Marriott International#Marriott International

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Marriott International is the largest hotel company in the world by the number of available rooms. It has 36 brands with 9,361 properties containing 1,706,331 rooms in 144 countries and territories. Of these 9,361 properties 1,981 are managed but not owned by Marriott, 7,192 are owned and managed by independent hospitality companies under franchise agreements with Marriott, and 51 are both owned and managed by Marriott. The company also operates 20 hotel reservation centers.

Marriott International, Inc. was formed in 1993 when Marriott Corporation split into two companies: Marriott International, Inc., which franchises and manages properties, and Host Marriott Corporation (now Host Hotels & Resorts), which owns properties.

Since the founders were missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, copies of the Book of Mormon are provided in hotel rooms in addition to the Bible.{{cite news | last=McDowell | first=Edward | title=Bible Now Shares Hotel Rooms With Some Other Good Books | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/12/26/us/bible-now-shares-hotel-rooms-with-some-other-good-books.html | work=The New York Times |date=December 26, 1995 | url-access=subscription}}

Marriott Corporation was founded by John Willard Marriott in 1927 when he and his wife, Alice Marriott, opened a root beer stand in Washington, D.C.{{cite web | url=https://www.blogs.marriott.com/marriott-on-the-move/2007/05/remembrances-of-mom.html | title=Remembrances of Mom – Marriott on the Move | last=Marriott | first=Bill | author-link=Bill Marriott | publisher=Marriott International | date=May 9, 2007}} After serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in New England, Marriott traveled to Washington, D.C. where he experienced the humid summer weather of the city. Marriott was convinced that what residents of the city needed was a place to get a cool drink, and so after returning to Utah and graduating from The University of Utah, Marriott purchased the rights to franchise an A&W Root Beer stand in Columbia Heights.{{cite news |date=October 10, 2008 |title=J. Willard Marriott: From Root Beer To Riches |work=Entrepreneur |url=https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/197668}} The first summer saw brisk business, but as cold weather approached they realized the seasonal nature of their business and received permission from A&W to start selling food. He named the restaurant Hot Shoppes and watched as it grew in popularity.{{cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/26/AR2007062601413.html | title=Root Beer Roots | newspaper=The Washington Post | first=Michael | last=Rosenwald | date=July 1, 2007}} Always looking for new ways to improve his company, he bought the vacant lot next to one of his Hot Shoppes, removed the curb, and began offering the first drive-in service on the East Coast. This move popularized the restaurants, and by 1932, the Marriott's owned 7 Hot Shoppes in the D.C. area. In 1953, Hot Shoppes, Inc. became a public company via an initial public offering.{{cite web | url=https://www.marriott.com/about/culture-and-values/history.mi#earlyyears | title=Our Story | publisher=Marriott International}}

The company opened its first hotel, the Marriott Motor Hotel, in Arlington, Virginia, on January 16, 1957.{{Cite news | url=https://www.blogs.marriott.com/marriott-on-the-move/2019/01/celebrating-twin-bridges-anniversary.html | title=CELEBRATING TWIN BRIDGES' ANNIVERSARY | last=Marriott | first=Bill | author-link=Bill Marriott | work=Marriott International | date=January 16, 2019}}{{cite news | url=https://www.deseretnews.com/article/27579/NATIONS-FIRST-MARRIOTT-HOTEL-CLOSES-ITS-DOORS.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150106063352/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/27579/NATIONS-FIRST-MARRIOTT-HOTEL-CLOSES-ITS-DOORS.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=January 6, 2015 | title=Nation's First Marriott Hotel Closes Its Doors | work=Deseret News | date=December 20, 1988}} It cost $9 per night, plus an extra $1 for every person that was in the car.{{Cite news | url=https://money.cnn.com/2017/09/04/news/economy/boss-files-bill-marriott/index.html | title=The Marriott family American Dream: From "Hot Shoppes" to hotels | first=Haley | last=Draznin | work=CNN | date=September 4, 2017}} Its second hotel, the Marriott Key Bridge Motor Hotel in Rosslyn, Arlington, Virginia, opened in 1959,{{cite web | url=https://digitalcollections.lib.uh.edu/concern/texts/9019s337w?locale=en | title=Hot Shoppes, Inc., 1959 Annual Report }} and was Marriott International's longest continuously operating hotel until its closure in July 2021.{{cite news | url=https://wtop.com/business-finance/2016/08/key-bridge-marriotts-future-is-uncertain/ | title=Key Bridge Marriott's future is uncertain | first=Jeff | last=Clabaugh | work=WTOP | date=August 2, 2016}}{{Cite web |last=Rosenthal |first=Josh |date=2023-03-25 |title=Arlington County condemns, clears former Key Bridge Marriott building |url=https://www.fox5dc.com/news/arlington-county-condemns-clears-former-key-bridge-marriott-building |access-date=2023-06-26 |website=FOX 5 DC |language=en-US}}

Hot Shoppes, Inc. was renamed the Marriott Corporation in 1967.{{Cite news | url=https://www.alexandriava.gov/uploadedFiles/historic/info/attic/2013/Attic20130307HotShoppes.pdf | title=Before hotels, magnate dabbled in restaurants | work=Alexandria Times | date=March 7, 2013}}

In 1972, the Marriott lodging division acquired the Greek-based Sun Line cruise line,{{cite web | url=https://digitalcollections.lib.uh.edu/concern/texts/5d86p114n?locale=en | title=Marriott Corporation, 1972 Annual Report }} which it owned until 1987.{{cite web | url=https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/1992/06/ship-fleet-update/ | title=Ship/Fleet Update - Cruise Industry News | Cruise News }}

In 1976, the company opened two theme parks, each named Marriott's Great America, in California and Illinois.{{Cite news | url=https://www.blogs.marriott.com/marriott-on-the-move/2019/08/take-a-spin-on-national-roller-coaster-day.html | title=TAKE A SPIN ON NATIONAL ROLLER COASTER DAY | last=Marriott | first=Bill | author-link=Bill Marriott | work=Marriott International | date=August 16, 2019}} Marriott sold the parks in 1984, with the California park bought by the City of Santa Clara{{cite web | url=https://digitalcollections.lib.uh.edu/concern/texts/d504rm22v?locale=en | title=Marriott Corporation, 1983 Annual Report }} and the Illinois park bought by Bally Manufacturing, then the parent company of the Six Flags Corporation(both are now owned by Six Flags).{{Cite news |date=1984-04-27 |title=Marriott to Sell Park to Bally |work=The New York Times |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/04/27/business/marriott-to-sell-park-to-bally.html |access-date=2022-10-27}}{{Cite news|title=Marriott Sells Theme Park To Bally Manufacturing|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/1984/04/27/marriott-sells-theme-park-to-bally-manufacturing/73cfb5ec-8d73-4f48-9ac4-fb57b200da97/}}

Marriott International, Inc. was formed in 1993 when Marriott Corporation split into two companies: Marriott International, Inc., which franchises and manages properties, and Host Marriott Corporation (now Host Hotels & Resorts), which owns properties.{{Cite web | url=https://www.hosthotels.com/our-company/a-retrospective | title=A RETROSPECTIVE | publisher=Host Hotels & Resorts}}

In 1995, Marriott was the first hotel company to offer online reservations.{{cite news | url=https://www.forbes.com/asap/1998/0824/082_print.html |title=Services | work=Forbes}}

In April 1995, Marriott acquired a 49% interest in The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.{{cite news | url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1995-03-07-1995066143-story.html | title=Marriott gets 49% of Ritz-Carlton | first=Kevin L. | last=McQuaid| work=The Baltimore Sun | date=March 7, 1995 | url-access=subscription}} Marriott believed that it could increase sales and profit margins for The Ritz-Carlton, a troubled chain with many properties either losing money or barely breaking even. The cost to Marriott was estimated to have been about $200{{nbsp}}million in cash and assumed debt. The next year, Marriott spent $331{{nbsp}}million to acquire The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta, and buy a majority interest in two properties owned by William Johnson, a real estate developer who had purchased The Ritz-Carlton, Boston in 1983 and expanded his Ritz-Carlton holdings over the next twenty years. Ritz-Carlton expanded into the timeshare market. Ritz Carlton benefited from Marriott's reservation system and buying power. In 1998, Marriott acquired majority ownership of The Ritz-Carlton.{{cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/2002/06/19/ritz-carlton-to-be-based-in-md/e6d51bfb-7111-429e-bf4b-3882bd7482ee/ | title=Ritz-Carlton to Be Based in Md. | first=Renae | last=Merle | newspaper=The Washington Post | date=June 19, 2002}}

In 1997, the company acquired the Renaissance Hotels and Ramada brands from Chow Tai Fook Group and its associate company, New World Development.{{cite news | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-02-19-fi-30139-story.html | title=Marriott to Buy Renaissance for $1 Billion | first=Jesus | last=Sanchez | work=Los Angeles Times | date=February 19, 1997 | url-access=subscription}}{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/02/19/business/marriott-aims-overseas-with-acquisition.html | title=Marriott Aims Overseas With Acquisition | first=Edwin | last=McDowell | work=The New York Times | date=19 February 1997 | url-access=limited}} Marriott International also signed an agreement to manage hotels owned by New World Development.{{cite web | url=https://www.nwd.com.hk/sites/default/files/ar1998e.pdf | title=1998 Annual Report | date=1998 | pages=34–35 | publisher=New World Development}} The same year the company also got into the home cleaning business by starting a new venture dubbed HomeSolutions.{{cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/1997/03/03/daily15.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050616083549/http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/1997/03/03/daily15.html|title=Marriott rolls out new home cleaning biz|website=Washington Business Journal|archivedate=June 16, 2005|date=1997|accessdate=June 7, 2024}}

In 2001, the Marriott World Trade Center was destroyed during the September 11 attacks.

In 2002, CTF Hotel Holdings Inc., a company that owns a hotel in Hong Kong managed by Marriott, sued Marriott alleging that Marriott engaged in extortion and bribery. According to the allegations, Marriott contracted to receive audio-visual services from Molloy. Marriott paid an inflated amount to Molloy and pocketed the 1.7 million dollars above its fee. Marriott had to return the money to CTF Hotel. CTF Hotel also accused Marriott of accepting bribes from suppliers.{{Cite web |last=|first=|title=Marriott sued|url=https://money.cnn.com/2002/05/17/news/companies/marriott/|website=money.cnn.com}}

In 2003, the company completed the corporate spin-off of its senior living properties (now part of Sunrise Senior Living) and Marriott Distribution Services.{{cite web | url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1048286/000119312504027964/d10k.htm#tx96660_3 | title=Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year Ended January 2, 2004| publisher=U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission}} In the same year, the owners of the Marriott-operated, Town Hotels, sued Marriott for breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, negligence, and fraud. They claimed that Marriott along with the Avendra hotel chain violated West Virginia law by contracting with vendors and receiving "sponsorship fees" from them to provide services to Town Hotels, when according to the contract, Marriott was forbidden to profit from the contract except for management fees.

{{Cite web|title=In Town Hotels Ltd. Partbership v. Marriott Inter., Inc., 246 F. Supp. 2d 469 (S.D.W. Va. 2003)|url=https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/FSupp2/246/469/2435597/|website=law.justia.com}}

In 2004, the company sold its right to the Ramada brand to Cendant, acquired in 1997.{{Cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/2004/04/03/marriott-to-sell-stake-in-2-us-brands/1ce97bb2-6426-4867-b82e-296145c310e6/ | title=Marriott to Sell Stake in 2 U.S. Brands | first=Dana | last=Hedgpeth | newspaper=The Washington Post | date=April 3, 2004}}

In 2005, Marriott International and Marriott Vacation Club International were two of the 53 entities that contributed the maximum of $250,000 to the Second inauguration of George W. Bush.{{cite news | title=Donors get good seats, great access this week | url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2005-01-16-inauguration-donors_x.htm | work=USA Today | date=January 17, 2005 | first=Jim | last=Drinkard}}{{cite news | url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2005-01-16-inaugural-donors_x.htm | work=USA Today | date=January 16, 2005 | title=Financing the inauguration}}{{cite news | url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2005-01-14-price_x.htm | work=USA Today | date=January 14, 2005 | title=Some question inaugural's multi-million price tag}}

On July 19, 2006, Marriott implemented a smoking ban in all buildings it operated in the United States and Canada effective September 2006.{{cite news | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/marriott-hotels-to-go-smoke-free/ | title=Marriott Hotels To Go Smoke-Free | work=CBS News | date=July 20, 2006}}{{Cite news | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB115327404824310671 | title=Marriott to Ban Smoking From All Rooms | first=Peter | last=Sanders | work=The Wall Street Journal | date=July 19, 2006 | url-access=subscription}}

In 2007, Marriott became the first hotel chain to serve food that is completely free of trans fats at all of its North American properties.{{cite news | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB117039313292596076 | title=Marriott to Cut Trans Fat At U.S., Canada Hotels | work=The Wall Street Journal | date=February 2, 2007 | url-access=subscription}}

Hotels franchised or operated by the company were affected by the 2003 Marriott Hotel bombing, the Islamabad Marriott Hotel bombing in 2008, and the 2009 Jakarta bombings.

On November 11, 2010, Marriott announced plans to add over 600 hotel properties by 2015, primarily in emerging markets: India, where it planned to have 100 hotel properties, China, and Southeast Asia.{{cite news | title=Marriott to expand India portfolio to 100 hotels | first=Aniruddha | last=Basu | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-52830920101111 | work=Reuters | date=November 11, 2010}}

On January 21, 2011, Marriott said that adult movies would not be included in the entertainment offered at new hotels, which would use an Internet-based video on demand system.{{cite news | title=Marriott says no to adult movies in new hotels | url=https://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/travel/2011-01-21-hotelporn21_ST_N.htm | last=DeLollis | first=Barbara | work=USA Today | date=January 21, 2011}}{{Cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/marriott-hotels-will-stop-offering-in-room-adult-movies/2011/01/24/AB4IIzD_story.html | title=Marriott hotels will stop offering in-room adult movies | first=Thomas | last=Heath | newspaper=The Washington Post | date=January 21, 2011}}

In 2011, Mitt Romney received $260,390 in director's fees from Marriott International,{{cite web | url=https://www.efile.com/tax-form/tax-history/Mitt-Romney-2011-Tax-Return.pdf | title=Willard M. Romney, 2010 Tax Return | website=Efile.com}} despite the fact that he had already stepped down from the board of directors to run for President of the United States.{{cite news | url=https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/news/2011/01/13/romney-leaves-marriott-board.html | title=Mitt Romney leaves Marriott International board | work=American City Business Journals | date=January 13, 2011}} His released 2010 tax returns showed earnings in 2010 of $113,881 in director's fees from Marriott.{{cite web | url=https://www.efile.com/tax-form/tax-history/Mitt-Romney-2010-Tax-Return.pdf | website=Efile.com | title=Willard M. Romney, 2010 Tax Return}} In February 2012, Bloomberg News reported on Romney's years overseeing tax matters for Marriott, which had included several "scams" (quoting John McCain) and legal actions brought against Marriott, which Marriott lost in court, over its manipulations of the U.S. Tax Code.{{cite news| url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-22/romney-as-auditing-chairman-saw-marriott-son-of-boss-tax-shelter-defy-irs.html | work=Bloomberg News | title=Romney as Audit Chair Saw Marriott Son of BOSS Shelter Defy IRS}}{{cite news | url=https://www.cnn.com/2012/08/08/opinion/canellos-kleinbard-romney-taxes/index.html | work=CNN | title=Did Romney enable a company's abusive tax shelter? | date=August 9, 2012}}

Effective March 31, 2012, Bill Marriott assumed the role of executive chairman of the company and relinquished the role of chief executive officer to Arne Sorenson.{{Cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/marriott-ceo-jw-marriott-jr-to-retire/2011/12/13/gIQAnHLPsO_story.html |title=Marriott CEO J.W. Marriott Jr. to step down |first=Michael S. |last=Rosenwald| newspaper=The Washington Post |date=December 13, 2011}}{{cite news | title=Bill Marriott Jr. retiring as CEO | url=https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/news/2011/12/13/jw-marriott-jr-retiring-as-ceo.html | work=American City Business Journals | first1=Jeff | last1=Clabaugh | date=December 13, 2011}}{{cite news | url=https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Bill-Marriott-to-step-down-as-Marriott-CEO | title=Bill Marriott to step down as Marriott CEO | first=Danny | last=King | work=Travel Weekly | date=December 14, 2011}}

In December 2012, Guinness World Records recognized the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, a five star hotel, as the tallest hotel in the world.{{cite web | url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/commercial/2015/6/world%E2%80%99s-tallest-hotel-take-a-look-inside-the-j-w-marriott-marquis-dubai-380930 | title=World's tallest hotel: Take a look inside the J W Marriott Marquis Dubai | first=Kevin | last=Lynch | publisher=Guinness World Records | date=June 9, 2015}}

In 2013, the owners of the Madison 92nd Street Associates LLC, who contracted with Marriott to manage their hotel, sued Marriott for $400 million, alleging that Marriott had conspired with the workers' committee. They claimed that Marriott allowed the workers to unionize at the Madison-owned hotel in exchange for not unionizing at Marriott's flagship hotels.{{Cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-marriott-unions-idINLNE90E01620130115 | title=Former hotel owner sues Marriott over alleged labour conspiracy | first=Andrew | last=Longstreth| newspaper=Reuters | date=January 15, 2013}}

On October 3, 2014, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) fined Marriott $600,000 for unlawful use of a "containment" feature of a Wi-Fi monitoring system to deliberately interfere with client-owned networks in the convention space of its Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville. The scheme disrupted operation of clients' mobile phone hotspots via Wi-Fi deauthentication attacks.{{cite press release | url=https://www.fcc.gov/document/marriott-pay-600k-resolve-wifi-blocking-investigation | title=Marriott to Pay $600K to Resolve WiFi-Blocking Investigation | publisher=Federal Communications Commission | date=October 3, 2014}} Marriott International, Inc., the American Hotel and Lodging Association and Ryman Hospitality Properties responded by unsuccessfully petitioning the FCC to change the rules to allow them to continue jamming client-owned networks, a position which they were forced to abandon in early 2015 in response to backlash from clients, mainstream media, major technology companies, and mobile carriers.{{Cite web | url=https://www.fcc.gov/document/dismissal-marriotts-petition-declaratory-ruling | title=Dismissal of Marriott's Petition for a Declaratory Ruling | publisher=Federal Communications Commission | date=February 13, 2015}}{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-30827706 | title=Marriott hotels do U-turn over wi-fi hotspot blocks | work=BBC News | date=February 15, 2015}} The incident drew unfavorable publicity to Marriott's practice of charging exorbitant fees for Wi-Fi.{{cite news | url=https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-free-wifi-at-luxury-marriott-hotels-20141031-story.html | title=Free Wi-Fi at luxury Marriott hotels--for some | work=Los Angeles Times | date=November 2, 2014 | url-access=subscription}}{{cite news | url=https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-hotels-guest-fees-20140829-story.html | title=Hotels to collect record $2.25 billion in guest fees | work=Los Angeles Times | date=August 31, 2014 | url-access=subscription}}

On April 1, 2015, Marriott acquired Canadian hotel chain Delta Hotels, which operated 38 hotels at that time.{{cite press release | url=https://news.marriott.com/news/2015/04/01/marriott-international-completes-acquisition-of-delta-hotels-and-resorts-becomes-the-largest-full-service-hotelier-in-canada | title=Marriott International Completes Acquisition of Delta Hotels and Resorts®; Becomes the Largest Full-Service Hotelier in Canada | publisher=Marriott International | date=April 1, 2015}}{{cite news | url=https://www.thestar.com/business/tech_news/2015/01/27/marriott-expands-in-canada-by-buying-delta-hotel.html | title=Marriott expands in Canada by buying Delta hotel brand | first=Tara | last=Deschamps | work=Toronto Star | date=January 27, 2015}}

On November 16, 2015, Marriott announced the acquisition of Starwood for $13{{nbsp}}billion.{{cite news | url=https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-marriott-starwood-20160923-snap-story.html | title=Marriott closes $13-billion purchase of Starwood to become world's largest hotel chain | agency=Associated Press | work=Los Angeles Times | date=September 23, 2016 | url-access=subscription}} A higher offer for Starwood at $14{{nbsp}}billion from a consortium led by China's Anbang Insurance Group was announced March 3, 2016.{{cite news | url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2016/03/18/starwood-marriott-international-anbang-insurance-group/81959330/ |title=Starwood dumps Marriott deal for competing bid | date=March 18, 2016 | work=USA Today}}{{cite news | url=https://apnews.com/38fe7bd1ad2b4a12b28e7255234d801c/starwood-receives-nearly-14b-buyout-bid-chinese-group | title=Starwood receives nearly $14B buyout bid from Chinese group | work=Associated Press | date=March 14, 2016}}{{cite news | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/starwood-receives-unsolicited-offer-complicating-tie-up-with-marriott-1457954245 | title=Starwood Gets Offer From Group Led by Anbang, Threatening Marriott Deal | first1=Rick | last1=Carew | first2=Julie | last2=Steinberg | first3=Joshua | last3=Jamerson | work=The Wall Street Journal | date=March 15, 2016 | url-access=subscription}} After Marriott raised its bid to $13.6{{nbsp}}billion on March 21, Starwood terminated the Anbang agreement and proceeded with the merger with Marriott.{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/starwood-hotels-ma-marriott/sheraton-owner-starwood-accepts-higher-offer-from-marriott-idUSL3N16T35D | title=Sheraton-owner Starwood accepts higher offer from Marriott | first=Arunima | last=Banerjee | work=Reuters | date=March 21, 2016}} Following receipt of regulatory approvals, Marriott closed the merger with Starwood on September 23, 2016, creating the world's largest hotel company with over 5700 properties, 1.1{{nbsp}}million rooms, and a portfolio of 30 brands.{{cite press release | url=https://news.marriott.com/news/2016/09/23/marriott-international-completes-acquisition-of-starwood-hotels-resorts-worldwide-creating-worlds-largest-and-best-hotel-company-while-providing-unparalleled-guest-experience | title=Marriott International Completes Acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Creating World's Largest and Best Hotel Company While Providing Unparalleled Guest Experience | publisher=Marriott International | date=September 23, 2016}} The Starwood acquisition gave Marriott a larger non-US presence; approximately 75% of Starwood's revenues were from non-US markets.{{cite news | title=MARRIOTT BUYING STARWOOD IN DEAL VALUED AT $12.2 BILLION | url=https://adage.com/article/cmo-strategy/marriott-buying-starwood-deal-valued-12-2-billion/301371/ | work=Advertising Age | date=November 16, 2015}}{{cite news | title=MARRIOTT BUYING STARWOOD IN DEAL VALUED AT $12.2 BILLION | url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-11-16/marriott-buying-starwood-in-deal-valued-at-12-2-billion | first1=Andrew | last1=Blackman | first2=Hui-yong | last2=Yu | first3=Sarah | last3=Mulholland | work=Bloomberg News | date=November 16, 2015}}

On November 30, 2018, Marriott disclosed that the former Starwood brands had been subject to a data breach. After the disclosure, Attorney General of New York Barbara Underwood announced an investigation into the data breach.{{cite news | url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/marriott-says-starwood-database-hacked | title=Marriott discloses data breach that could affect up to 500M guests | first=Megan | last=Henney | work=Fox News | date=November 30, 2018}}{{Cite news | url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/kateoflahertyuk/2018/11/30/marriott-breach-what-happened-how-serious-is-it-and-who-is-impacted/ | title=Marriott Breach -- What Happened, How Serious Is It And Who Is Impacted? | last=O'Flaherty | first=Kate | work=Forbes | date=November 30, 2018}} The cyberattack was found to be a part of a Chinese intelligence-gathering effort that also hacked health insurers and the security clearance files of millions more Americans. The hackers are suspected of working on behalf of the Ministry of State Security, the country's Communist-controlled civilian spy agency.{{Cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/11/us/politics/trump-china-trade.html | title=Marriott Data Breach Is Traced to Chinese Hackers as U.S. Readies Crackdown on Beijing | last1=Sanger | first1=David E. | last2=Perlroth | first2=Nicole | last3=Thrush | first3=Glenn | last4=Rappeport | first4=Alan | work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 | date=December 11, 2018 | url-access=subscription}}{{Cite news | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/marriott-cyber-attack-starwood-hotel-data-breach-china-spy-agency-guests-a8679006.html | title=Marriott hotel cyber attack linked to Chinese spy agency| work=The Independent | date=December 12, 2018}}{{Cite news | url=https://www.axios.com/marriott-cyberattack-traced-to-chinese-hackers-d1de3246-c85b-4fd9-8bbc-f8f19846516d.html | title=Marriott cyberattack traced to Chinese hackers | work=Axios | date=December 12, 2018}} Initially, Marriott said that 500 million customers' personal information had been exposed.{{cite news | first=Sydny |last=Shepard | url=https://securitytoday.com/articles/2019/01/09/marriott-breach-unencrypted-passport-numbers-payment-cards-leaked.aspx | title=Marriott Breach: Unencrypted Passport Numbers, Payment Cards Leaked | work=Security Today | date=January 9, 2019}} In January 2019, the company updated the number of guests affected to "less than 383 million" customers, and claimed many of the customer's payment cards had expired.{{cite news | url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/marriott-says-less-than-383-million-guests-impacted-by-breach-not-500-million/ | title=Marriott says less than 383 million guests impacted by breach, not 500 million | first=Catalin | last=Cimpanu | work=ZDNet | date=January 4, 2019}} The UK Information Commissioner's Office fined Marriott £18 million for breaches to GDPR law that contributed to the breach.{{Cite web |title=Marriott International Fine by ICO |url=https://ico.org.uk/media/action-weve-taken/mpns/2618524/marriott-international-inc-mpn-20201030.pdf |website=Information Commissioner's Office}} Australia's Information Commissioner served Marriott an 'enforceable undertaking' to improve their security.{{Cite web |last=OAIC |date=2023-03-10 |title=Marriott International: enforceable undertaking |url=https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/privacy-assessments-and-decisions/privacy-decisions/enforceable-undertakings/marriott-international-enforceable-undertaking |access-date=2024-03-27 |website=OAIC |language=en}}

In 2019 and 2021, Marriott faced an investigation{{Cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2022/08/24/hotel-resort-fees/ | title=Whatever happened to those resort fees everyone hates?| first=Christopher | last=Elliott| newspaper=The Washington Post | date=August 24, 2022}} and a class action lawsuit{{Cite news | url=https://www.classaction.org/news/marriott-international-hit-with-class-action-over-alleged-drip-pricing-for-hotel-room-rates | title=Marriott International Hit with Class Action Over Alleged 'Drip Pricing' for Hotel Room Rates| first=Corrado | last=Rizzi| newspaper=classaction.org | date=September 11, 2019}} in the US for its practice of charging resort fees that were not included in the room price, with the services included in these "resort fees" unclear. This method is prohibited in many parts of the world and is known as "drip pricing".{{Cite news | url=https://www.classaction.org/news/marriott-hit-with-class-action-over-alleged-drip-pricing-scheme | title=Marriott Hit with Class Action Over Alleged Drip Pricing Scheme| first=Erin | last=Shaak| newspaper=classaction.org | date=March 9, 2021}}

In December 2019, the company acquired Elegant Hotels, operator of 7 hotels in Barbados.{{cite news | url=https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/news/2019/12/10/marriott-closes-on-purchase-of-barbados-hotel.html | title=Marriott closes on purchase of Barbados hotel portfolio | first=Drew | last=Hansen | work=American City Business Journals | date=December 10, 2019}}

In February 2020, the company discovered a data breach that included the theft of contact information for 5.2 million customers.{{cite news | url=https://www.phocuswire.com/marriott-data-breach-January-2020 | title=Marriott is victim of another massive data breach | first=Mitra | last=Sorrells | work=Phocuswire | date=March 31, 2020}}

In April 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the company instituted additional cleanliness standards, including requiring the use of electrostatic sprayers with disinfectant, adding disinfecting wipes in all hotel rooms, and removing or re-arranging furniture in public areas to allow more space for social distancing.{{Cite news | url=https://news.marriott.com/news/2020/04/21/marriott-international-launches-global-cleanliness-council-to-promote-even-higher-standards-of-cleanliness-in-the-age-of-covid-19 | title=Marriott International Launches Global Cleanliness Council to Promote Even Higher Standards of Cleanliness in the Age of COVID-19 | work=Marriott International | date=April 21, 2020}} During the pandemic, global occupancy fell as low as 31%.{{Cite news | url=https://www.phocuswire.com/Marriott-earnings-Q2-2020 | title=Marriott believes worst is over, global occupancy at 30% | first=Christina | last=Jelski | work=Phocuswire | date=August 11, 2020}}

President and CEO Arne Sorenson died on February 15, 2021, from pancreatic cancer.{{cite news | url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/16/business/marriott-ceo-arne-sorenson-death/index.html | title=Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson has died after pancreatic cancer fight | work=CNN | date=February 16, 2021 | last=Valinsky | first=Jordan}} On February 23, 2021, Anthony Capuano was appointed to fill Sorensen's vacancy as CEO and Director, having previously served as Marriott's group president of global development, design and operations.{{Cite news | title=Marriott International names new CEO following death of Arne Sorenson | url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/marriott-international-new-ceo-tony-capuano-arne-sorenson | last=Bartiromo | first=Michael | work=Fox Business | date=February 23, 2021}}

In November 2021, the company was criticized for refusing to host the World Uyghur Congress at one of its properties in Prague, citing reasons of "political neutrality".{{Cite news|last1=Allen-Ebrahimian|first1=Bethany|last2=Lawler|first2=Dave|date=November 18, 2021|title=Marriott refused to host Uyghur conference, citing "political neutrality"|work=Axios|url=https://www.axios.com/marriott-uyghur-conference-d6deb429-9b5e-4759-ba10-98d59e81be12.html|access-date=November 18, 2021}}

In August 2022, employees began moving into the company's new 21-story, 785,000-square-foot headquarters building on Wisconsin Avenue, ahead of an official opening on September 21. The new building was constructed over four years as part of a $600 million downtown Bethesda campus, together with the adjacent Marriott Bethesda Downtown hotel.{{cite news |last1=Schere |first1=Dan |title=New Marriott International headquarters towers above downtown Bethesda |url=https://bethesdamagazine.com/2022/08/15/new-marriott-headquarters-towers-above-downtown-bethesda/ |access-date=21 August 2022 |work=Bethesda Magazine |date=August 15, 2022}}

In 2023, a criminal investigation was opened against Marriott in Poland, claiming that it acted fraudulently and unethically against the Lim company, the owner of a Warsaw hotel. During the COVID-19 period, Marriott would not keep up the hotel's maintenance and shifted the costs of maintaining the empty hotel to the Lim Company. At the same time Marriott prevented the Lim Company from renting the hotel to the National Health Fund for doctors' housing or contracting for advertising deals until the Lim Company would pay unwarranted bonuses to Marriott.{{Cite web|title=marriott ma problemy prokuratura wszczela sledztwo|url=https://dorzeczy.pl/kraj/467469/marriott-ma-problemy-prokuratura-wszczela-sledztwo.html|website=dorzeczy.pl|date=August 4, 2023 }}

Also in the same year, on May 1, Marriott announced that it completed the acquisition of Mexican hotelier Hoteles City Express. By this move, Marriott officially entered the affordable midscale-segment under City Express by Marriott brands.{{Cite web |date=2022-10-19 |title=Marriott Acquires City Express Hotels |url=https://loyaltylobby.com/2022/10/19/marriott-acquires-city-express-hotels/ |access-date=2023-09-15 |website=LoyaltyLobby |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=LODGING |date=2023-05-04 |title=Marriott Completes Acquisition of City Express Brand Portfolio |url=https://lodgingmagazine.com/marriott-completes-acquisition-of-city-express-brand-portfolio/ |access-date=2023-09-15 |website=LODGING Magazine |language=en-US}} The company also launched another brand focusing on budget extended stays called StudioRes in August,{{Cite web |title=Marriott names its latest brand StudioRes |url=https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Marriott-names-its-latest-brand-StudioRes |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=www.travelweekly.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Marriott breaks ground on inaugural StudioRes hotel |url=https://www.hoteldive.com/news/marriott-breaks-ground-studiores-hotel/705008/ |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=Hotel Dive |language=en-US}} and an extension to its Four Points by Sheraton brand called Four Points Express in September.

In August 2024, Marriott announced a long-term licensing agreement with Sonder, adding 10,500 rooms to their portfolio and allowing customers to earn or redeem Marriott Bonvoy points at Sonder properties starting in late 2024.{{cite press release |title=Marriott International Announces Long-Term Licensing Agreement with Sonder, Expected to Add Over 10,500 Rooms to Marriott's Open and Pipeline Portfolio |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/marriott-international-announces-long-term-licensing-agreement-with-sonder-expected-to-add-over-10-500-rooms-to-marriotts-open-and-pipeline-portfolio-302224873.html |website=PR Newswire |publisher=Marriott International |access-date=19 August 2024}}

In April 2025, the company acquired Citizen M, a Dutch-based hotel brand, for $355 million.{{Cite web |last=Newman |first=Jessica |date=2025-04-28 |title=Marriott to buy Citizen M hotels in move to ‘affordable luxury’ |url=https://www.thetimes.com/business-money/companies/article/marriott-to-buy-citizen-m-hotels-in-move-to-affordable-luxury-jx5bkz38j |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=www.thetimes.com |language=en}} The deal is expected to be completed by the end of the year and is subject to regulatory approval.

From Marriott's founding in 1927 to 2012, the company's senior leadership was led by members of the Marriott family. In 2012, Arne Sorenson became the first non-Marriott family member to be appointed chief executive; this practice continued when Anthony Capuano was named his successor in 2021. The current practice is members of the Marriott family are named chairman while other company executives are named as chief executive.

;Chairmen

1. J. Willard Marriott (1927–1985)
2. Bill Marriott (1985–2022)
3. David Marriott (since May 2022)

;Chief executives

1. J. Willard Marriott (1927–1972)
2. Bill Marriott (1972–2012)
3. Arne Sorenson (2012–2021)
4. Anthony Capuano (since February 2021)

Marriott International reported Total CO2e emissions (Direct + Indirect) for the twelve months ending 31 December 2020 at 5,166 Kt (-1,643 /-24.1% y-o-y){{Cite web |title=Marriott International's ESG Datasheet for 2020Q4 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924193948/http://serve360.marriott.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/2021_Serve_360_Report.pdf |url=http://serve360.marriott.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/2021_Serve_360_Report.pdf|archive-date=September 24, 2021 }} [https://analytics.exerica.com/App/Name/Marriott%20International/Total%20CO2e%20Emissions%20-%20Market-Based%20Scope%201%20%2b%20Scope%202/2020Q4/12/2020Q4 Alt URL] and aims to reach net zero emissions by 2050.{{Cite web |title=Marriott International's Sustainability Report for 2021Q3 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026012922/https://news.marriott.com/news/2021/09/22/marriott-international-announces-ambition-to-go-net-zero |url=https://news.marriott.com/news/2021/09/22/marriott-international-announces-ambition-to-go-net-zero|archive-date=October 26, 2021 }} [https://analytics.exerica.com/App/Name/Marriott%20International/Climate%20Goal[Total%20CO2e%20emissions%20(Scope%201%20%2b%20Scope%202),Total%20scope%203%20emissions]/2021Q3/0/2021Q3 Alt URL]

In 2022, Marriott International released a [https://serve360.marriott.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Marriott_International_Cage-Free_Egg_Statement.pdf statement] committing to a full transition to cage-free eggs throughout the company’s global operations by 2025. In 2025, the International Council for Animal Welfare (ICAW) started a campaign in support of Marriott's cage-free pledge.

Marriott Bonvoy is Marriott's current loyalty program and was formed in the February 2019 merger of its three former rewards programs: Marriott Rewards, Ritz-Carlton Rewards, and Starwood Preferred Guest. Starwood Preferred Guest (also known as SPG) was founded in 1999 as the first in the industry to enforce a policy of no blackout dates, no capacity controls, and online redemption. In 2012, Starwood Preferred Guest began offering lifetime status and a dedicated Starwood ambassador for loyal members. Ritz-Carlton Rewards was founded in 2010. Members were able to receive air miles instead of reward points and able to earn ten points (or two miles) for every dollar spent on any Ritz-Carlton room rates. Despite the restriction of membership to only one of the two programs, members of Ritz-Carlton Rewards were able to earn points in other Marriott hotels, while Marriott Rewards members were able to earn points at a Ritz-Carlton.{{Cite news | url=https://www.economist.com/gulliver/2010/09/15/ritz-carlton-starts-a-loyalty-programme | title=Ritz-Carlton starts a loyalty programme, Ritz-Carlton starts a loyalty programme | date=September 15, 2010 | newspaper=The Economist |issn=0013-0613}}

• In November 2020, Marriott International was named as one of the "Top 75 Companies for Executive Women" by Working Mother.{{Cite news |last=Lockwood |first=Lisa |date=December 1, 2020 |title=Working Mother Media Names Top 75 Companies for Executive Women |work=Working Mother |url=https://wwd.com/business-news/media/working-mother-media-names-top-75-companies-for-executive-women-1234666503/}}

• In June 2022, Marriott was recognized by the International Hospitality Institute on the Global 100 in Hospitality, a list featuring the 100 Most Powerful People in Global Hospitality.{{Cite web |last=Dundas |first=Guy |date=2022-07-14 |title=LATTE Columnist gains global hospitality recognition |url=https://latteluxurynews.com/2022/07/14/latte-columnist-gains-global-hospitality-recognition/ |access-date=2022-08-03 |website=LATTE Luxury News |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Mix |first=Pulse |date=2022-08-01 |title=Dr Jeffrey Obomeghie and Dupe Olusola among the 100 most powerful people in global hospitality |url=https://www.pulse.ng/business/dr-jeffrey-obomeghie-and-dupe-olusola-among-the-100-most-powerful-people-in-global/3f8n19m |access-date=2022-08-03 |website=Pulse Nigeria |language=en}}

File:Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg (P1100712).jpg]]

File:JW Marriott MOA.jpg]]

File:Hotel Westin, Valencia, España, 2014-06-29, DD 32.JPG]]

File:Aloft Hotel (Dyer Street facade) Providence Rhode Island.jpg]]

As of 2024, Marriott International operates hotels, resorts and other properties under the following brands internationally.{{cite web | url=https://www.marriott.com/marriott-brands.mi | title=Marriott Hotel Brands | publisher=Marriott International}}

• Edition
• JW Marriott Hotels
• St. Regis Hotels & Resorts
• The Luxury Collection
• The Ritz-Carlton
• W Hotels

• Autograph Collection
• Delta Hotels
• Design Hotels
• Gaylord Hotels
• Le Méridien
• Marriott Hotels & Resorts
• MGM Collection
• Renaissance Hotels
• Sheraton Hotels and Resorts
• The Marriott Vacation Clubs
• Tribute Portfolio
• Westin Hotels & Resorts

• AC Hotels
• Aloft Hotels
• City Express by Marriott
• Courtyard by Marriott
• Fairfield by Marriott
• Four Points by Sheraton
• Four Points Flex by Sheraton (formerly branded Four Points Express)
• Moxy Hotels
• Protea Hotels by Marriott
• SpringHill Suites

• Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy
• Element
• Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy
• Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy
• Marriott Executive Apartments
• Residence Inn by Marriott
• TownePlace Suites

File:Wien 01 Hotel Imperial a.jpg, Austria]]

The Luxury Collection is a brand of Marriott International for luxury properties. It is notable as the first "soft brand" hotel chain.{{cite news | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/starwood-is-launching-an-affiliated-hotel-group-1429142581 | title=Starwood Is Launching an Affiliated Hotel Group | first=Craig | last=Karmin | work=The Wall Street Journal | date=April 15, 2015 | url-access=subscription}} Most hotels of the brand are located in converted historic buildings, including palaces or older hotels. The brand also enlists notable designers to craft luxury travel accessories that are available exclusively on the brand's website.{{cite news | url=https://robbreport.com/travel/hotels/gallery/mothers-day-gifts-hotels-2917522/ | title=6 Luxurious Mother's Day Gifts Inspired by World-Class Hotels | first=KELSEY | last=OGLETREE | work=Robb Report | date=April 30, 2020}}

The Luxury Collection brand began on January 13, 1992, when ITT Sheraton designated 28 of its most expensive hotels and 33 of the Sheraton Towers, as the ITT Sheraton Luxury Collection.{{cite press release | url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/ITT+SHERATON+CORPORATION+EXTENDS+SEGMENTATION+BY+PREMIERING+THE+ITT...-a014695306 | title=ITT SHERATON CORPORATION EXTENDS SEGMENTATION BY PREMIERING THE ITT SHERATON LUXURY COLLECTION | publisher=PR Newswire | date=January 13, 1992 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170101231953/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/ITT+SHERATON+CORPORATION+EXTENDS+SEGMENTATION+BY+PREMIERING+THE+ITT...-a014695306 | archive-date=January 1, 2017}}

In February 1994, ITT Sheraton Hotels and Resorts acquired a controlling interest in CIGA (Compagnia Italiana Grandi Alberghi, or Italian Grand Hotels Company), an Italian international hotel chain that owned several luxury properties in Europe.{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/02/10/business/company-news-itt-s-sheraton-unit-in-pact-to-buy-ciga-hotels-of-italy.html | title=COMPANY NEWS; ITT's Sheraton Unit in Pact To Buy Ciga Hotels of Italy | agency=Bloomberg News | work=The New York Times | date=February 10, 1994 | url-access=subscription}} The majority of the CIGA hotels were folded into The Luxury Collection. CIGA's original logo, the four horses of St. Mark, was kept for The Luxury Collection brand logo until 2010; each Luxury Collection hotel now uses its own logo.

In 2011, it embarked on an advertising campaign.{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/29/business/media/ads-for-luxury-collection-hotels-appeal-to-emotion-advertising.html | title=A Subtle Emotional Appeal to Luxury Travelers | first=Jane L. | last=Levere | work=The New York Times | date=August 28, 2011}} In 2012, the brand announced a major expansion in Asia, particularly in China.{{cite news | url=https://www.worldpropertyjournal.com/featured-columnists/luxury-living-column-luxury-collection-hotels-resorts-starwood-hotels-resorts-federal-reserve-5745.php | title=Luxury Collection Hotels Carves out Bigger Asia-Pacific Footprint | first=Scott | last=Kauffman | work=World Property Journal | date=June 15, 2012}} Also in 2014, the brand signed Danish supermodel Helena Christensen as spokesperson.{{cite news | url=https://skift.com/2014/02/20/starwoods-luxury-collection-signs-up-supermodel-as-spokeswoman/ | title=Starwood's Luxury Collection Signs Up Supermodel | work=Skift | date=February 20, 2014 | url-access=subscription}} In 2015, the company launched a $700 million program to renovate properties.{{cite news | url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/douggollan/2015/09/22/the-luxury-collection-is-readying-a-new-brand-image-ad-campaign/ | title=The Luxury Collection Is Readying A New Brand Image, Ad Campaign | first=Doug | last=Gollan | work=Forbes | date=September 22, 2015}}

As of December 31, 2020, there were 118 hotels comprising 23,243 rooms operating under the brand. Amongst its several most notable hotels are Hotel Alfonso XIII, Gritti Palace Hotel, IVY Hotel + Residences, Hotel Imperial, ITC Grand Chola, Marqués de Riscal Hotel, The Nines, Palace Hotel, San Francisco, The Park Tower Knightsbridge Hotel, Phoenician Resort, Hotel President Wilson, The St. Anthony Hotel, and Royal Hawaiian Hotel.{{cite web | url=https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0001048286/000162828021002433/mar-20201231.htm | title=Marriott International, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K Annual Report | publisher=U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission}} The Royal Penthouse Suite at Hotel President Wilson in Geneva, part of The Luxury Collection, billed at {{US$|65,000}} per night, is listed at the top of the World's 15 Most Expensive Hotel Suites list compiled by CNN in 2012.{{cite news | last=Arnold | first=Helen | url=https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/expensive-hotel-suites-cnngo/index.html | title=World's 15 most expensive hotel suites | work=CNN | date=December 2, 2011}}

{{Main|California's Great America|Six Flags Great America}}

File:Yankee Harbor, Marriott's Great America, August 1976.jpg

Marriott developed three theme parks, of which two opened: Marriott's Great America in Santa Clara, California and Marriott's Great America in Gurnee, Illinois.{{cite news |date=March 20, 1976 |title=$50-Million Park Opens |newspaper=Desert Sun |url=https://cdnc.ucr.edu/?a=d&d=DS19760320.2.88 |access-date=14 March 2022}} A third site was proposed but never built in the Washington D.C. area, but was cancelled due to strong opposition by surrounding residents.{{Cite web |last=Leonard |first=Kevin |date=2013-05-31 |title=Marriott theme park, Redskins stadium once planned in Laurel [History Matters] |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2013/05/31/marriott-theme-park-redskins-stadium-once-planned-in-laurel-history-matters/ |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=Baltimore Sun |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |last=Jones |first=William H. |date=March 2, 1978 |title=Marriott Drops Its Plans For Va. Amusement Park |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/1978/03/02/marriott-drops-its-plans-for-va-amusement-park/c0ecd74c-3a6a-4b30-90c2-7f50085d97b3/ |access-date=September 11, 2022}} The parks were operated by Marriott from 1976 until 1984, and were themed to celebrate American history. The American-themed areas under Marriott's tenure of ownership included "Carousel Plaza" (the first section beyond the main gates); small-town-themed "Hometown Square"; "The Great Midwest Livestock Exposition At County Fair" with a Turn of the Century rural-fair theme; "Yankee Harbor", inspired by a 19th-century New England port; "Yukon Territory", resembling a Canadian/Alaskan logging camp; and the French Quarter-modeled "Orleans Place". At the opening, the parks had nearly identical layouts.{{Cite web |title=Six Flags Great America - Part 1: Marriott in the Midwest. |url=https://www.themerica.org/blog/2019/04/06/six-flags-great-america-01 |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Themerica |date=April 6, 2019 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Six Flags Great America - Part 2: The Original Lands. |url=https://www.themerica.org/blog/2019/04/22/six-flags-great-america-02 |access-date=2022-08-20 |website=Themerica |date=April 22, 2019 |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |title='Batman the Ride' big draw at Six Flags Park in Gurnee |work=The Dispatch |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110551355/ |access-date=2022-10-01}}

In 1984, Marriott disposed of its theme park division;{{Cite news |date=1984-04-27 |title=Marriott to Sell Park to Bally |work=The New York Times |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/04/27/business/marriott-to-sell-park-to-bally.html |access-date=2022-10-27}} both parks were sold and today are associated with national theme park chains. The Gurnee location was sold to Six Flags where it operates today as Six Flags Great America.{{Cite web |date=1984-04-27 |title=Southern Illinoisan from Carbondale, Illinois |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/83638521/ |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en-US}} The Santa Clara location was sold to the City of Santa Clara, who retained the underlying property and sold the park to Kings Entertainment Company,{{cite news |date=June 20, 1985 |title=A New Start At Great America |work=The Modesto Bee |location=Modesto, CA |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1948&dat=19850620&id=KNZJAAAAIBAJ&pg=1152,5468771 |access-date=July 10, 2012}} renamed Paramount Parks in 1993.{{Cite web |last=Milo |first=Mr |date=2021-08-16 |title=The History of Paramount's Theme Parks |url=https://www.piratesandprincesses.net/the-history-of-paramounts-theme-parks/ |access-date=2022-12-10 |website=Pirates & Princesses |language=en-US}} From 1993 to 2006, the Santa Clara location was known as Paramount's Great America. In 2006, Paramount Parks was acquired by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company;{{cite web |title=Press Releases :: Cedar Fair Entertainment Company |url=http://www.cedarfair.com/ir/press_releases/index.cfm?current_root=15&mode=story&story_id=77 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060728185503/http://www.cedarfair.com/ir/press_releases/index.cfm?current_root=15&mode=story&story_id=77 |archive-date=July 28, 2006 |access-date=2012-06-04 |publisher=Cedarfair.com |df=mdy}} the Santa Clara park operates today as California's Great America.{{cite web |title=Theme Park Will Start New Year with New Attraction, New Show and a Brand New Name |url=http://www2.cedarfair.com/GreatAmerica/news/detail.cfm?item_id=652 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071116231626/http://www2.cedarfair.com/GreatAmerica/news/detail.cfm?item_id=652 |archive-date=November 16, 2007 |publisher=Cedar Fair}} In the years after their sale, the layouts of both of the parks have diverged substantially. In 2024 Cedar Fair and Six Flags merged, resulting in the two parks being part of the same chain.

• 2018 Marriott Hotels strike

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• {{Cite book |last1=Marriott Jr. |first1=John Willard "Bill" |author-link=Bill Marriott |title=The Spirit to Serve: Marriott's Way |last2=Brown |first2=Kathi Ann |publisher=HarperCollins |year=1997 |isbn=978-0-06-662114-2 |edition=1st |location=New York City |language=en |oclc=1151315428}}
• {{Cite book |last1=Marriott Jr. |first1=John Willard "Bill" |author-link=Bill Marriott |title=Without Reservations: How a Family Root Beer Stand Grew Into a Global Hotel Company |last2=Brown |first2=Kathi Ann |publisher=Luxury Custom Publishing |year=2012 |isbn=978-0-9833033-3-6 |edition=1st |location=San Diego |language=en |oclc=829279622}}

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