offer at (800) 322-2885 (Toll Free) or (212) 929-5500 (Call Collect).

                                          Very truly yours,

                                          SMS Acquisition Corp.