Discovering Marriott's Legacy: How Old is This Hospitality Giant?
Hey there, fellow traveler! Ever wondered about the rich history behind the iconic Marriott hotels, a name synonymous with comfort, luxury, and global hospitality? When you check into a Marriott property, you're not just entering a room; you're becoming part of a story that spans nearly a century. So, let's embark on a journey to uncover the origins and evolution of Marriott, from a humble root beer stand to a worldwide hospitality leader.
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| How Old Is Marriott Hotels |
Step 1: Let's Start at the Very Beginning - The Root of It All!
Can you guess where the Marriott story began? Would you believe it wasn't a grand hotel, but something far more modest? Take a moment to imagine the bustling streets of Washington, D.C., almost a hundred years ago. What kind of simple, refreshing business might have been the spark for a future empire?
The answer is quite surprising! Marriott International, as we know it today, traces its roots back to May 1927, when J. Willard Marriott and his wife, Alice Marriott, opened a nine-seat A&W root beer stand in Washington, D.C. They quickly expanded to offer hot food and named their venture "The Hot Shoppe." This small, family-run enterprise laid the foundation for what would become one of the world's largest hospitality companies.
Step 2: From Root Beer to Robust Growth: The Early Years
The Marriott family's entrepreneurial spirit didn't stop at root beer and hot dogs. They had a vision, and a strong work ethic, that propelled their business forward.
Sub-heading: Diversification and Innovation
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1929: The Hot Shoppe was incorporated as Hot Shoppes, Inc., and it soon grew into a regional chain. Their success was built on providing good quality food at reasonable prices and a friendly, attentive service.
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1937: Always looking for new opportunities, the Marriotts ventured into a cutting-edge market for the time: providing meals for airline passengers. This diversification showed their keen sense of emerging trends.
Tip: The middle often holds the main point.
Sub-heading: Going Public and Venturing into Lodging
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1953: Hot Shoppes, Inc. went public, a significant milestone that provided capital for further expansion.
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1957: This year marked the true entry into the hotel business that would define their legacy. J. Willard Marriott opened his company's first hotel, the Marriott Motor Hotel, in Arlington, Virginia. This "motor hotel" was a smart move, catering to the burgeoning automobile travel industry.
Step 3: The Era of Expansion and Branding: A Name Change and New Horizons
The 1960s were a pivotal decade for the Marriott family and their growing enterprise.
Sub-heading: Becoming the Marriott Corporation
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1964: J. Willard Marriott's son, Bill Marriott Jr., became president of the company, taking the reins and steering it towards even greater expansion in the lodging sector.
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1967: Hot Shoppes, Inc. was officially renamed the Marriott Corporation. This name change reflected the company's increasing focus on its burgeoning hotel business.
Sub-heading: Introducing New Brands and Global Reach
Under Bill Marriott Jr.'s leadership, the company began to strategically develop different hotel brands to cater to a wider range of travelers.
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1983: The introduction of Courtyard hotels marked a move into the moderately priced lodging segment, targeting business travelers.
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1987: Marriott expanded further with the launch of Residence Inn, offering extended-stay lodging, and Fairfield Inn, an economy hotel brand.
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The company's global footprint also began to grow, with the first international Marriott Hotel, the Paraiso Marriott, opening in Acapulco, Mexico, in 1969. This was followed by expansion into Europe in 1975 and the Middle East in 1980.
Step 4: A New Millennium and a Global Powerhouse: Marriott International Today
The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw Marriott continue its trajectory of growth and diversification, culminating in the hospitality giant we know today.
QuickTip: Don’t just consume — reflect.
Sub-heading: The Corporate Split and Further Acquisitions
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1993: A significant structural change occurred when the Marriott Corporation split into two separate entities: Host Marriott, which owned the hotel properties, and Marriott International, which focused on managing and franchising hotels. This strategic move allowed each entity to specialize and optimize its operations.
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Marriott International continued its growth through strategic acquisitions, bringing more renowned brands under its umbrella. Notable acquisitions include a significant share in The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company in 1995 and the Renaissance Hotel Group N.V. in 1997.
Sub-heading: The Present Day: A Portfolio of Brands and Global Presence
Today, Marriott International boasts an unparalleled portfolio of brands, catering to every type of traveler, from luxury to select service. With properties spanning the globe, Marriott remains a leader in the hospitality industry, constantly innovating and adapting to meet the evolving needs of its guests.
So, when you consider "how old is Marriott Hotels," remember that while the first dedicated hotel opened in 1957, the company's true genesis, as an entrepreneurial endeavor that would eventually lead to hotels, dates back to 1927. That makes Marriott International, as a corporate entity, almost a century old, having been founded 98 years ago (as of 2025). Its hotel division, specifically, is 68 years old. It's a testament to the vision and dedication of J. Willard and Alice Marriott, and the subsequent leadership, that their initial small business blossomed into such a monumental global enterprise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related questions to further enhance your understanding of Marriott Hotels:
How to book a room at Marriott Hotels?
You can book a room directly on the Marriott International website (Marriott.com), through their Marriott Bonvoy mobile app, or by calling their reservations line.
QuickTip: Slow down when you hit numbers or data.
How to join Marriott Bonvoy?
Joining Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott's loyalty program, is free and easy! You can sign up on their website by providing your name, address, email, and creating a password.
How to find Marriott Hotel locations?
You can find Marriott Hotel locations by using the "Find a Hotel" search function on Marriott.com or within the Marriott Bonvoy app, entering your desired destination.
How to cancel a Marriott reservation?
To cancel a Marriott reservation, log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account on Marriott.com, go to "My Trips," select the reservation you wish to cancel, and follow the cancellation prompts. Be sure to check the specific cancellation policy for your booking, as it can vary.
How to earn points with Marriott Bonvoy?
You can earn Marriott Bonvoy points by staying at Marriott hotels, using Marriott co-branded credit cards, referring friends, transferring points from partner programs (like American Express Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards), booking events, or participating in dining and car rental partnerships.
Tip: Break it down — section by section.
How to use Marriott Bonvoy points?
Marriott Bonvoy points can be redeemed for free nights at Marriott hotels worldwide, for travel packages (flight + hotel), for unique experiences through Marriott Bonvoy Moments, or for shopping.
How to check into a Marriott Hotel?
You can check into a Marriott Hotel in person at the front desk, or, if you're a Marriott Bonvoy member, you can often use mobile check-in through the Marriott Bonvoy app, sometimes even allowing you to use a mobile key for your room.
How to get a job at Marriott Hotels?
To find job opportunities at Marriott Hotels, visit the Marriott International Careers website (careers.marriott.com), where you can search for positions, explore different career paths, and submit applications.
How to contact Marriott customer service?
You can contact Marriott customer service through the "Contact Us" section on Marriott.com, which provides phone numbers for reservations and general inquiries, or by using the mobile chat feature within the Marriott Bonvoy app.
How to find Marriott Hotel deals?
Marriott Hotel deals and promotions can be found on the "Special Offers" or "Deals" section of Marriott.com, through emails if you're a Marriott Bonvoy member, or by checking specific hotel websites within the Marriott portfolio.
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