Marriott hotel brands: An overview
Marriott Bonvoy has over 30 hotel brands in more than 10,000 global destinations. While some other hotel loyalty programs have opted to bring properties from acquired brands into their existing brands, Marriott Bonvoy has generally not been hesitant to add a new brand to its program. Hence, the number of Marriott brands will likely continue to grow.
But for now, there are 35 Marriott hotel brands. I’ve stayed at most, but not all, Marriott brands. So, here’s what you should know about each Marriott brand.
Marriott brands overview
Marriott Bonvoy splits its brands into six categories as follows:
- Luxury: JW Marriott, St. Regis and The Ritz-Carlton
- Distinctive luxury: Edition, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, The Luxury Collection and W Hotels
- Premium: Delta Hotels by Marriott, Gaylord Hotels, Le Meridien, Marriott Hotels, Renaissance Hotels, Sheraton, The Marriott Vacation Clubs and Westin
- Select: AC Hotels, Aloft Hotels, City Express, Courtyard, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Four Points, Four Points Flex by Sheraton, Moxy Hotels, Protea Hotels and SpringHill Suites
- Longer stays: Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy, Element Hotels, Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott Executive Apartments, Residence Inn and TownePlace Suites
- Collections: Autograph Collection, Design Hotels, MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy and Tribute Portfolio Hotels
These categories give you a general idea of the type of service and accommodation to expect at properties within each brand. In the following sections, I’ll discuss each brand in more detail.
Luxury Marriott brands
The Marriott Bonvoy portfolio includes three luxury brands.
JW Marriott
JW Marriott’s motto is “stay in the moment,” and the brand focuses on offering guests ways to be mindful, present, nourished and together. Most travelers would agree that JW Marriott finishes third to St. Regis and The Ritz-Carlton within the luxury Marriott brands category.
TPG coverage of JW Marriott:
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St. Regis
St. Regis is one of the top two Marriott brands, competing for the top spot with The Ritz-Carlton brand. However, due to the elite benefits its properties provide, St. Regis is likely the best Marriott brand for Platinum Elite members.
The St. Regis motto is “the best address,” but the brand is well known for its signature rituals. For example, each St. Regis property prepares a locally inspired bloody mary cocktail. You’ll also find afternoon tea, midnight supper and Champagne sabering rituals at each St. Regis property.
TPG coverage of St. Regis:
The Ritz-Carlton
The Ritz-Carlton is known for its personalized service and thoughtful amenities, but among members with Marriott elite status, it’s also known as the Marriott brand where elite benefits don’t apply.
Properties often offer an impressive Ritz-Carlton Club to those staying in club-level rooms; you won’t get access to it as an elite benefit. If you have the Ritz-Carlton Rewards™ Credit Card, you can use the club-level certificates you get as a perk of the card to upgrade select rates to a club-level room at properties that offer these room types.
The information for the Ritz-Carlton Rewards card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
In addition to standard Ritz-Carlton hotels and resorts, there’s also The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
TPG coverage of The Ritz-Carlton:
Distinctive luxury Marriott brands
The Marriott Bonvoy portfolio includes four distinctive luxury brands. Here’s a look at the distinctive luxury Marriott brands, which are generally a small step down from the previously discussed luxury brands.
Edition
Edition is a Marriott brand focused on being a collection of individualized hotels that offer a curated taste of the locale alongside exceptional style and service. The brand claims to offer a new generation of luxury, but one of the most iconic aspects of the brand for me is the faux fur throw that usually appears somewhere in each room.
TPG coverage of Edition:
Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Ritz-Carlton Reserve is a collection of estates that provide sanctuary in faraway destinations. These luxury retreats offer heartfelt care and craftsmanship.
Like with most Marriott brands, you can earn and redeem Marriott points at Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties.
Related: Lavish but lacking: A review of Mexico’s Ritz-Carlton Zadun
The Luxury Collection
Marriott groups The Luxury Collection into its set of distinctive luxury brands even though it’s a collection. The main aspect connecting properties in The Luxury Collection is a passion to help guests become familiar with the destination and connect with local culture.
Two of my favorite Marriott stays were at properties belonging to The Luxury Collection: Al Maha and Naka Island. I learned more about the destination through resort activities and conversations with friendly staff members in both cases.
TPG coverage of The Luxury Collection:
W Hotels
W Hotels is a luxury lifestyle brand focused on design and experiences. Many travelers love W and its trendy, youthful vibe. But whenever I consider booking a W hotel, I can’t help but think of a story TPG’s Brian Kelly wrote about why he’s outgrown the W brand. I wholeheartedly agree with the points Brian raises in this story and, hence, usually avoid W Hotels.
TPG coverage of W Hotels:
Premium Marriott brands
Marriott offers eight premium brands, which are a step below the previously discussed luxury and distinctive luxury brands. However, most premium Marriott brands still offer full-service properties with well-appointed rooms, well-stocked gyms and other amenities.
Delta Hotels by Marriott
The motto of the Delta Hotels by Marriott brand is “simple made perfect.” This brand is relatively basic compared to other premium Marriott brands, but it focuses on offering things such as workspaces, solid food and simple yet seamless service.
This focus on simplicity extends to the brand’s Delta Pantry lounges — which you can access with select room types or as a Marriott Platinum Elite member or higher — that offer self-serve snacks and drinks.
Related: Charmed in the jungle: 8 things to know about Delta Hotels Riviera Nayarit, An All-Inclusive Resort
Gaylord Hotels
Gaylord Hotels’ motto is “making moments together extraordinary.” Most properties offer impressive garden atriums, water parks and pools to help families and friends spend memorable time together.
You’ll find various dining options and entertainment on-site at Gaylord Hotels, so you don’t need to leave the property for a well-rounded family vacation.
TPG coverage of Gaylord Hotels:
Le Meridien
Le Meridien hotels and resorts often feature a modern, European-inspired design. Instead of a lobby, guests find a Le Meridien Hub with flexible areas to gather and socialize. In Le Meriden Hubs, you can purchase craft coffee during the day and cocktails at night.
Many Le Meridien properties also offer chic conference and meeting spaces.
TPG coverage of Le Meridien:
Marriott Hotels
Marriott Hotels offers modern, thoughtful designs in a familiar, inviting setting. Most properties in the Marriott Hotels brand offer a great room perfect for connecting with others, working or unwinding with an evening cocktail.
TPG coverage of Marriott Hotels:
Renaissance Hotels
Renaissance Hotels are designed to help you explore the neighborhood around you.
Properties usually provide on-site Navigators who can help you discover local events and exhibitions, but you can also use the Renai digital assistant for advice.
Related: The top Renaissance hotels you can book and earn Marriott Bonvoy points
Sheraton
The Sheraton brand motto is “where the world comes together.” Indeed, Sheraton properties in more than 70 countries are often well equipped to host conferences, meetings and events.
Most Sheraton properties offer comfortable public areas with various seating types — including a common table and booths — well suited for conversations, work, drinks and other gatherings.
TPG coverage of Sheraton:
The Marriott Vacation Clubs
The Marriott Vacation Clubs is a collection of Marriott Vacation Club, Sheraton Vacation Club and Westin Vacation Club properties in both resort and city destinations.
Properties in these brands usually offer spacious villas, on-site activities and family-friendly amenities. You can become an owner of properties in these Marriott Vacation Clubs, but you can also book stays using Marriott points or cash without becoming an owner.
Related: 10 ways to use points to book vacation home rentals
Westin
Westin hotels and resorts often offer amenities and activities focused on well-being.
The brand is known for its Westin Heavenly Bed and lavender balm, which help you “Sleep Well.” Many properties also offer affordable gear lending kits and have staff who lead group runs. However, it seems the ability to rent clothing and shoes is no longer available. Most Westin properties also offer healthy dining options via an “Eat Well” menu.
TPG coverage of Westin:
Select Marriott brands
Marriott also offers 10 select brands, which offer fewer services and amenities at a lower cost.
AC Hotels
The AC Hotels brand provides purposefully designed rooms and public areas. Rooms often feel sparse and open but are usually functional. You’ll find European-inspired food-and-beverage offerings at AC Hotels.
When I think of AC Hotels, I usually think about the headline for a TPG review of the AC Hotel New York Times Square. It read: “The ‘AC’ is for ‘adequate comfort.'” TPG’s only other review of an AC Hotel also wasn’t great, as the writer called the property a “last resort.” I’ve only stayed at AC Hotels outside the U.S., but in my experience, AC Hotels can provide good value in otherwise expensive destinations.
Related: How I get good Marriott redemptions at AC Hotels in the US
Aloft Hotels
Aloft Hotels offers playful, industrial-chic properties that are “different by design” (the Aloft Hotels motto). Many Aloft Hotels are dog-friendly, and some offer Camp Aloft amenities for children.
You can buy cocktails and snacks at the XYZ bar, swim at the pool, play billiards in a public area and enjoy Drybar amenities in your room.
City Express
City Express properties offer practical guest rooms and lobbies suitable for coworking. Plus, all guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast made from local ingredients at City Express, City Express Junior, City Express Suites and City Express Plus hotels.
Unfortunately, you’ll only earn one elite night credit per two qualifying nights at City Express.
Related: Marriott is bringing its City Express brand to the US and Canada
Courtyard
Properties in the Courtyard brand usually offer flexible lobby space, an on-site bistro for morning and evening meals, a 24-hour gym and other amenities such as a pool or outdoor patio. Rooms usually feature plush bedding and flexible workspaces.
Related: The Marriott Courtyard at Disneyland that costs up to $700 and is valet-only
Fairfield Inn & Suites
Fairfield Inn & Suites properties provide comfortable rooms, flexible lobby space for working and relaxing, a 24-hour fitness center and a market with snacks and essentials.
Some Fairfield properties also offer a pool and outdoor space. And as long as you’re staying at a Fairfield outside of the Asia-Pacific region, you’ll enjoy a hot breakfast and grab-and-go coffee for no additional charge.
Four Points
Four Points properties usually serve locally crafted beer on tap and offer comfortable rooms. I’ve enjoyed several Four Points properties outside the U.S., including in Bogota, Colombia; Seoul, South Korea; and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Each of these properties featured thoughtful amenities and a comfortable room at a modest rate.
Four Points Flex by Sheraton
Four Points Flex by Sheraton (originally introduced as Four Points Express) offers a comfortable room at a low price. You can purchase a local breakfast but won’t find many other amenities at Four Points Flex by Sheraton properties. Unfortunately, you’ll only earn one elite night credit per two qualifying nights at Four Points Flex by Sheraton.
Moxy Hotels
Moxy Hotels offers a fun, playful common area with plenty of space to work and relax. You’ll check in at the bar, where you’ll usually get a welcome drink. Later in your stay, you can order drinks and snacks from the bar. You’ll find games, often including foosball and board games, scattered about the common spaces.
The downside of Moxy is that the rooms are often surprisingly small. They generally don’t have a real chair, closet or desk, and you’ll usually get a combined shampoo and conditioner in the shower.
TPG coverage of Moxy Hotels:
Protea Hotels
Protea Hotels is the largest hospitality brand in Africa. Most properties offer locally inspired designs, full-service restaurants and meeting spaces. Guest rooms are usually comfortable, but they vary significantly across the brand. Unfortunately, you’ll only earn one elite night credit per two qualifying nights at Protea Hotels.
SpringHill Suites
SpringHill Suites offers slightly larger rooms, including a desk, a couch (sometimes with a trundle bed) and West Elm decorations.
I was sitting at a comfortable desk in the SpringHill Suites Boston Logan Airport Revere Beach as I wrote this article. SpringHill Suites properties also offer complimentary breakfast to all guests.
Related: Fitness center or free breakfast? Here are the guaranteed offerings at midpriced Marriott brands
Marriott brands designed for longer stays
Marriott Bonvoy also offers six brands designed for longer stays. Properties in these brands often offer in-room kitchenettes, additional space and less-frequent housekeeping services.
Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy
Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy offers private bedrooms, a separate living room, a full kitchen and an in-unit washer and dryer in each accommodation. There’s a host on-site, and you’ll find a 24-hour fitness center.
Element Hotels
Element Hotels are extended-stay hotels with a wellness focus. You’ll find bikes to borrow at Element Hotels locations, as well as a 24-hour self-service laundry facility, a motion fitness center, a Restore pantry with snacks and drinks, and nature-inspired spaces. Breakfast is complimentary at Element Hotels outside of the Asia-Pacific region. When staying at most Element Hotels, you can enjoy a complimentary glass of organic wine or beer at Relax evening receptions.
Element Hotels offers standard guest rooms, studio suites and one-bedroom suites, each with filtered water, fully equipped kitchens and spacious closets. These hotels also welcome dogs that weigh 40 pounds or less.
Related: Best hotel brands with full kitchens you can book with points
Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy
Through the Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy platform, you can book homes in over 100 destinations throughout the U.S., Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America.
All the homes are professionally cleaned and inspected, so you can avoid some of the issues you might otherwise face when renting a vacation home through other platforms.
Related: The best Marriott Homes & Villas properties
Marriott Executive Apartments
Marriott Executive Apartments can serve as temporary housing in 16 countries, including China, India and Thailand. Apartment sizes range from studios to three bedrooms, and you’ll find 24-hour security, a social area, a fitness center and a business center on-site.
Unfortunately, you’ll only earn one elite night credit for every three qualifying nights at Marriott Executive Apartments locations. You also won’t enjoy elite benefits when staying at Marriott Executive Apartments locations.
Residence Inn
Residence Inn properties offer spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites with full kitchens and plenty of room to spread out.
You’ll find a modern fitness center, free grocery delivery, complimentary hot breakfast and a 24-hour market at most Residence Inn locations.
TownePlace Suites
TownePlace Suites properties are usually a step below Residence Inn properties. However, each TownePlace Suites location still offers hot breakfast and spacious suites with full kitchens.
Collections that are Marriott brands
Finally, Marriott Bonvoy offers four collections that let you book hotels outside the standard Marriott brands.
- Autograph Collection: Carefully curated, distinctive independent hotels designed to offer a memorable stay
- Design Hotels: Independent design-driven hotels rooted in locality and culture
- MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy: MGM Resorts destinations you can book through Marriott Bonvoy
- Tribute Portfolio Hotels: Independent hotels and resorts with striking designs and the ability to connect guests with the places they visit
Remember that your Marriott elite benefits may be different or more limited when you stay at properties in these collections.
Bottom line
The positive side of Marriott having 35 brands is that you have a good idea of what to expect when you book a property belonging to a specific brand. Know, though, that it can be difficult to keep track of what each of the 35 brands offers, including what types of benefits are available if you have Marriott elite status. For example, I often have to reference my article on Marriott breakfast benefits before booking a hotel to see whether I can expect breakfast during my stay as a Titanium Elite member.
To learn more about top Marriott hotels, see the following guides:
