If you’re planning a trip and looking for a hotel, you may have come across the Westin brand. But are these hotels part of Marriott, one of the largest hotel chains in the world?
Quick answer: Yes, Westin hotels are part of Marriott International.
In this article, we’ll dive into the history of Westin and Marriott, how they came together, and what it means for travelers looking to stay at a Westin hotel.
The History of Westin Hotels
If you’ve ever traveled or stayed at a hotel, chances are you’ve heard of Westin Hotels. But what is the history behind this popular hotel chain?
Founding of Westin Hotels
Westin Hotels was founded in 1930 by Severt W. Thurston and Frank Dupar. The first hotel was located in Yakima, Washington and was named after the founder, Mr. Thurston’s, wife, whose maiden name was Westin. The hotel was a success, and in 1947, the first Westin hotel outside of Washington was opened in Portland, Oregon.
Westin Hotels continued to expand throughout the years and in 1963, the hotel chain was sold to UAL Corporation, which also owned United Airlines. In 1987, the hotel chain was sold again to Aoki Corporation, a Japanese real estate company.
Expansion and Growth of Westin Hotels
Under Aoki Corporation, Westin Hotels continued to expand and grow. In 1994, the hotel chain was acquired by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. It was during this time that the company began to focus on wellness and introduced the now-famous “heavenly bed” and “heavenly shower.”
In 2016, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. was acquired by Marriott International, Inc. As a result, Westin Hotels became part of the Marriott family of hotels. Today, Westin Hotels can be found in over 40 countries and territories around the world.
For more information on the history of Westin Hotels and Marriott International, Inc., visit their official websites at https://www.marriott.com/ and https://www.marriott.com/westin-hotels/travel.mi.
The History of Marriott International
Marriott International is a global hospitality company that operates over 7,000 properties in 131 countries and territories. The company offers a range of lodging options, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hotels, under its 30 different brands. But how did Marriott International come to be?
Founding of Marriott International
Marriott International was founded in 1927 by J. Willard Marriott and his wife Alice S. Marriott. The first Marriott hotel was a nine-stool root beer stand in Washington, D.C., which eventually expanded into a chain of restaurants. In 1957, the Marriotts opened their first hotel, the Twin Bridges Marriott Motor Hotel, in Arlington, Virginia.
Over the next few decades, Marriott International continued to grow, with the company going public in 1953 and expanding internationally in the 1970s. In 1983, Marriott International acquired the Howard Johnson Company, which included the HoJo brand of hotels, and in 1993, the company acquired the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.
Expansion and Growth of Marriott International
Since the acquisition of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Marriott International has continued to expand its portfolio of brands. In 2016, Marriott International acquired Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, which included the Westin brand of hotels. The Westin brand is now part of Marriott International’s luxury collection of hotels, which also includes brands like St. Regis and Ritz-Carlton.
Today, Marriott International is one of the largest hotel companies in the world, with a diverse portfolio of brands catering to different market segments. The company is committed to sustainability and has set a goal to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2025. Marriott International also operates the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, which allows members to earn and redeem points at participating hotels.
Marriott’s Acquisition of Westin Hotels
If you’re wondering whether Westin Hotels are part of Marriott, the answer is yes. Westin Hotels & Resorts is a hotel brand owned by Marriott International, which is one of the world’s largest hotel companies. Westin Hotels was acquired by Marriott International in 2016, and the acquisition deal was worth $13.6 billion.
The Acquisition Deal
The acquisition deal involved Marriott International acquiring Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, which was the parent company of the Westin Hotels brand. The deal was completed in September 2016, and it made Marriott International the largest hotel company in the world, with over 30 hotel brands under its umbrella.
The acquisition deal was a significant milestone for Marriott International, as it enabled the company to expand its portfolio of hotel brands and enter new markets around the world. The acquisition also enabled Marriott International to compete more effectively with other hotel companies, such as Hilton Worldwide and InterContinental Hotels Group.
Impact on Westin Hotels
Since the acquisition, Westin Hotels has continued to operate under its own brand name, but it is now managed by Marriott International. This means that Westin Hotels now has access to Marriott International’s global distribution network, which includes more than 7,000 properties in over 130 countries.
The acquisition has also enabled Westin Hotels to benefit from Marriott International’s expertise in areas such as marketing, technology, and loyalty programs. For example, Westin Hotels can now participate in Marriott International’s popular loyalty program, Marriott Bonvoy, which has over 100 million members worldwide.
Impact on Marriott International
The acquisition of Westin Hotels has had a positive impact on Marriott International, as it has enabled the company to expand its portfolio of luxury hotel brands. Westin Hotels is known for its wellness-focused amenities, which include fitness centers, healthy dining options, and spa services. This has helped Marriott International to attract health-conscious travelers who are willing to pay a premium for these amenities.
Furthermore, the acquisition has enabled Marriott International to consolidate its position as the world’s largest hotel company. This has given the company greater bargaining power with suppliers and enabled it to negotiate better deals for its properties.
What It Means for Travelers
If you’re wondering if Westin Hotels are part of Marriott, the answer is yes. In 2016, Marriott International acquired Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, which included the Westin brand. This acquisition made Marriott the largest hotel company in the world.
Marriott Bonvoy Loyalty Program
As a result of the acquisition, Westin Hotels are now included in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. This program offers members exclusive benefits such as free room upgrades, late checkout, and access to exclusive events.
If you’re already a member of the Starwood Preferred Guest program, your membership has automatically been converted to Marriott Bonvoy. This means that you can continue to earn and redeem points at Westin Hotels, as well as other Marriott properties.
Benefits of Staying at a Westin Hotel
Staying at a Westin Hotel can offer travelers a luxurious experience with amenities such as Heavenly Beds, spa services, and fitness centers. In addition, many Westin Hotels are located in desirable destinations such as beachfront locations or city centers.
When compared to other Marriott brands, Westin Hotels are typically priced at a higher rate. However, the amenities and location can make it worth the extra expense. It’s also important to note that Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and redeem points at any Marriott property, so staying at a Westin Hotel can still be a valuable option for earning points towards future stays.
| Westin Hotels | Marriott Bonvoy Benefits | Location | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxurious amenities | Free room upgrades | Desirable destinations | Higher rates |
| Heavenly Beds | Late checkout | Beachfront or city center | |
| Spa services | Exclusive events |
Conclusion
In summary, Westin Hotels are indeed part of Marriott International. Through years of expansion and growth, Marriott has become one of the largest hotel chains in the world, with Westin being just one of its many brands. For travelers, staying at a Westin hotel means access to Marriott’s extensive loyalty program and all the benefits that come with it. So if you’re looking for a luxurious and comfortable stay, look no further than Westin hotels, a proud member of the Marriott family.
