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Marriott enigma solved: exploring the similarities and differences

Hi there! I'm Zachary, the founder and lead writer of this travel blog. I'm on a mission to help fellow adventurers, explorers, and tourists make the most of their journeys around the world. A little about me - I'm a self-proclaimed travel addict with a slight case of OCD. From...

What To Know

  • If you are looking for a hotel with a global presence and a wide range of brands, Marriott International is the better option.
  • If you are looking for a hotel in the United States or Canada with a more personalized touch, Marriott Corporation may be a better fit.
  • Marriott International is a global hospitality giant with a wide range of hotel brands, while Marriott Corporation is a smaller company that focuses on the United States and Canada.

When it comes to the world of hospitality, the names “Marriott” and “Marriott International” often appear side by side. This has led to some confusion among travelers and industry professionals alike, making it essential to clarify the relationship between these two entities.

The Evolution of Marriott

The Marriott story began in 1927 when J. Willard Marriott opened a root beer stand in Washington, D.C. Over the years, the business grew into a successful chain of restaurants and hotels. In 1967, the company went public under the name Marriott Corporation.

The Creation of Marriott International

In 1993, Marriott Corporation underwent a major restructuring that resulted in the creation of Marriott International, Inc. This new company was formed to focus on the company’s international operations, while Marriott Corporation retained ownership of the domestic business.

The Relationship Today

Today, Marriott International is a publicly traded company that operates a global portfolio of over 8,000 properties in 139 countries and territories. The company owns and franchises a wide range of hotel brands, including Marriott Hotels, Sheraton, Westin, and Ritz-Carlton.

Marriott Corporation, on the other hand, operates a smaller number of hotels in the United States and Canada under the Marriott brand. These hotels are typically located in urban areas and are designed to cater to business travelers.

Key Differences

While Marriott International and Marriott Corporation share the same name, there are several key differences between the two companies:

  • Ownership: Marriott International is a publicly traded company, while Marriott Corporation is a privately held company.
  • Size: Marriott International is much larger than Marriott Corporation, with over 8,000 properties worldwide compared to Marriott Corporation’s roughly 150 properties.
  • Geographic Focus: Marriott International has a global presence, while Marriott Corporation focuses primarily on the United States and Canada.
  • Hotel Brands: Marriott International owns and franchises a wide range of hotel brands, while Marriott Corporation operates only the Marriott brand.

Similarities

Despite their differences, Marriott International and Marriott Corporation share some similarities:

  • Name: Both companies use the Marriott name, which is synonymous with quality and hospitality.
  • History: Both companies trace their roots back to the original Marriott root beer stand opened in 1927.
  • Commitment to Service: Both companies are committed to providing exceptional service to their guests.

Which Company Should You Choose?

The best choice for you will depend on your specific needs. If you are looking for a hotel with a global presence and a wide range of brands, Marriott International is the better option. If you are looking for a hotel in the United States or Canada with a more personalized touch, Marriott Corporation may be a better fit.

The Future of Marriott

Both Marriott International and Marriott Corporation are well-positioned for continued growth in the hospitality industry. Marriott International is investing heavily in new hotel developments and renovations, while Marriott Corporation is expanding its portfolio of select-service hotels.

The Bottom Line

Marriott International and Marriott Corporation are two distinct companies that share the same name and heritage. Marriott International is a global hospitality giant with a wide range of hotel brands, while Marriott Corporation is a smaller company that focuses on the United States and Canada. Both companies are committed to providing exceptional service to their guests and are well-positioned for continued growth in the future.

FAQs

Q: Is Marriott International a subsidiary of Marriott Corporation?
A: No, Marriott International and Marriott Corporation are separate companies.

Q: Which company is larger?
A: Marriott International is much larger than Marriott Corporation, with over 8,000 properties worldwide compared to Marriott Corporation’s roughly 150 properties.

Q: Which company has more hotel brands?
A: Marriott International owns and franchises a wide range of hotel brands, while Marriott Corporation operates only the Marriott brand.

Q: Which company is better for international travelers?
A: Marriott International is a better choice for international travelers due to its global presence and wide range of brands.

Q: Which company is better for business travelers in the United States?
A: Marriott Corporation may be a better choice for business travelers in the United States due to its focus on urban areas and its personalized service.

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Zachary Cooper

Hi there! I'm Zachary, the founder and lead writer of this travel blog. I'm on a mission to help fellow adventurers, explorers, and tourists make the most of their journeys around the world. A little about me - I'm a self-proclaimed travel addict with a slight case of OCD. From triple checking my bags before a flight to color-coding my itineraries, I like to stay organized and on top of every little detail when I travel. But don't worry, my attention to detail just means you can rely on my advice to be thorough and accurate!
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