Boston Strong

REFLECTIONS, RELIEF, RESPECT Boston’s most horrible and difficult week is finally over. Like most of you, I was following the events closely. I am deeply grateful to law enforcement and our Marriott security teams for keeping thousands of guests safe. Hotels become safe havens in times of crisis. Marathon runnners...

Dad, You’re Still My Valentine

Guest Blogger Debbie Marriott Harrison Me and my dad in Maine 1972 While my dad's busy with his book tour, I decided to hijack his blog in retaliation for his comments about what "tough interviewers" my brother, David, and I are. Let’s turn the tables and talk about one of...

A Tale of Two Guests

This is a tale of two guests. Larry Krebs lives in one of our China hotels about six months out of the year. Joy Bricker actually lived in a hotel in Falls Church, Virginia, for ten years. It was her home. (I blogged about her earlier this year.) What they...

Five Years Blogging - Pen Pals, Pilates and Hitting Publish

Five years ago, when I started this blog I wasn't sure what to expect. I love writing and sharing my thoughts with family, friends and talking to associates and customers. So I figured, well I guess so, why not? Through the years it's been a great outlet for me and...

What's an Executive Chairman?

I don’t have an opportunity to hand out many business cards, but my new card says “Executive Chairman.” You don't see that job title popping up on careerbuilder.com. You might be wondering what my new job is all about. I guess you need 40 years of experience as CEO. It...

I'm Blown Away, Thanks to our GM's

I recently attended our full service General Manager's conference in Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE. With hotels in 73 countries, our general session was like a United Nations general session. We were all there to learn about the innovative things being developed by our brands, to share best practices and...

Just Plain Happiness

It feels like I've been celebrating my 80th birthday for weeks. The first celebration was at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn, the second at our GM's conference in Los Angeles and the third (and hopefully last) was at our corporate headquarters. My daughter Debbie helped me cut the cake. I've...

The Big 8-0

The big 8-0. So, how does it really feel? A lot like turning 79. But obviously there’s more significance to eighty. These “zero” birthdays are tough. But once the celebrations die down, I’ll be retired as CEO and entering a new phase of my life. Below is a video from...

Remembering Dr. Burke, My Life-Saver

In August of 1985, I was putting gasoline into my boat at our summer place on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. I turned on the ignition switch to check the gas level, when I heard an explosion. The gas fumes had gathered around me as I stood on the deck...

Monumental Courage and Conviction of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (originally posted for MLK memorial dedication Oct. 2011)

My parents founded our company in 1927, nearly 30 years before the Civil Rights Movement. It didn’t matter to them who or what you were, you were welcome. Back then in the South, here in Washington, D.C., this was a courageous move. But they stuck to their beliefs. Martin Luther...