With so many hotel mergers and acquisitions over the years, it can be hard to keep track of which brands fall under which parent companies. If you’ve ever wondered whether Sheraton hotels are part of the Marriott portfolio, you’re not alone.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Yes, Sheraton is owned by Marriott. The brand was acquired in 1997 and fully integrated into the Marriott family, including the loyalty program.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain the history between Sheraton and Marriott, outline the acquisition details, and discuss what it means for guests when it comes to earning and redeeming points, status benefits, and more.
History of Sheraton and Marriott
Founding and Early Years
Sheraton and Marriott, two iconic names in the hospitality industry, have a rich history that dates back several decades. Sheraton Hotels & Resorts was founded in 1937, making it one of the oldest hotel chains in the world.
Its founder, Ernest Henderson, had a vision of creating a hotel brand that offered high-quality accommodations and exceptional service.
Marriott International, on the other hand, was founded in 1927 by J. Willard Marriott and his wife Alice. They started with a small root beer stand in Washington D.C. and eventually expanded into a chain of restaurants and hotels.
The Marriotts’ commitment to customer satisfaction and innovation laid the foundation for their future success.
Rise of Both Brands Independently
Over the years, both Sheraton and Marriott grew independently, establishing themselves as leaders in the hospitality industry. Sheraton expanded its presence worldwide, opening hotels in major cities and tourist destinations.
The brand became known for its luxurious accommodations and impeccable service, attracting discerning travelers from around the globe.
Similarly, Marriott continued to expand its portfolio, offering a range of hotel brands to cater to different segments of the market. Marriott hotels were known for their consistent quality and attention to detail, earning the trust and loyalty of millions of guests.
Marriott Begins Acquiring Other Chains
In 2016, Marriott International completed its acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, which included the Sheraton brand. This merger created the world’s largest hotel company, with an extensive global footprint and a diverse portfolio of brands.
As a result of the merger, Sheraton became a part of Marriott, joining other renowned brands like St. Regis, Westin, and Ritz-Carlton.
Since the acquisition, Marriott has invested in revitalizing and repositioning the Sheraton brand, ensuring that it retains its unique identity while benefiting from the resources and expertise of the larger Marriott organization.
Today, Sheraton continues to offer exceptional hospitality experiences to guests around the world, backed by the strength and reputation of the Marriott brand.
For more information about the history of Sheraton and Marriott, you can visit the official websites of Sheraton and Marriott.
Marriott’s Acquisition of Sheraton
Marriott’s acquisition of Sheraton was a significant milestone in the hospitality industry. The purchase of Sheraton by Marriott was completed in 1997, resulting in the formation of one of the largest hotel chains in the world.
This strategic move allowed Marriott to expand its portfolio and strengthen its position in the market.
Purchase Completed in 1997
In 1997, Marriott International successfully acquired Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, a renowned hotel brand with a long history of providing exceptional hospitality services. The acquisition involved a multi-billion dollar deal that brought together two industry giants under one umbrella.
This merger created a synergy that allowed both Marriott and Sheraton to leverage their strengths and offer an even better experience to their guests.
Integration Into Marriott Portfolio
Following the acquisition, Sheraton was integrated into the Marriott portfolio, becoming one of its many esteemed brands. This integration allowed Sheraton to benefit from Marriott’s extensive resources, global reach, and operational expertise.
It also provided Sheraton with access to Marriott’s loyalty program, Marriott Bonvoy, which offers exclusive benefits and rewards to its members.
Marriott’s acquisition of Sheraton also presented an opportunity for both brands to cross-promote and collaborate on various initiatives. This collaboration has resulted in the development of innovative concepts, such as shared loyalty program benefits and integrated marketing campaigns, which have further enhanced the guest experience.
Sheraton Today Within Marriott
Today, Sheraton continues to thrive within the Marriott family, offering its guests exceptional service, top-notch amenities, and a memorable stay experience. With its distinct brand identity and commitment to excellence, Sheraton maintains its reputation as a premier choice for travelers around the world.
Under Marriott’s stewardship, Sheraton has undergone extensive renovations and updates to ensure that it remains competitive in a rapidly evolving industry. These enhancements have included modernizing guest rooms, revitalizing public spaces, and implementing innovative technologies to meet the changing needs and preferences of travelers.
Furthermore, Sheraton benefits from Marriott’s global presence, with properties located in key destinations worldwide. Whether it’s a business trip, a family vacation, or a romantic getaway, guests can rely on Sheraton’s commitment to providing exceptional hospitality and a comfortable stay.
What This Means for Loyalty Members
If you are a loyal Sheraton customer and wonder how the merger with Marriott affects you, here’s what you need to know. As of 2016, Sheraton is indeed a part of Marriott International. This means that Sheraton loyalty members now have access to Marriott’s vast network of hotels and resorts around the world, opening up a world of new possibilities for earning and redeeming points, enjoying elite status benefits, and taking advantage of exclusive promotions and offers.
Earning and Redeeming Marriott Points
One of the biggest advantages for Sheraton loyalty members is the ability to earn and redeem Marriott points. With Marriott’s robust loyalty program, members can earn points for each stay at any participating Sheraton or Marriott property.
These points can then be redeemed for free nights, room upgrades, dining experiences, and even flights with Marriott’s airline partners. This expanded earning and redemption options provide Sheraton loyalty members with more flexibility and value for their loyalty.
According to a study conducted by Hotel Business, Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott’s loyalty program, is one of the most rewarding in the industry, offering a wide range of benefits and perks for its members.
With Sheraton now being a part of Marriott, loyalty members can expect to enjoy similar benefits and rewards.
Elite Status Qualification and Benefits
Another advantage for Sheraton loyalty members is the opportunity to qualify for elite status within Marriott’s loyalty program. Elite status comes with a host of exclusive benefits such as room upgrades, late checkout, complimentary breakfast, and access to executive lounges.
Sheraton loyalty members can now earn elite status by staying at Sheraton or Marriott properties, giving them even more privileges and recognition during their travels.
Marriott’s elite status tiers, such as Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Titanium, offer different levels of benefits depending on the member’s stay and loyalty. The higher the tier, the more valuable the benefits.
This means that loyal Sheraton customers now have the chance to enjoy enhanced perks and privileges by achieving elite status within Marriott’s program.
Promotions and Offers
In addition to earning and redeeming points and enjoying elite status benefits, Sheraton loyalty members can also take advantage of Marriott’s promotions and offers. Marriott regularly runs promotions that allow members to earn bonus points, receive discounted rates, or enjoy special perks during their stays.
These promotions can be a great way to maximize the value of your loyalty and make your travel experiences even more rewarding.
By being part of Marriott’s extensive network, Sheraton loyalty members now have access to a wider range of promotions and offers that can enhance their travel experiences. Keep an eye out for these promotions and take advantage of them to make the most out of your loyalty membership.
The Future of Sheraton Under Marriott
Sheraton, a renowned hotel brand, has been a part of Marriott International since 2016 when Marriott acquired Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. This merger brought together two hospitality giants, creating the world’s largest hotel company.
Many wonder what the future holds for Sheraton under the Marriott umbrella.
Planned Property Renovations
Marriott has committed to investing heavily in Sheraton’s properties to enhance their overall guest experience. With a focus on modernization and innovation, Sheraton hotels will undergo extensive renovations to revitalize their design, amenities, and technology.
These improvements aim to elevate Sheraton’s reputation and provide guests with exceptional comfort and convenience.
A notable example is the recently completed $500 million renovation of the Sheraton Grand Phoenix, which transformed the property into a more contemporary and luxurious destination. Marriott’s dedication to refurbishing Sheraton’s properties demonstrates their commitment to upholding the brand’s legacy while embracing a fresh and modern approach.
Continued Global Growth
As part of the Marriott family, Sheraton benefits from the company’s extensive global presence and resources. Marriott’s vast distribution network and loyal customer base open doors for Sheraton to expand its footprint worldwide.
This strategic advantage allows Sheraton to tap into new markets and reach a broader audience of travelers seeking the brand’s renowned hospitality.
Marriott’s commitment to global growth is evident through their aggressive expansion plans, which include opening new Sheraton properties in key destinations around the world. By leveraging Marriott’s expertise, Sheraton can leverage opportunities for growth and strengthen its position in the competitive hospitality industry.
Brand Positioning Within Portfolio
Marriott recognizes the unique value that Sheraton brings to their brand portfolio. Sheraton’s distinct identity as a premier global brand with a rich heritage is an asset that Marriott intends to preserve.
The company aims to position Sheraton as a flagship brand within its portfolio, showcasing its timeless elegance and exceptional service.
By placing Sheraton alongside other renowned Marriott brands like The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis, Marriott intends to create a diverse and complementary portfolio that caters to a wide range of travelers.
This brand positioning strategy helps differentiate Sheraton and reinforces its reputation as a trusted choice for both business and leisure travelers.
Conclusion
As we’ve explored, Sheraton is indeed part of the Marriott family of hotels. The brand was acquired over 20 years ago and is fully integrated into Marriott’s loyalty program and portfolio of 30 brands.
Understanding the connection between Sheraton and Marriott allows travelers to maximize their stays no matter which property they book. With the power of Marriott behind it, the future looks bright for the Sheraton brand.
