Marriott International, Inc. is a leading global lodging company with a rich history that dates back to 1927 when J. Willard Marriott and his wife, Alice S. Marriott, opened a root beer stand in Washington, D.C. This humble beginning marked the start of a journey that would lead to the establishment of one of the world's largest and most renowned hotel chains. Today, Marriott International boasts over 7,000 properties across 131 countries and territories under 30 different brand names, catering to a wide range of travelers and preferences. The company's commitment to innovation, customer service, and sustainability has been instrumental in its growth. Marriott was among the first in the industry to offer online reservations in 1995, demonstrating its early recognition of the importance of technology in hospitality. Furthermore, Marriott International is dedicated to reducing its environmental impact and has set ambitious sustainability goals, including reducing water usage, carbon ...

Read More

Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., commonly known as Hilton, is a global brand of full-service hotels and resorts and the flagship brand of American multinational hospitality company Hilton Worldwide. Founded by Conrad Hilton in May 1919, the corporation is now headquartered in Tysons Corner, Virginia. Hilton is a leading name in the hospitality industry, known for pioneering concepts such as the hotel reservation system in the 1950s, which became the precursor to the modern-day online booking systems. Did You Know? Hilton was the first hotel company to introduce air-conditioning in public areas and televisions in guest rooms, setting new standards for the industry. Additionally, the famous pina colada cocktail was created at the Caribe Hilton Hotel's Beachcomber Bar in Puerto Rico by bartender Ramón "Monchito" Marrero in 1954. Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. operates a portfolio of 18 brands across 119 countries, including luxury brands such as Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts and Co...

Read More

Wyndham Destinations, now known as Travel + Leisure Co. following a strategic rebranding in 2021, stands as a global leader in the vacation ownership, exchange, and rental industry. Founded in 2006 as part of the Wyndham Worldwide Corporation, the company carved out a distinct identity in the hospitality sector by focusing on vacation experiences and ownership resorts. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Wyndham Destinations boasts an impressive portfolio that includes over 4,300 affiliated resorts in more than 110 countries. The company operates through various brands, including Club Wyndham, WorldMark by Wyndham, Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham, and Shell Vacations Club, offering a diverse range of vacation experiences from beachfront condos to city apartments and mountain retreats. Did You Know? - Wyndham Destinations is the world's largest vacation ownership and exchange company, with a network that includes over 230 vacation ownership resorts. - The company made a sig...

Read More

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is a global hospitality company headquartered in Denham, Buckinghamshire, England. It was founded in 2003 as a spin-off from Bass Brewery, but its roots can be traced back to 1777 when William Bass established the brewery in Burton upon Trent. IHG is one of the world's leading hotel companies, boasting a portfolio that includes over 5,900 hotels and approximately 884,000 guest rooms in more than 100 countries across the globe. IHG operates a diverse range of hotel brands to cater to the varying needs of travelers. These brands include InterContinental, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, HUALUXE, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, EVEN Hotels, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Holiday Inn Resort, Avid hotels, Staybridge Suites, and Candlewood Suites. Each brand targets different segments of the market, from luxury and lifestyle to mainstream, boutique, and extended stay. Did You Know? The InterContinental brand, which is the flags...

Read More

Choice Hotels International is a prominent hospitality holding corporation based in Rockville, Maryland, United States. Founded in 1939, it has grown to become one of the largest and most successful lodging companies in the world. The company operates through a franchise model, boasting over 7,000 hotels across more than 40 countries and territories. Its portfolio includes a variety of brands catering to different market segments, from economy to upscale hotels, including well-known names like Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn, Clarion, and Cambria Hotels, among others. Did You Know? Choice Hotels was a pioneer in the industry for being the first hotel chain to guarantee reservations with a credit card nationwide in 1963. This innovation marked a significant shift in how hotel bookings were managed and set a new standard for the industry. Additionally, Choice Hotels made history again in 1996 by becoming the first hotel company to offer online booking across its entire portfolio ...

Read More

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, founded in 1957, is a global hospitality company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. It was born from a purchase of the Hyatt House motel near Los Angeles International Airport by entrepreneurs Hyatt Robert von Dehn and Jack Dyer Crouch. Over the decades, Hyatt has grown into a leading brand in the hotel industry, known for its commitment to providing authentic hospitality services to its guests. As of 2023, Hyatt operates over 1,150 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 70 countries across six continents. The company's portfolio includes a wide range of properties, from luxury and lifestyle hotels to all-inclusive resorts, under 20 premier brands such as Park Hyatt, Andaz, Hyatt Regency, and Hyatt Centric, among others. Hyatt is also recognized for its innovation in the hospitality industry, including introducing the concept of atrium hotels in the 1960s with the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, which featured a dramatic, multi-story lobby space that became a sig...

Read More

Best Western Hotels & Resorts, founded in 1946, is a global chain of hotels and resorts known for its commitment to providing quality accommodations and services to travelers around the world. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, the company operates more than 4,700 hotels and resorts in over 100 countries and territories, making it one of the largest hotel chains globally. Originally established as a simple referral system among member hotels, Best Western has evolved into a fully-fledged hospitality giant, offering a variety of lodging options that cater to a wide range of travelers, from budget-conscious individuals to those seeking luxury experiences. The brand portfolio includes Best Western, Best Western Plus, Best Western Premier, Vib, GLō, Executive Residency by Best Western, BW Premier Collection, and BW Signature Collection. Did You Know? Best Western was among the first to offer free high-speed internet access across all its properties, recognizing early on the importance...

Read More

Extended Stay America, Inc. is a prominent hotel chain in the United States that specializes in providing affordable extended stay accommodations. Founded in 1995, the company has grown significantly over the years and, as of my last update, operates over 600 hotels across the United States. Extended Stay America caters primarily to business travelers, students, and those in need of temporary housing with amenities designed for longer stays, such as in-room kitchens, on-site laundry facilities, and Wi-Fi access. A unique aspect of Extended Stay America is its commitment to comfort and convenience for guests staying for weeks or even months at a time. The company's hotels are strategically located in major cities, suburban, and airport areas to serve a wide range of customers, including those relocating, on long-term projects, or on vacation. Did You Know? Extended Stay America once launched a humorous "Hotelicopter" April Fool's campaign, claiming to offer the world's first flyi...

Read More

Red Lion Hotels Corporation, known for its distinctive hospitality and service, is a prestigious name in the hotel industry. Founded in 1959 in Spokane, Washington, the company has grown from a single hotel to an internationally recognized brand. Red Lion Hotels Corporation operates under various names, including Hotel RL, Red Lion Hotels, Red Lion Inn & Suites, and more, catering to a wide range of travelers seeking comfort and convenience. The company's expansion over the years has been marked by strategic acquisitions and development, allowing it to offer more than 1,100 hotels across the United States and Canada. Red Lion Hotels Corporation prides itself on providing exceptional service, local flair, and unique experiences for its guests, making each stay memorable. Did You Know? Red Lion Hotels Corporation once owned and operated a chain of restaurants and lounges, showcasing the company's diverse interests in the hospitality industry. Additionally, the company made a signi...

Read More

Omni Hotels & Resorts is a privately-owned, international luxury hotel company based in Dallas, Texas. Founded in 1958 by Robert Rowling of TRT Holdings, the company has grown to encompass a portfolio of 60 properties across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Omni Hotels & Resorts is renowned for its distinctive blend of luxury, personalized service, and a deep reverence for local culture and traditions within each of its locations. The company prides itself on offering guests a unique experience that is both sophisticated and approachable, catering to both business and leisure travelers. Omni's properties often feature award-winning spas, world-class golf courses, and gourmet dining options, making them a preferred choice for those seeking a luxurious getaway. Did You Know? Omni Hotels & Resorts was one of the first major hotel brands to offer a loyalty program, Select Guest, which provides guests with personalized services and rewards. Additionally, the company is committe...

Read More