Marriott on the Move

'What's Cooking' at Marriott

My career began in the restaurant business.  As the company transitioned over to hotels, I never wanted to lose those roots.  To this day when I visit a hotel, I often go straight to the kitchen to see what’s cooking.

Now you can see what’s cooking by visiting our new website.

http://www.marriott.com/restaurants

 

It showcases many of our restaurants and bars and gives you the chance to share them with your friends on Facebook and make a reservation on OpenTable, an online reservation system.

We have so many incredible hotel restaurants many run by the world’s best chefs -- Laurent Tourondel, Gordon Ramsay, Kerry Simon, just to name a few. (View the video to see how to works.)

I’m often asked to compile a list of my favorite places to eat. It’s tough to do, like picking my favorite child.  I guess I love them all.  I’ll probably get in trouble for this, but I want to share some of my favorite meals with you:

Order the Tomahawk Ribeye at JW Steakhouse in London at the Grosvenor House.  

You’ll love the New England Sea Scallops at 606 Congress in the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel.

The Brasserie Lipp at the JW Marriott Mexico City makes a decadent dessert, the good old Hot Chocolate Soufflé.

At BLT Steak at Camelback Inn, I recommend ordering kobe and don’t miss out on a popover.

At the Renaissance Blackstone Hotel in Chicago, be sure to order one of the tasting menus at Mercat a la Planxa.

We’ve worked hard to make our restaurants and bars destinations for both out-of-towners and local people.  So, next time you’re looking for a great night out, visit our website, look over the menu and make a reservation.  Bon appetit.

And, please leave a comment on your favorite Marriott restaurant.  

I’m Bill Marriott and thanks for helping keep Marriott on the move.

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The Art of Style at SpringHill Suites

In 1998, we launched a brand designed for the traveler looking for more space and a sense of style.  That brand was SpringHill Suites.  Now, we’ve taken it a step further. 

When you think of space and style, what comes to mind?  To me, it’s art galleries. 

For the last two years, SpringHill Suites has held ArtNight.  Our lobbies turn into galleries filled with works from local artists.  From photography to cartoon drawings, glass sculptures to air brushed motorcycles, the artwork has been sensational. 

Embracing the local arts has not only strengthened our ties within our communities, but also enhanced our guests’ experience, giving them a real taste of the local art scene.  You can view some ArtNight pictures and video on SpringHill's new facebook page.

 

With all this talent at our hotels, we’re asking artists -- expert or amateur – to design a special edition hotel key card.  The winning submission will be featured on key cards next year at SpringHill’s nearly 300 hotels.  Key cards have high visibility, so be creative.  I only hope our guests will turn them in when they leave.

Anyone 18 years of age or older can submit their key card at www.springhillsuites.com.  Deadline is November 1st.

We’re already seeing some awesome entries.  I’ll post the winning entry along with other finalists.

I’m Bill Marriott and thanks for helping me keep Marriott on the Move.

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In Good Company

 

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To stay in business for almost 85 years, well, you know you’re doing something right.  To stay in business for this long and be recognized as one of the most ethical companies, that tells me we’re doing a lot of things right.

For the fourth year, Ethisphere Institute named Marriott as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies, selecting us for engaging in business practices and initiatives that are instrumental to our success, benefitting the community, and raising the bar for ethical standards within the industry.  That’s great praise and we’re in great company.  

 

Ed Ryan, our general counsel, was invited by The Ethisphere Institute to join representatives from companies such as PepsiCo, GE and Ford in ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange.  Through Ed’s leadership, “how we do business” remains true to my father’s founding principles.  

Marriott has grown from two employees in 1927 to over 300,000 today.  We’ve expanded from a nine-stool root beer stand to about 3700 hotels in 71 countries.  We’ve been able to do this because of our core values one of which is conducting business with integrity.  We believe that how we do business is as important as the business we do. 

Upholding high ethical standards is important to us.  That’s why I applaud all of our associates and business partners worldwide for helping us hold true to our values.  We’re honored to be in “good company” with the world’s most ethical businesses.

I’m Bill Marriott and thanks for helping me keep Marriott on the Move. 

Click here to learn more about Ethisphere's 2011 rankings and methodology