Ernest Hemingway and Graham Greene are two great authors who write often about the ex-pat experience. That's the target for one of our lesser known brands. It's called Marriott Executive Apartments, or MEA, and it's designed for so-called executive ex-patriates. These are people whose companies are relocating them for a long period of time to complete different work assignments. These "super-travelers" are away from home an average of 100-170 nights and some even stay away for years!
With the expanding global economy, we're seeing demand grow rapidly. In the next three years, we'll almost double the size of this brand.
All of our MEA properties are located outside the United States, but Americans use these hotels more than anyone else. Currently, there are 16 MEA hotels in 13 countries with 15 more in the pipeline that will expand into new countries like Bahrain, Qatar, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
MEA provides upscale, serviced apartments with all the comforts of home like full kitchens, ample work space and lots of cabinets to store groceries and everything else. But, like a hotel, our MEAs also provide housekeeping service, restaurants and other amenities.
Of course, for MEA guests, the hardest part is being away from home and family for so long. We recently asked some of our guests for their thoughts and tips, and I thought I'd share them:
One couple who relocated to Beijing two years ago said, "The many English-speaking ex-pats living in our complex have helped to make adjustments much easier." They joke about the fact that the MEA Palm Springs, Beijing, China, where they're staying seems like a college dorm since they have become such close friends with the other ex-pats living there.
Another long-term guest, Phillip, who has been at the MEA Atago Forest Tower in Tokyo, Japan, for over a year now says one of the biggest challenges was "connecting with others." To help alleviate this problem, he joined a non-denominational Christian group made up of mostly Japanese people. Many of the members had spent time overseas, so they enjoyed having a Westerner in their group to practice their English skills, and Phillip quickly became immersed in Japanese culture and more comfortable with his new living situation.
MEA is a huge hit with guests and I'm excited to see it growing so quickly. I salute these MEA guests and I'm glad we can help provide their home away from home. Can you imagine being away from home for that long?
I'm Bill Marriott and thanks for helping me keep Marriott on the move.
Making People Feel at Home While Living Abroad
dear mr marriott.my son kevin worked at the marriott hotel on sand key beach in clearwater florida he was killed in a car accident on june 17 the marriott hotel went beyond anything u could imagine they helped me through my sons wake and funeral they sent flowers brang us food everyday gave my family from out of state rooms.mr marriott there arent words to thank you enough i will love and cherish the marriott for the rest of my life. you are a wonderful caring corperation.my son loved his job there and took his job very serious.thank you very much and may god bless you and all at the marriott.sincerly kevin *****'s mom
Posted by: ann marie padron | 06/29/2008 at 01:27 AM
You surely know how to make people feel at home! I so enjoyed your recent address to attendees in the audience at the IABC International Conference in NY, NY. I was inspired listening to you and your stories about the Marriott family. Your hotels impressed me before I heard you speak; how, I'm doubly impressed. Thanks.
Posted by: Christine Smith | 06/26/2008 at 07:02 AM
I am currently at a MEA in Europe and I can not thank you enough for introducing this product to the Marriott brand. Having 200+ stays a year for the past several years has really worn me out and this product has changed my outlook on the next 6 months ahead of me. Having a separate living room, an operable kitchen and two bathrooms is a luxury and all the while continuing to earn MR Points. I feel that I am getting an obscene amount of value for the money and I really hope this concept continues to thrive.
Many thanks.
Posted by: David Collins | 06/23/2008 at 10:11 PM