Marriott Completes Acquisition of Starwood, Creates World’s Largest Hotel Chain

Photo source: Marriott International

Marriott International, Inc. has completed its acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. creating the largest hotel chain in the world, an announcement said on Friday.

With the completion of the $13-billion acquisition, Marriott’s distribution has more than doubled in Asia and the Middle East & Africa combined.

Photo source: Marriott International

“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”, said J.W. Marriott, Jr., Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board of Marriott International.

In total, 30 hotel brands are under the Marriott umbrella, creating the largest hotel company in the world operating more than 5,700 properties and 1.1 million rooms in over 110 countries.

“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”, said Arne Sorenson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Marriott International.

Beginning September 23, Marriott will match member status across Marriott Rewards – which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards – and Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG).

“Marriott will draw upon the very best each program offers and we can’t wait to show the loyal members of these programs the power and benefits of Marriott and Starwood coming together,” said Stephanie Linnartz, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Commercial Officer.

Marriott has launched a microsite for all members of the combined company’s loyalty programs to learn more about the reciprocal benefits now available and transfer points between the programs for travel and exclusive experiences when they link their accounts.