BETHESDA, Md. — Marriott International has announced plans to launch Homes & Villas by Marriott International next week.
The home-rental initiative will offer 2,000 premium and luxury homes across more than 100 destinations throughout the U.S., Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America.
“The launch of Homes & Villas by Marriott International reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation as consumer travel needs evolve,” says Stephanie Linnartz, Global Chief Commercial Officer, Marriott International. “What started out as a pilot a year ago is now a global offering, providing our guests with the space and amenities of a home backed by a trusted travel company and the very best in loyalty benefits.”
Marriott’s expansion into home rentals was developed as a result of the 2018 pilot under the brand extension Tribute Portfolio Homes. The pilot revealed key insights, including: nearly 90 per cent of guests were members of Marriott Bonvoy; more than three-quarters were travelling for leisure with family and friends; and average guest stays were more than triple the typical hotel stay. These insights played an important role in guiding the selection of luxury and premium homes, as well as the key leisure markets available at launch.
Through the launch of Homes & Villas by Marriott International, the company is adding close to 40 new leisure markets to its portfolio, including Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, Italy; North Lake Tahoe, Calif.; and St. Barts in the Caribbean.
The home-rental brand is being launched through partnerships with select property-management companies, which will provide guests a professionally cleaned home, 24/7 support, high-speed Wi-Fi, premium linens and amenities and family-friendly conveniences upon request. Current management partners include TurnKey Vacation Rentals, LaCure, Loyd & Townsend Rose, Veeve, London Residents Club, as well as current hotel owners and operators.
“Our approach to home rentals allows us to curate an incredible collection of homes that deliver an elevated travel experience,” says Jennifer Hsieh, vice-president, Homes & Villas by Marriott International. “By working with a select group of professional management companies that understand and operate in this dynamic landscape, we are able to focus on what we do best — selecting a breadth of homes in inspiring destinations, setting standards for responsive service and designing a seamless booking experience that helps our guests navigate an increasingly complex and uncertain set of home rental choices.”
Marriott expects to introduce Homes & Villas by Marriott International in additional markets, as well as increase the number of homes offered in its launch destinations.
