A Celebration of Associates, Our Family

All Awards of Excellence Honorees on Stage (May 2018) I’m probably biased, but I really believe that our organization is one big family. That’s why my heart was warmed when I recently met Jackie Ford, executive assistant at the College Park Marriott in Maryland. She told me Marriott is where...

The Top Three Things I Look for When Visiting a Hotel

It probably goes without saying, but I have visited thousands of hotels. Just this past year, I have seen over 100—and that’s a drop in the bucket compared to my younger days. Touring properties is a passion of mine, not an obligation. I’m often my happiest when I’m at a...

A Tradition Worth Celebrating

This year we recognize nine associates and four hotels who consistently go above and beyond for our guests and associates. I could write at length about each one, but I’ll highlight just a few here.

Marriott’s First Lady – A Tribute to My Mother

My mother was a woman of “firsts” and her story continues to pave the way for women striving to make an impact as businesswomen and true partners. My mother was a leader in our company and our family – her legacy is unforgettable.

Remembering My Mom on Mother's Day

Mom & me, 1936 This Mother's Day, I thought I'd share some memories of my mother who passed away 15 years ago at the age of 92. Alice Sheets Marriott was truly an amazing woman. Her father died in 1919 from the flu epidemic following the First World War. Her...

Selling Underwear to Lumberjacks

It’s not quite the same as selling ice cubes to Eskimos, but selling long, woolen black underwear to lumberjacks in the hot summer comes pretty close. I’ve heard this story since I was a little boy. Let me tell you what my dad did to pull it off. My dad...

FAMILY FIRST

New Year's Day, brother Dick and our families with our parents Family has always been number one in my life. As a father, I made it a point to be home for dinner every night I was in town. Over my career, I arrived at the office at 8:00 a.m....

Interviewed by a Millennial (Part 2)

Cornell University School of Hotel Administration students My Favorite Things, Career Advice & Online Dating My blog assistant, Ayanna, was so probing with her questions last week that we had plenty of good material left over. (If you missed it, here's Part 1.) As with all good interviewers, Ayanna waited...

Interviewed by a Millennial (Part 1)

This week, I’m doing something different. Ayanna Alleyne, our social media maven at Marriott and my blog assistant, wants to ask me some questions. She’s a bonafide Millennial, 60 years younger than me. I’m sure this will be like no other interview. So, here we go: Ayanna: Mr. Marriott, I’ve...

The Haiti Principle

My daughter, Debbie Marriott Harrison, recently returned from the ceremonial opening of the Port-au-Prince Marriott Hotel in Haiti. Debbie is our company’s global officer for Marriott culture and business councils. She was so moved by her trip that I thought it best for her to share it on my blog....