Are you curious about who owns the W hotel?
Whether you’re a frequent traveler or just planning your next vacation, it’s always interesting to know who is behind the luxury hotel brand that you’re staying at.
If you’re short on time, here’s the key takeaway: Since 2016, Marriott International has been the primary owner of most W Hotels after acquiring Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, which included W Hotels. This makes Marriott the owner of most W Hotels worldwide.
In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to the ownership of W hotels worldwide. From the history of the brand to the current owners, we’ve got you covered.
The history of the W hotel
It is worth mentioning that the W hotel was founded in 1998 by Barry Sternlicht, the CEO of Starwood Hotels & Resorts at the time.
The first W hotel was opened in New York City’s Union Square, and it quickly gained a reputation for being a trendy and luxurious hotel option.
The growth of the brand was rapid, with new locations opening up across the United States and eventually expanding internationally. The hotel’s initial success fueled the brand’s expansion, with new W Hotels opening in key cities like Atlanta, San Francisco, and Seattle. By 2005, there were 22 W hotels worldwide, including locations in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
The brand’s European debut came in 2008 with the opening of W Istanbul, followed by the iconic W Barcelona in 2009.
W Hotels gradually moved upmarket, catering to a more affluent clientele. This shift was driven by the evolving preferences of their target audience and the success of higher-end properties.
In 2016, Marriott International announced that it would be acquiring Starwood Hotels & Resorts, which included the W hotel brand.
This acquisition made Marriott International the largest hotel company in the world, and the W hotel became a part of the Marriott family of brands.
| Year | Number of W hotels worldwide |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 1 |
| 2005 | 22 |
It is interesting to note that the W hotel brand has always been focused on creating a unique and trendy hotel experience for its guests. From the start, the brand has been known for its chic decor, lively atmosphere, and high-end amenities.
Today, there are over 50 W hotels worldwide, including locations in popular destinations like Bali, Paris, and Miami. Whether you are looking for a luxurious getaway or a trendy spot to stay while traveling, the W hotel brand is definitely worth considering.
Who currently owns the W hotel?
When it comes to the ownership of W hotels worldwide, there are several players involved. The following are the primary owners of W hotels:
- Marriott International: In 2016, Marriott International bought Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, which included the W brand. Currently, Marriott International is the main owner of W hotels worldwide.
- The Blackstone Group: In 2013, Blackstone Group acquired the W Hotel in London, which is the only W Hotel in the UK.
- Other notable owners: There are several owners of individual W hotels worldwide. For example, the W Hotel in New York City is owned by Host Hotels & Resorts, while the W Hotel in Barcelona is owned by Hoteles Catalonia.
It is worth mentioning that Marriott International is the largest hotel company in the world, with over 7,000 properties across 30 hotel brands. The acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, including the W brand, was a significant move for the company.
On the other hand, The Blackstone Group is a private equity firm that invests in a variety of industries, including real estate. The acquisition of the W Hotel in London was part of their strategy to invest in high-end real estate properties.
It is important to keep in mind that while individual W hotels may have different owners, they still operate under the W brand and follow the same standards and guidelines set by Marriott International.
If you are interested in learning more about Marriott International and their ownership of W hotels, you can visit their website. For more information on The Blackstone Group, you can visit their website.
The benefits of owning a W hotel
The W hotel chain is one of the most prestigious and recognized brands in the hospitality industry. Owning a W hotel can be a lucrative and rewarding investment. Here are some benefits of owning a W hotel:
- Prestige and recognition: The W hotel brand is known for its luxurious and modern design, excellent service, and prime locations. Owning a W hotel can enhance your reputation and open up new opportunities for partnerships and collaborations.
- High occupancy rates: W hotels are popular among business and leisure travelers alike, making them a popular choice for bookings. High occupancy rates mean a steady stream of income for hotel owners. According to Statista, the average occupancy rate for Marriott International hotels, which includes W hotels, worldwide is around 61% in 2022.
- Profitability and return on investment: W hotels are known for their high profitability and return on investment. According to luxuryhotel.com, the W hotel brand has been consistently ranked among the top luxury hotel brands in terms of profitability and revenue per available room (RevPAR).
The future of the W hotel brand
The W Hotel brand, known for its luxury accommodations and trendy design, has been expanding rapidly in recent years. With new locations opening up around the world, the future of the brand looks bright.
New Locations and Expansion Plans
W Hotels Worldwide has announced plans to open several new locations in the coming years, including W Prague, W Toronto, W Nashville, and W Algarve.
The company has also recently opened new hotels in Paris, Ibiza, and Aspen. These new locations will bring the total number of W hotels worldwide to over 80.
In addition to expanding its physical footprint, the brand is also expanding its offerings. For example, the W Hotels Worldwide recently launched its new Work From Anywhere program, which allows guests to book extended stays at select hotels and enjoy a range of benefits, including high-speed Wi-Fi, office supplies, and more.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Unfortunately, like many other hotel brands, the W Hotels Worldwide has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of its hotels have seen a decline in occupancy rates, and the brand has had to make some difficult decisions, including laying off employees and closing some properties temporarily.
However, the brand has also adapted to the current climate by introducing new health and safety protocols, such as enhanced cleaning procedures and contactless check-in. It has also offered flexible cancellation policies to give guests peace of mind when booking.
The Outlook for the Luxury Hotel Industry
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the outlook for the luxury hotel industry remains positive. According to a report by Fortune Business Insights, the global luxury hotel market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.0% from 2023 to 2030.
The report cites several factors driving this growth, including increasing disposable income and a growing desire for unique and personalized travel experiences. Additionally, the report notes that the rise of technology has made it easier for luxury hotel brands to connect with consumers and offer personalized services.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ownership of the W hotel is a complex and ever-changing landscape. From its humble beginnings to its global expansion and acquisition by Marriott International, the W hotel brand has come a long way.
While the current owners include Marriott International and The Blackstone Group, there are also notable individual owners who have invested in this prestigious hotel brand.
If you’re considering investing in a W hotel or just curious about the brand, we hope that this guide has provided you with valuable insights and information.
