One on One with The Connection by SpringHill Suites

I recently received a few questions from The Connection by SpringHill Suites, an exclusive online community of the brand’s most passionate guests. I’m delighted to be able to interact with this loyal group of supporters and thank them for being so enthusiastic about this wonderful brand. Brian Earley asked, “If...

Mapping Marriott's Global Footprint

When I’m on vacation, I love to walk along the beach and look back to see the footprints I’ve left in the sand. I know that companies can’t literally leave footprints, but all companies leave evidence of their activities. Marriott recently released its 2008-2009 Sustainability Report. It is a record...

20 Years of Helping Youths with Disabilities Find Meaningful Careers

July marks the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, something our company has supported with all our heart and soul. After all, we are in the hospitality business and we welcome everyone. That’s why last night I attended a very special event we...

Traveling with Little Ones? Marriott Has You Covered

Today, I’m blogging about two things that are very important to me -- opportunity and families. When my mother and father started our company as a root beer stand 83 years ago, they represented the great entrepreneurial spirit. They worked hard to build the business and were able to expand...

Celebrating the First Marriott-Branded Hotel Built on U.S. Tribal Land

One of my very favorite spots in the world to vacation is the Arizona desert. Since I was 16 years old, I have spent time with my family at our Camelback Inn Resort, just outside of Phoenix, Arizona, first with my parents and now with my great grandchildren. We love...

Tripling Our Presence in Mexico with Fairfield Inn & Suites

Today, we celebrated a momentous occasion at our headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland. We were joined by the Mexican Ambassador to the United States, Arturo Sarukhan, and representatives from the Pulso Hotelero ownership group in Mexico for the signing of a monumental development deal for our Fairfield Inn & Suites brand....

Embracing Marriott's Extended Family

I was recently in Orlando, Florida, for a conference with owners and franchisees of our select service and extended stay brands. Those brands are Courtyard, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn and TownePlace Suites. It's a great event where we build and strengthen relationships, align ourselves on company initiatives and...

The Face of Travel

Back in March, the U.S. Travel Association launched a contest to find the face of the travel industry. They were looking for someone who embodied the character and hard working spirit of our industry. I'm proud to announce that this extremely prestigious honor went to one of our Ritz-Carlton associates,...

Marriott's Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

I think everyone feels like change is in the air. We've all heard the buzz words "the new normal" or "reset," and for the most part, I think it's a good thing. It's about getting back to the things in life that really matter - being fiscally responsible rather than...

Recognizing Moms Everywhere This Mother's Day

This coming Sunday is Mother's Day - a special day to honor our moms and thank them for all they do. My mother, Alice, was a very special woman. Not only did she raise my brother and me and take great care of my father, she was very active in...