Marriott International unveiled its 8,000th property globally this week, the 12-storey Marriott Bethesda Downtown, which is located adjacent to the company’s soon-to-open global headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland.
“From the nine-seat root beer stand that my grandparents started nearly 95 years ago in downtown Washington, to the milestone opening of our 8,000th property, we have been fortunate to call this area our home,” said, Marriott International Board Director and incoming Chairman, David Marriott.
“Marriott Bethesda Downtown at Marriott HQ reflects the continued transformation of the Marriott Hotels brand, and we are thrilled to embark on a new era of inspired travel and design with the opening of this hotel.”
The contemporary hotel local optimises natural light, most notably in its glass-enclosed lobby, and features faceted mirrors and floor-to-ceiling windows throughout.
There is nearly 8,000-square-feet of pre-function and event space, including a private outdoor terrace suitable for meetings, corporate retreats and social events.
The hotel also offers three different food-and-drink concepts, that showcase Maryland’s artisans and farmers.
St. Regis to open in London next year
In the UK, Marriott International has plans afoot to bring the St. Regis brand to Mayfair in London, following the signing of a management agreement with Cola Holdings and The Westbury Hotel Limited last week.
The global luxury brand is known for timeless glamour and personalised service including signature Butler Service.
The St. Regis London, on the corner of Bond Street and Conduit Street, is expected to welcome its first guests in 2023.
St. Regis Hotels & Resorts Vice President and Global Brand Leader, George Fleck, said it’s a pivotal moment for St. Regis Hotels & Resorts.
“St. Regis offers an exquisite experience inspired by the exceptional private retreats of its founding family, the Astors, whose commitment to excellence, sophisticated style, and passion for innovation continue to define the guest experience today,” Fleck said.
“We are delighted to bring the brand’s timeless legacy, cherished traditions and bespoke service to one of the finest addresses in London, and look forward to becoming the city’s most glamorous destination for locals and travellers alike.”
Marriott introduces Madrid Edition
In Europe, Marriott International introduces the Edition hotel brand to Spain, with the launch of the Madrid Edition.
“Madrid, for us, is a truly world-class capital,” said Edition Hotels visionary Ian Schrager.
“It’s just a beautiful city that marches to its own beat and goes its own way.”
The 200-room hotel features two restaurants, each helmed by a world-class, award-winning chef, three bar concepts, nightlife and entertainment, rooftop pool, wellness and spa facility, and more.
The building itself sits on Plaza de la Descalzas and features a decorative 18th-century baroque portal designed by Spanish architect Pedro de Ribera. It also offers views of a 16th-century royal monastery.
Further investment in China and Japan
As part of Marriott International’s continued global expansion, the company plans to bolster its China portfolio by opening more than 50 hotels in over 30 destinations across the region in 2022. Marriott’s 500th hotel in Greater China is expected to open in early 2023.
“Greater China is an important growth market for us. In the past three years, Marriott International has expanded its footprint in the region with an average of 40 hotel additions per year,” said Marriott International Greater China President, Henry Lee.
“Currently, our portfolio includes 448 hotels spanning 23 brands across more than 110 cities in Greater China. In 2022, we will continue to focus on our ‘Brand + Destination’ development strategy, working closely with owners and franchisees to drive travel demand.”
On the luxury end, The W brand will debut in Macau at Studio City later this year, while leisure brands will focus on popular cities for getaways such as Chengdu, Xi’an, Sanya and Qinhuangdao.
Meanwhile, in Japan, Courtyard by Marriott continues to expand its footprint with the opening of Courtyard by Marriott Nagoya.
The 360-room hotel is located in Fushimi, the main Financial District in Central Nagoya, and is expected to appeal to savvy business and leisure travellers.
The opening marks the sixth Courtyard by Marriott property in Japan.