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Marriott has an almost unimaginable portfolio of 7,300+ hotels worldwide, spread out across a whopping 131 countries.
If you think that Marriott is a big deal, then you’re absolutely correct. It is one of the biggest hotel chains in the world by the number of properties and the biggest hotel chain in the world by the number of countries serviced.
Marriott has a dizzying list of 35 unique brands, each of which offers distinctive character and caters to a different clientele (including those that want to bring a pet with them!). The brands vary across the board, ranging from opulent hotels with a dispersed footprint globally to affordable, extended-stay accommodations focused within North America. There’s a long list of ways to earn Marriott Bonvoy points that can be redeemed for hotel stays and even used for flights!
Marriott has a very extensive offering of hotel brands that range from simple extended-stay properties to lavish, ultra-luxe resorts. Here’s a quick breakdown of the different brands:
*Does not participate in Marriott Bonvoy
As you can see, there are 3 main categories of properties: Luxury, Premium, and Select. Although the categories are broken down further into Distinctive versus Classic, this chart gives you an idea of the diversity of hotel brands in Marriott’s portfolio.
Marriott Bonvoy offers 6 co-branded credit cards, 3 of which are issued by American Express, and 3 of which are issued by Chase. This makes it incredibly easy to earn Marriott Bonvoy points.
Additionally, American Express offers the ultra-premium and business credit card versions, while Chase offers the premium and mass consumer credit card versions of the Marriott Bonvoy co-branded cards.
You can earn up to 6 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar with these incredibly useful cards, which makes it easy to earn 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points in 90 days!
You automatically receive Marriott Bonvoy Platinum status when you have the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, Marriott Bonvoy Gold status when you hold the Marriott Bonvoy Business card or Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, and Silver status when you hold the Marriott Boundless card and the Marriott Bold card.
The difference between Gold and Silver status isn’t much — with Gold status, you’ll get space-available upgrades to enhanced rooms (excluding suites), 25% bonus points on stays, 2 p.m. guaranteed late checkout, and a welcome gift of points (250-500 points per stay).
The most valuable perk of Gold status is, therefore, the space-available upgrades to enhanced rooms.
Platinum status comes with additional perks like free breakfast.
The Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program is one of the most popular, if not the most popular hotel loyalty program in the world. It is part of the “Big 4,” which includes Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, and IHG One Rewards.
Marriott dropped its award chart in favor of dynamic pricing in March 2022. This means you’ll find variable rates depending on demand. While this can be beneficial during off-peak periods, it also means you’ll pay significantly more points per night during peak demand.
You can also redeem Cash + Points for your stay, in addition to promotions such as PointSavers.
Hot Tip: Learn how to qualify for elite status with Marriott Bonvoy via stays and spending in our helpful guide.
With 35 Marriott brands spread out across more than 130 countries, it’s no secret that Marriott is the most international hotel brand in the world, thanks to its massive portfolio.
Let’s take a look at what you’ll experience when you stay at each individual Marriott brand!
AC Hotels are designed to be minimalistic and precise, offering exactly what you need and nothing you don’t need. With flexible, open, and clean spaces, these thoughtfully designed hotels maximize relaxation and collaboration.
AC Hotels also offer European-inspired food and beverage offerings, as well as complimentary sensory experiences to maximize rejuvenation and thoughtfulness, such as DIY lavender turndown rituals, the signature AC candle, and even curated art at AC Hotel locations.
Its first location opened in Madrid in 1999, and its signature European touches have spread across the world to over 170 properties across 20 countries.
Aloft Hotels is best defined as Marriott’s vibrant, purposeful, and value-focused brand. You’ll see playful designs, ostentatious coloring schemes, and fresh environments as major themes at this brand.
At Aloft Hotels, you’ll be able to enjoy high ceilings, plush beds, fast and free Wi-Fi, signature coffee, Bliss Spa amenities, and walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads. Your experience is further enhanced with live music, signature cocktails at the bar, and grab-and-go food options.
As you can imagine, this hotel is focused on convenience, connectivity, and fun! Aloft Hotels originated at Montreal International Airport in 2008, and Aloft has since expanded to 178 properties in 11 countries.
Announced in 2022, the new Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy brand will offer an upper-end luxury apartment experience to guests looking for something more than a long-term stay hotel. These apartments will feature home-like amenities with a larger place to live during extended travels.
Set to launch in the U.S. and Canada, each apartment will offer a separate living room and a mix of 1-, 2-, or 3-bedrooms, a full kitchen, and an in-unit washer and dryer. The properties will not have food and beverage service, meeting spaces, retail stores, or other amenities you typically associated with a long-term stay hotel.
Autograph Collection is an upscale, boutique hotel brand that consists of handpicked properties around the world.
With an emphasis on originality and attention to detail, Autograph Collection’s 4 core tenets are:
As you can tell, no 2 Autograph Collection properties are the same, which means that your experience at each hotel will be unique and curated. This fantastic concept took form in 2010 as an affiliation of 7 Kessler Collection hotels, and it has become one of the fastest-growing, full-service hotel brands with nearly 200 properties in 26 countries.
Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, also stylized as Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts, is Marriott’s answer to the gap in contemporary luxury around the world.
Offering dramatic, bold, and modern designs and architecture is at the core of Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts. At each Bvlgari property, you’ll feel the excitement of the greater Bvlgari brand, along with notes of heritage from the Italian jeweler.
Custom details, rare and lavish materials, as well as unparalleled service, are among the many highlights of the hotel brand, as well as a local food experience and innovative custom design at each hotel.
Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts does not participate in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, thanks to the already-renowned brand of Bvlgari. Bvlgari continues to impress with 6 properties to date after breaking into the hotel business via a joint venture with Marriott in 2001.
Marriott has acquired Hoteles City Express, which is expected to be rebranded as City Express by Marriott.
City Express includes City Express, City Express Plus, City Express Suites, City Express Junior, and City Centro properties. The brand has more than 150 hotels in Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Mexico.
Courtyard by Marriott is Marriott’s most omnipresent midscale brand. As the official hotel partner of the NFL and FC Bayern Munich, Courtyard by Marriott is one of the most well-known brands in the world.
The hotels are designed for business travelers, but they also offer generously-sized family accommodations.
By focusing on consistency of experiences, value, and comfortable accommodations, Courtyard has solidified itself as one of the best midscale hotel experiences you can get.
Started in 1983 to address a gap in the market, this hotel has exploded with 1,241 locations spread out across 56 countries today.
Delta Hotels (not affiliated with Delta Air Lines) is a premium brand focused on business travelers. With free water and Wi-Fi, modern guest rooms with flexible spaces, intelligent service, wellness facilities, and deluxe amenities, there’s little to dislike at this brand.
Be sure to check out the yoga/CrossFit spaces, fitness rooms, focused workspaces, and the all-day Delta Bar for great food and beverage options.
Originally started as an independent hotel chain by British Columbia Investment Management Corporation, Delta Hotels has been owned by Marriott International since 2015. Delta Hotels now has 83 properties in 7 countries.
Design Hotels is a unique portfolio of independent hotels, serving primarily as a thought-provoking space for inspirational and original experiences.
Design Hotels is a company that offers hospitality operations services, such as sales, marketing, PR, etc. Nonetheless, Marriott’s branding of Design Hotels is unique thanks to the emphasis on design and originality.
Each hotel has unique amenities, ranging from infinity pools to garden terraces. In all, there are nearly 120 premium properties spread out across 37 countries.
EDITION is arguably the luxury brand in Marriott’s portfolio with the most momentum. Even though it’s hard to believe that EDITION’s beautiful properties were struggling to gain steam, this was the case prior to 2019.
EDITION Hotels have a very distinct character, offering muted, wood tones, and using spotlights liberally to highlight distinct features of each property and room.
This design evokes a new-generation luxury feel with intimate and personal touches. EDITION Hotels focuses on being impassioned, sophisticated, authentic, and enchanting.
As you can imagine, the luxury is nearly unparalleled here, offering rooms a minimum of 400-square-feet large, multiple food and beverage outlets, a minimum of 15% suites at each property, an entertainment venue and/or rooftop venue, and a fitness center with at least 1,500 square feet of space.
With 10 properties operational and many more in the pipeline, EDITION is the next luxury brand to stay in.
Element by Westin is an extended-stay-focused wellness accommodation option with a huge emphasis on nature and relaxation.
As a value-oriented brand, you’ll enjoy an in-room kitchen, spacious guest room, complimentary Rise breakfast (except in Asia Pacific), a complimentary Relax evening reception, and even a reusable S’well water bottle to use throughout your stay!
This sustainability-focused hotel brand is doing a lot of things right, and it’s one of the best accommodation options for the environmentally-conscious, value-minded traveler.
Fairfield has an unimaginable footprint of more than 1,000 properties, with a reach of 12 countries. However, the hotels are highly concentrated in the U.S. In fact, the U.S. constitutes over 1,056 of Fairfield’s overall hotels.
Although Fairfield is targeted at the value-oriented traveler, properties have comfortable beds, separate resting areas, and functional workspaces. Also, breakfast is free, except in Asia Pacific hotels. You can use the lobby’s 24/7 grab-and-go market or take advantage of the free coffee!
As usual, Wi-Fi is free, and you’ll be able to access a fitness center and swimming pool at a minimum. This hospitality brand started in 1987 as an economy limited-service hotel brand, and it has expanded today to around 1,150 properties and growing!
Four Points by Sheraton is also a value-focused brand of hotels originating from the Starwood chain. Delivering stylish, functional guest rooms with free Wi-Fi and comfortable beds, you’ll have everything you need to work and play.
Once you’re off, though, head to the restaurant for a nice brew or check out the fitness room to break a sweat. You’ll also have plenty of room to host meetings and business events at Four Points by Sheraton.
This brand emerged in 1995 with Sheraton Hotels and Resorts and has grown to a size of nearly 300 properties to date.
Gaylord Hotels is a convention hotel brand consisting of 6 properties across the U.S. These properties are focused on hallmark-style resort vacations featuring luxurious rooms and world-class entertainment.
The original flagship Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville features a convention center, golf course, a 20,000-square-foot spa and fitness center, 9 acres of shopping, entertainment, dining, and meeting/convention space, indoor gardens and waterfalls, and an indoor river.
Simply put: Gaylord Hotels are sprawling resort complexes with a ton of activities and a lot of entertainment-themed highlights.
Homes & Villas is Marriott’s short-term vacation rental brand — a response to Airbnb, so-to-speak. These properties are expertly curated and professionally cleaned, and most offer a flexible 10-day cancellation.
Catering primarily to large families, these private homes are professionally inspected and offer the opportunity to earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points!
You can rent any one of its 2,000+ properties in 21 countries throughout the world!
JW Marriott is one of Marriott’s most famous brands. The luxury wellness-focused brand is inspired by natural beauty and polished luxury to “nourish your soul.”
Spa experiences, holistic dining options, unforgettable moments, and enough space for everyone are among the many focal points of the JW Marriott brand. JW Marriott uses luxury Aromatherapy Associates amenities, luxury bedding, and awesome bath accessories in each room.
With nearly 100 properties today from its humble beginning in Washington, D.C., it’s easy to find your tranquility at the JW Marriott.
Le Méridien is an upscale, design-oriented hotel brand from Marriott offering European-style luxury at all of its properties.
Fun Fact: Le Méridien was originally founded by Air France! Specifically, the goal was to provide cross-selling opportunities via a joint venture for home-sick French patrons around the world.
Le Méridien offers glamour combined with playful chicness. In addition to well-adorned and bright rooms, Le Méridien focuses on food and beverage, thanks to its multifaceted Savour program.
There are over 100 premium Le Méridien properties in 36 countries today, with a continuous pipeline of hotels poised to grow the brand.
The Luxury Collection is a ridiculously palatial brand of Marriott, with a lifelong commitment to highlighting history and heritage; the properties will transform the way you think about hotels as just a place to sleep.
Instead, you’ll find once-in-a-lifetime experiences, such as your own private island at North Island, a Luxury Collection Resort, Seychelles, or desert dune driving and camel riding at Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Dubai.
The Luxury Collection plays a critical role in elevating global exploration travel today by offering a gateway to the world’s most exciting destinations (over 110 properties across 40 countries), all from its humble Venetian beginnings at the first property in 1906, the Compagnia Italiani Grandi Alberghi.
Marriott Executive Apartments is one of the more unique brands in Marriott’s portfolio. Offering serviced apartments, Marriott Executive Apartments allows you to experience upscale temporary housing when traveling.
Whether you’re traveling on business or with your family, you’ll enjoy plush amenities, separate sleeping, living, and working areas, gourmet kitchens, spacious floor plans, gyms, business centers, security, and housekeeping.
You can choose anywhere from studio to 3-bedroom accommodations in cities across Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
There are currently 32 of these sprawling properties across 15 countries, so you’ll have plenty of options for your global, yet local travel habits.
Marriott Hotels & Resorts is Marriott’s flagship brand of full-service hotels and resorts. Although Marriott Hotels & Resorts wouldn’t be described as a luxury brand, it’s still one of the most recognizable icons in the hospitality business.
Each guest room is thoughtfully designed to offer a dedicated workspace, as well as room for relaxation. At the M Club, which is the universal name for executive lounges within this brand, you can have 24/7 access to recharge and refocus.
Hot Tip: Marriott Platinum Elite members receive full access to lounges and complimentary breakfast at Autograph Collection, Delta Hotels, JW Marriott, Le Méridien, Marriott, Renaissance, Sheraton, and Westin. Read more about the benefits of Marriott Elite status in our guide.
Many of these breathtaking resort properties have rejuvenating spas, award-winning golf courses, ample meeting/event space, and state-of-the-art fitness centers for the perfect combination of work and play.
With nearly 600 properties today, Marriott Hotels & Resorts is almost unrecognizable compared to its beginning with 2 Washington, D.C. motels in the 1950s.
Marriott Vacation Club is Marriott’s timeshare brand with a vast and diverse collection of properties and experiences. There are over 90 properties in the Marriott Vacation Club.
Every year, you’ll get an allotment of Vacation Club Points that you use to book your stay at MVC properties. You can also bank and borrow points for more flexibility.
Marriott’s most stylish budget brand is called Moxy Hotels. Featuring playful accommodations focused on millennials and Gen-Z guests, Moxy offers walk-in showers, premium amenities, high-thread-count bedding, artsy lobbies, and grab-and-go offerings to satisfy your cravings as you’re traveling.
These social media-worthy properties are located in some of the hippest areas in the world, including Osaka, Miami, and Brussels. Check out any one of its 82 locations to see what it’s all about.
Protea Hotels, formerly owned by a South African hotel and leisure company, was acquired by Marriott International in 2013.
Protea Hotels offers luxurious amenities such as full-service restaurants, meeting spaces, free Wi-Fi, and thoughtful rooms. Each property highlights local flavors and is uniquely designed.
While the majority of Protea’s 80 properties are located in South Africa, there are properties in Algeria, Ghana, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia as well, which makes Protea the strategic partner for travel in Africa.
Renaissance Hotels is a business travel-focused hotel brand helping you walk the fine line between working efficiently and savoring local experiences.
Whether it’s daily events like mixology classes, live gigs, or helping you understand the soul of a neighborhood, Renaissance Hotels is aimed at making your stay as memorable as possible.
One of the signatures of Renaissance Hotels is access to Navigators, who are hand-picked to connect you with the best experiences around your hotel, whether it’s finding the best bar for craft beer or mingling with locals at the street food market.
Renaissance Hotels began in 1981 as an upscale brand of Ramada Inns, but it was relaunched in 1989 and bought by Marriott in 1997. Today, there are almost 200 properties in nearly 40 countries.
Residence Inn is another one of Marriott’s extended stay brands. With all-suite accommodations only, you’ll have much more space to spread out and relax.
Each of the suites is equipped with a full kitchen, plush bedding, peaceful spaces, business workspaces, and an extra-large shower. You can even get free grocery deliveries right to your door! Lastly, pets are welcome (an additional fee may apply).
Don’t forget to hit the fitness center and enjoy your hot breakfast, complimentary at all of the 850+ Residence Inn locations in 12 countries.
Hot Tip: Traveling with your pet? Check out our list of pet-friendly Marriott brands, including policies, deposits, and size allowances.
The Ritz-Carlton needs no introduction. An unshakeable credo and unwavering commitment to service and modern luxury have catapulted this brand to become a 100-year old historical pinnacle in the hospitality industry.
The Ritz Carlton offers powdery white-sand beach getaways, lush golf courses, carefully curated luxury travel experiences, and even family-friendly experiences through Ritz Kids. Asprey Purple Water luxury toiletries are offered in each guest room, along with other complimentary spa amenities.
The list of Ritz-Carlton properties extends across more than 30 countries and is more than 100 hotels long!
Ritz-Carlton is a sub-tier of the Ritz-Carlton brand, which offers private resorts and luxury villas. Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties are a rare find for those who want unparalleled luxury in the most exotic corners of the world.
Each property offers different room rates, packages, amenities, and programs. However, 1 thing is clear: Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties are package-based, ultra-luxe variations of The Ritz-Carlton experience.
Sheraton is one of Marriott’s most recognizable premium brands, ranging from posh city hotels to sprawling resorts.
At a Sheraton, you will have access to upmarket amenities like an executive lounge dubbed the Sheraton Club, spa facilities, fitness rooms, and technology to optimize productivity. You’ll also have an opportunity to savor globally inspired cuisines and enjoy world-class entertainment.
Additionally, Sheraton Grand Hotels are an even more sumptuous sub-tier of the Sheraton brand, offering cultivated designs, iconic cuisine, exquisite spa treatments, and as usual, phenomenal service.
Enjoy the Sheraton signature experience at any of its nearly 500 properties in almost 75 countries.
SpringHill Suites are an eminent, all-suites brand focused primarily on the U.S. market. Each room has comfortable, airy beds with lots of pillows, dedicated workspaces, an in-suite microwave and mini-fridge, as well as separate sleeping, working, and relaxation areas.
Key amenities include West Elm furniture, art collections, free Wi-Fi, a complimentary breakfast, a gym, a 24-hour market, mobile check-in, and in-suite workspaces.
SpringHill Suites has over 450 locations spread out across North America.
St. Regis is Marriott’s 5-star luxury brand, featuring classic opulence for those who wish to spare no expense.
St. Regis offers true tranquility and features daily signature rituals, like the original Bloody Mary, evening rituals (including Champagne sabering!), afternoon tea, and midnight supper. Inside your room, you’ll find oversized accommodations featuring gigantic marble bathrooms and Laboratoire Remède amenities.
Did we mention that you’ll enjoy at the hotel? Complimentary services include packing and unpacking services, coffee and tea service in your room, wake-up calls, complimentary garment pressing of up to 2 articles, and even e-butler services.
There are 45 of these swank properties across 23 different countries in the world.
A newly-announced extended-stay option, StudioRes, formerly known as Project MidX Studios, will be designed for budget-conscious travelers looking for a long-term stay at around $80 per night. Initial locations will be in the U.S. and Canada, with hotels expected to open by 2025.
TownePlace Suites is a budget Marriott brand focused on offering lots of space, full kitchens, and pet-friendly accommodations.
At each property, you’ll enjoy free hot breakfast, a full kitchen, Elfa closets by The Container Store, and the ability to borrow items such as blenders, board games, and more. You’ll also have access to Weber grills, on-site laundry, a fitness center, a pool, a business center, and a downstairs market/pantry.
There are more than 400 TownePlace Suites properties in North America, all of which offer value-packed rooms with consistent amenities.
Tribute Portfolio is similar to Autograph Collection in the sense that the focus is to build a robust family of boutique hotels. The difference with Tribute Portfolio is the emphasis on the indie spirit and heart. With Tribute Portfolio, you’ll often find historical commercial properties that have been repurposed as hotel rooms, which is extremely neat. For example, The Slaak Rotterdam, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel is housed in the former home of the Netherlands’ most-read newspaper!
Tribute Portfolio properties feature striking design, bold use of color, and noteworthy art installations, which makes it a captivating place to stay at.
Tribute Portfolio currently has 42 properties across 12 countries globally.
W Hotels is Marriott’s flashiest luxury lifestyle brand. W Hotel does a seamless job of offering electric cultures combined with vibrant energy.
Music, fuel, design, and fashion are at the heart of W Hotels, making it the loud and proud brand of Marriott. It’s marketed to a young age group than other Marriott properties, thanks to its unique character.
The first W Hotels brand was launched in 1998 in New York. The W New York was converted from a Doral Inn, and it became a part of Marriott’s portfolio during the famous Starwood merger.
Westin Hotels is the very last brand we’ll be discussing in Marriott’s portfolio. Known for its premium luxury bedding, Westin is a wellness-focused brand, offering signature sleep and wellness amenities.
Between the breathtaking pools, white-sand beaches, and unparalleled views, Westin offers key wellness amenities. For example, the signature Heavenly Bed, Sleep Well Lavender Balm, and Sleep Well Menu are offered to ensure you wake up well-rested.
Also, RunWestin offers running routes and even group runs to learn about the area while staying fit. The Heavenly Spa By Westin offers you a personalized sensory experience to engage your 7 senses: the 5 physical senses as well as emotion and meaning.
You can check out what the Westin Hotels have to offer in any of its 240+ properties in 36 countries.
Marriott has such a wide list of 35 hotel brands, and it’s refreshing to see such brand differentiation. From the classic luxury of the St. Regis to the extended-stay sustainability-focused Element by Westin, careful thought has been given to offer something for everyone’s tastes.
Although 2 of Marriott’s brands do not participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program, the vast majority of them do, which is great news for free hotel stays. You can often also find phenomenal cash rates for the value you get.
We hope our in-depth guide was informative and will be helpful in booking your next Marriott stay. Be sure to utilize one of Marriott’s co-branded credit cards to bank up a chunk of points and get rewarded!
The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card, click here.
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Stephen is an established voice in the credit card space, with over 70 to his name. His work has been in publications like The Washington Post, and his Au Points and Awards Consulting Services is used by hundreds of clients.
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