Marriott International is one of the largest hospitality companies in the world, operating over 6,700 properties in 129 countries and territories and employing over 175,000 associates. As one of the world’s most recognizable and admired brands, Marriott faces an array of competitors in the hospitality industry.
Marriott’s biggest rivals are Hilton Worldwide and Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG). Hilton Worldwide is the world’s most international hotel group, operating over 5,000 properties in more than 100 countries across six continents. The company is composed of 15 brands – including Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, and DoubleTree by Hilton – and approximately 700,000 rooms. IHG, with over 5,500 hotels and over 830,000 rooms, is the world’s largest hotel group by number of rooms. The company operates ten hotel brands, including InterContinental Hotels & Resorts and Holiday Inn.
Marriott also faces competition from Accor, the world’s leading hotel operator and market leader in Europe, and Choice Hotels International, which operates over 6,300 hotels worldwide. Accor operates over 4,100 hotels and resorts across 95 countries, including the Sofitel, Ibis, and Novotel brands, and Choice Hotels has over 500,000 rooms in more than 40 countries.
Marriott also competes with Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Wyndham Worldwide, and Hyatt Hotels. Starwood is the world’s largest hotel company, operating over 1,200 hotels and resorts in nearly 100 countries and territories. Wyndham Worldwide, with over 8,000 hotels and more than 690,000 rooms, is one of the largest hospitality companies in the world and operates the Wyndham, Ramada, and Days Inn brands. Hyatt Hotels operates over 500 hotels, resorts, and timeshare properties in more than 54 countries, including the Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, and Andaz brands.
Marriott also faces competition from independent hotels, boutique hotels, and vacation rental services. These companies often have the advantage of lower overhead costs and can provide the same services and amenities as Marriott, but at a lower price.
For travelers, the competition between Marriott and its competitors provides an array of choices for accommodations. Whether travelers are looking for luxury, budget, or mid-range options, there’s sure to be a hotel that meets their needs.