When I was growing up in Washington and people came to visit, we always had to go to the top of the Washington Monument. From that view, 550 feet above the city, we could see a long way off and all the wonderful buildings in Washington. I’ve learned that the Washington Monument is only one-third the height of the Empire State Building. Wow!
Now, the new JW Marriott Marquis Dubai holds the Guinness World Record as the world’s tallest hotel. It’s just 75 feet shorter than the Empire State Building and almost three times taller than the Washington Monument. What an incredible event … an incredible building!
I reminded our staff that this isn’t our first world record. Our original hotel, the Marriott Twin Bridges Motor Hotel, which opened in 1957, was the largest motel – with 365 rooms – in the world. At least, we thought so. It also had a view – a view from the sixth floor – of the Capitol of the United States.
It’s humbling to think how it all started. Check-in was outside so the clerk could see how many guests were in the cars. Clerks would then take the guests to their room by bicycle. We had a Hot Shoppe restaurant, and very little else. Fast forward 56 years, and the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai has 804 rooms, nine restaurants and five bars.
One day not long ago, I was driving by the oldest and second hotel in our system, the Key Bridge Marriott in Arlington, Virginia. I turned to my daughter, Debbie, who worked there when she was in high school. I said, “Isn’t it amazing how far we’ve come. I’m just blown away!”
As Marriott continues to expand globally, we invite everyone to “See The World,” and you can do that from the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai. Enjoy the photos and this video of the grand opening. I’m sorry I can’t be there.
I’m Bill Marriott and thanks for helping me keep Marriott on the move.
A wide smile came across my face when I read your account of the Key Bridge Marriott in Arlington, VA. When we moved to Virgina years ago we stayed here, fell in love with the area, and Arlington became our home. When out of town guests visit us, the Key Bridge is where they stay and enjoy a warm welcome. Lively Georgetown is just a few minutes walk over the stately Key Bridge and Rosslyn is now bustling with new eateries and cafes plus easy access to Washington's go-anywhere Metro. A good hotel choice then and still today!
Posted by: Steven Gale | 05/15/2013 at 04:01 AM
It's great to see the history of the Marriott and how much it has transformed over the years! The new hotel in Dubai sounds incredible. My family and I always try and stay at Marriott hotels when we travel. My favorite one that I've been to so far is the one in Marco Island, Florida. In a few years, when I start traveling more, the Marriott in Dubai will definitely be a spot in my travels. The size, being almost as tall as the Empire State Building is incredible and I can't wait to see it in person!
Stephanie Bekerman
Student
Tulane University
Posted by: Stephanie Bekerman | 04/02/2013 at 11:45 AM
marriott seems like a great place to work. i'd love to see it some day!
Posted by: Bolt On Rock Head | 03/27/2013 at 07:27 AM
Would love to see it someday! It would add to my list of 232 different Marriott properties visited so far.
Posted by: Hank Mancini | 03/09/2013 at 04:56 PM
Iam proud to work in Marriott.....
Posted by: G Munuswamy | 03/08/2013 at 08:27 PM
Congratulations in your opening day! I'm definitely sure that the hotel is very much accommodating and relaxing for tourists to come. I hope I could also go there. Thank you for this information. I'm hoping for more success for your business. And May you continue to provide comfortable places for people all around the globe.
Posted by: Sandra Barker | 03/07/2013 at 12:16 AM
Congratulations on the best JW Marriott Dubai Marquez "in Dubai .. tallest hotel in the world wishes to you further extend my prosperity day after day.
Posted by: Bandar Mahboob | 03/06/2013 at 11:43 AM
Dear Mr. Marriott,
Congratulations on opening the tallest hotel in the world! An amazing accomplishment for an amazing hotelier. I am a loyal fan of Marriott and try to stay at one of your properties whenever I travel. I just applied for a job here in Cincinnati to work at the Kingsgate Marriott near the University of Cincinnati. Hoping to join your team soon, I remain,
Yours in travel,
Elizabeth Rang
Posted by: Elizabeth Rang | 03/06/2013 at 10:25 AM
wow that grate i will really be happy to get invovled with marriot- 5 star hotel
maybe sell our products in the hotel in Dubai!
http://www.herbalifebusinessopportunity.co.il
Posted by: john | 03/06/2013 at 03:36 AM
Dear Mr. Marriott,
It is wonderful to see your personal involvement in keeping Marriott on the move. I've always been fascinated with the true stories I've heard about your team from my friends who had the opportunity to work with you. Wish we had more leaders like you.
Thank you.
Abhijit
Posted by: Abhijit Pradhan | 03/05/2013 at 10:49 PM
Marriott Dubai. Breath of magic nature breeze in the air quality and the beauty of nature, a superb
Posted by: Bandar Mahboob | 03/04/2013 at 10:48 PM