Twenty years ago, we purchased Residence Inn. That's the same year that President Reagan spoke at the Berlin wall and called on Soviet Premier Gorbachev to tear it down. It's just amazing how much the world has changed in the last twenty years. Residence Inn has now grown to more than 500 hotels in North America.
We bought the Residence Inn brand from Jack DeBoer, who invented it. You know, it's interesting to hitch your wagon to a star and get the original founder of the concept on board; just like we've done now with our relationship with Ian Schrager, who invented the boutique hotels. I might also mention that Cesar Ritz was the inventor of the luxury hotels over 100 years ago. It's really thrilling and exciting to be part of the history of the hotel business.
Residence Inn was a trailblazer. It was the first hotel brand designed for business people taking long trips. They could stay in suites with kitchens and with living and dining areas. They had plenty of room to move around in; they could cook and fix their own meals. We went to the grocery store for them and picked up their meals. The first night I stayed in a Residence Inn, I opened up the refrigerator door at eleven o'clock at night and there was a half a quart of Haagen-Dazs ice cream. Boy, was that a great deal.
It's great for families too because you can spread out. The children can play in the suite, Mom and Dad can cook the meals and you don't have to go out all the time.
I have to tell you, I think I'm a pretty good promoter of our brands, but now our marketing team has turned to a fire breather, plate spinner, trapeze artist and contortionist to spread the word about Residence Inn. Watch them stretch and bend - I guess I better keep up my Pilates classes.
I'm Bill Marriott and thanks for helping me keep Marriott on the move.
Ellen and I live full time @ a residence inn, and make a point staying there while on the road for business.
We also love the old style inns and hope you don't discontinue the style
Posted by: Steve McCurdy | 10/29/2007 at 12:12 PM
Why is a Residence Inn stay only awarded half the MR points? No one can seem to answer that question.
Posted by: Teresa Bernard | 09/15/2007 at 06:24 AM
On Aug.17 we arrived at R.I. 9719 Princess Palm Ave.,Tampa only to find a power outage and the temp at 100. Your Mngr., Greg, professionally handled all questions and calmed all customers. True Mngrs. can be trained to handle business but few are prepared to handle emergencies.You are fortunate to have folks like Greg.
Chris Smith
Posted by: Chris Smith | 08/19/2007 at 04:46 AM
I do enjoy staying at a Residence Inn, especially when traveling with children. Between the roominess and the convenience of a kitchen & dining area, it makes the stay feel a bit like home.
I've also stayed at a Residence Inn when traveling with Signing Time! ( http://www.signingtime.com ) for outreach events. Having the larger rooms for organizing product for events is a big plus! The living room area has been helpful for larger groups to gather & plan without infringing on someone's sleeping area.
I must admit, I don't really get the new ads either.
Posted by: Kei | 08/08/2007 at 05:29 AM
The few times I have stayed at RI for work or with the family have been great. I would stay there much more often if you did not only give 1/2 the MR points for staying there.
Posted by: Silver in WI | 08/08/2007 at 03:21 AM
I haven't seen any Residence Inn outside of North America. Any plans on expanding them to Europe? Would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by: Danny | 08/06/2007 at 11:39 PM
I love the Residence Inn brand but think the new adds are stupid. What do they tell me that gives me real knowledge of what sets this brand apart from your competitors? The first person that starts blowing fire in your parking lot is going to be surprized by visits from the police, fire and terrorism squads. Pure marketing for marketing sakes.
I would stay at them all the time, and forgo my Platium perks, except that only 1/2 the normal Marriott points are given.
Finally, I love the old RI Village style that you seem to be doing away with. I wish you would reconsider.
Posted by: joshua katt | 08/01/2007 at 10:30 AM
Good stuff. I have stayed at Residence Inns many times on my longer trips, and have always liked them. I love that they feel more like a home than a regular hotel room.
Posted by: Vegas Boy | 07/31/2007 at 11:30 AM