Destination Haiti

I’ve worked on a lot of development deals, but none have involved a former U.S. President, celebrities and our associates. It’s an incredible story of an inspired group coming together to build and now open the Marriott Port-au-Prince Hotel in Haiti. Just five years ago on January 12, 2010, a...

The Presidents Club

A Presidents Day Book Review "The Presidents Club" book was a wonderful insight in the behind-the-scenes events that took place during the presidencies of Truman through Obama. When I was young, the only president I knew about was Franklin Delano Roosevelt. When Truman succeeded Roosevelt, I was old enough to...

What I Learned From Coach Urban Meyer

In my office I have a few pictures of my family and leaders who I am proud of and seek to emulate. One of these is an autographed picture of Urban Meyer, who The Wall Street Journal recently headlined, “Once and Future King of College Football.” I followed Coach Meyer’s...

Smiles are Better Than Smiley Faces

I had lunch the other day with our terrific general managers from select service and extended stay brands known as CFRST – Courtyard, Fairfield Inn and Suites, Residence Inn, SpringHill Suites and Towneplace Suites. We talked about social media and how it’s changing customer service. As I listened to our...

Why You Should Hire a Vet

Monday marks an important day in our nation’s history. It’s Memorial Day. While many of us will be grilling up some burgers and enjoying the warm weather with our family and friends, this day honors the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country— laying down their...

Marriott Gets Small Business

Our Small Business in 1927 This week is National Small Business Week and it got me thinking about our company’s start as a small business. Eighty-seven years ago this month, my father and mother opened the first A&W franchise in Washington, D.C. They started out with six employees and a...

Marriott's 'Spirit to Serve' is in Good Hands

When I was a boy and young man, community service was of little or no interest to me. I’m not sure why. Perhaps I considered my Naval service career enough. No one had even thought of recycling or wearing a seat belt for that matter. We had sacrificed during the...

Renovating Riyadh

I remember travelling across the world to the desert sands of Saudi Arabia in 1979. We were starting to open hotels all over the world. With its rich culture and strong heritage, Saudi was the best place to plant our first flag in the Middle East. The Riyadh Marriott Hotel...

How It All Got Started

Have you heard of taking your act on the road? Well, that's what I've been doing lately with the help of my daughter, Debbie Marriott Harrison. Debbie is our Global Officer of Marriott Culture and Business Councils. A company's culture is not something you can build over night. My father...

Ben Voogd: Navigating Amsterdam by Bike

During my travels, I meet a lot of associates around the world. I’m often impressed not just by how well they serve our guests, but how much they love it. They take a lot of pride in being able to make our customers happy. It makes me feel great knowing...