With more than 30 names in the portfolio, Marriott runs one of the most sprawling collections of hotels in the world. That’s why this Marriott hotel brands guide is essential reading. From Ritz-Carlton to Moxy, Marriott has something for every type of traveller – but without a map, the choice can feel overwhelming.
Intro to Marriott
Marriott International is the largest hotel group in the world by number of rooms. Founded in 1927, it has expanded through both organic growth and major acquisitions, most notably Starwood Hotels & Resorts in 2016. That deal brought in St. Regis, W Hotels, Westin, Sheraton, and several others, cementing Marriott as a global leader in hospitality. Its brands cover the entire spectrum, from ultra-luxury to budget-friendly, and the group continues to innovate with new lifestyle labels.
Geographical focus areas
Marriott has a global footprint. Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis dominate the luxury scene in major capitals and resort destinations. JW Marriott and Westin appear in both gateway cities and second-tier markets. Courtyard and Fairfield are especially strong across North America, while brands like Moxy, AC Hotels, and Tribute Portfolio are expanding quickly in Europe and Asia. For extended-stay travellers, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, and Element are widespread in the US, while Marriott Executive Apartments cover Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
List of brands (most luxurious to budget)
Ritz-Carlton
Aimed At: Luxury travellers seeking timeless elegance and legendary service
What to expect: Iconic properties, world-class dining, and exceptional attention to detail
Famous for: The “Ladies and Gentlemen” ethos of service
St. Regis Hotels & Resorts
Aimed At: Guests who want refined, high-touch luxury
What to expect: Opulent design, signature butler service, and heritage glamour
Famous for: The St. Regis butler and Champagne sabering tradition
JW Marriott
Aimed At: Upscale travellers combining business and leisure
What to expect: Sophisticated decor, wellness programmes, and full-service luxury
Famous for: Mindful luxury with a wellness focus
EDITION
Aimed At: Boutique luxury seekers
What to expect: Unique design, intimate ambience, Michelin-standard restaurants
Famous for: Bespoke lifestyle luxury created with Ian Schrager
Luxury Collection
Aimed At: Guests wanting authentic, historic luxury hotels
What to expect: Distinctive properties often in converted palaces or landmarks
Famous for: Characterful hotels steeped in local culture
W Hotels
Aimed At: Trendsetters and nightlife lovers
What to expect: Bold interiors, lively bars, and DJ-fuelled lobbies
Famous for: Turning hotels into social playgrounds
Bulgari Hotels & Resorts
Aimed At: Ultra-luxury travellers
What to expect: Italian design, exclusive service, global capitals
Famous for: Partnership blending high fashion and hospitality
Marriott Hotels
Aimed At: Mainstream full-service travellers
What to expect: Reliable, global presence with modern comforts
Famous for: Being the flagship Marriott brand
Sheraton
Aimed At: Business and leisure travellers worldwide
What to expect: Large properties, meeting spaces, and updated modernised rooms
Famous for: Longstanding global reach in over 70 countries
Westin Hotels & Resorts
Aimed At: Wellness-oriented travellers
What to expect: Heavenly Beds, spa-inspired amenities, and fitness programmes
Famous for: Heavenly Bed and wellness focus
Renaissance Hotels
Aimed At: Explorers seeking stylish stays
What to expect: Artistic interiors, lively bars, and “discovery”-inspired programming
Famous for: Boutique-style flair within a global chain
Le Méridien
Aimed At: Culture and art-inspired travellers
What to expect: Mid-century chic, strong design, and European charm
Famous for: Café-culture ethos and Parisian roots
Autograph Collection
Aimed At: Independent-minded guests
What to expect: Distinctive, one-of-a-kind hotels with Marriott backing
Famous for: Hand-picked individuality
Tribute Portfolio
Aimed At: Boutique hotel lovers
What to expect: Independent hotels with personality and vibrant design
Famous for: Affordable, quirky boutique stays
Delta Hotels
Aimed At: Business and leisure travellers
What to expect: Streamlined, efficient stays with good dining
Famous for: Canadian roots and dependable mid-scale service
Gaylord Hotels
Aimed At: Event and convention travellers
What to expect: Enormous meeting spaces, atrium resorts, family-friendly amenities
Famous for: Massive convention-focused resorts
MGM Collection
Aimed At: Las Vegas and resort travellers
What to expect: High-energy, entertainment-driven resorts
Famous for: Partnership with MGM Resorts
Courtyard by Marriott
Aimed At: Business travellers
What to expect: Comfortable rooms, functional design, casual dining
Famous for: Ubiquity and consistent reliability
Four Points by Sheraton
Aimed At: Value-oriented travellers
What to expect: Straightforward service, comfortable rooms, and local beers at the bar
Famous for: Best Brews beer programme
AC Hotels
Aimed At: Design-savvy guests
What to expect: Sleek, minimalist design with European sensibility
Famous for: Stylish simplicity with Spanish roots
SpringHill Suites
Aimed At: Families and business travellers
What to expect: All-suite layouts with separate living areas
Famous for: Spacious suites at mid-scale prices
Fairfield by Marriott
Aimed At: Budget-friendly travellers
What to expect: Clean rooms, free breakfast, reliable consistency
Famous for: Honest value and dependability
Moxy Hotels
Aimed At: Millennials and Gen Z city hoppers
What to expect: Small rooms, vibrant public areas, and affordable rates
Famous for: Playful, social spaces with a youthful edge
Aloft Hotels
Aimed At: Music-loving, tech-savvy travellers
What to expect: Bright design, lively lobbies, and pool tables
Famous for: W XYZ bars and vibrant social scene
Element Hotels
Aimed At: Extended-stay and eco-conscious travellers
What to expect: Studio layouts, kitchens, and sustainability touches
Famous for: Green, wellness-focused long-stays
Residence Inn by Marriott
Aimed At: Extended-stay business and family guests
What to expect: Apartment-style suites with full kitchens
Famous for: Long-stay comfort and amenities
TownePlace Suites by Marriott
Aimed At: Budget extended-stay guests
What to expect: Practical studio apartments with kitchens
Famous for: Simple long-stay affordability
Marriott Executive Apartments
Aimed At: Long-stay corporate travellers abroad
What to expect: Fully furnished apartments with hotel services
Famous for: Upscale serviced apartments in global cities
Our pick – the Marriott brand we search for
Among the giant list, Autograph Collection stands out. These hotels balance individuality with Marriott’s global reach. They’re full of character, yet you still enjoy loyalty points and recognition. For travellers who want boutique charm without losing the benefits of a mega-chain, Autograph hits the sweet spot. This Marriott hotel brands guide wouldn’t be complete without spotlighting them.
Intro to the Marriott loyalty programme
Marriott Bonvoy unites the entire portfolio. Like Hilton and Hyatt, members earn points on every stay, which can be redeemed for free nights, upgrades, and unique experiences. Bonvoy has six elite tiers, from Silver to Ambassador, with perks like lounge access, free breakfast, late check-out, and annual suite-night awards. The scale of the programme is its strength – with more than 8,000 hotels worldwide, your points and benefits travel everywhere. It’s the glue that makes sense of such a sprawling portfolio, and the natural conclusion to this Marriott hotel brands guide.
Leave a Reply