BETHESDA, Md. — Marriott International, Inc. has officially completed its acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., creating the world’s largest hotel company.
With the deal complete, Marriott now offers a portfolio of 30 brands — including more than 5,700 properties and 1.1 million rooms. “With the addition of Starwood’s strong brands, great properties and talented people, we have dramatically expanded our ability to provide the best experiences to our customers,” says J.W. Marriott, Jr., executive chairman and chairman of the Board of Marriott International. ”We also welcome the tremendous responsibility as the world’s largest hotel company to be a good global steward, providing new opportunities for our associates and building the economic strength of the communities we call home.”
“Marriott now has the world’s best portfolio of hotel brands, the most comprehensive global footprint and the most extensive loyalty programs, providing an unparalleled guest experience. Combining Starwood’s brands with ours better enables Marriott to reach our goal of having the right brand in the right place to serve our loyal guests and welcome new ones,” adds Arne Sorenson, president and CEO of Marriott International.
Starting today, Marriott will match member status across Marriott Rewards — which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards — and Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), enabling members to transfer points between the programs for travel and exclusive experiences when they link their accounts.
Marriott’s expanded brand portfolio represents the moderate-tier to luxury brands in over 110 countries. With the completion of this acquisition, Marriott’s distribution has more than doubled in Asia and the Middle East & Africa combined.
