Ch. 1 - Overview of Marketing

Marriott Hotel History

In 1927, J. Willard Marriott opened the nine-stool root beer stand that grew into the Hot Shoppes Restaurant chain and evolved into today’s Marriott International hotel company. For the next 58 years, he built the Marriott brand on a foundation of guiding principles that remain embedded in the company’s culture today.

The Early Years

1927-1956: Marriott Takes Flight

It all began with an A&W root beer stand. Founder J. Willard Marriott and his wife, Alice, got their young business off the ground by quenching people’s thirst during Washington D.C.’s hot, muggy summers. Good food and good service at a fair price became a guiding principle for Hot Shoppes restaurants--and for Marriott International as it grew.

                                    

Taking care of customers at the first Hot Shoppe at 14th & Kenyon, 1927.

The Growth Years

1957-1985: A World of Hospitality

Marriott made a historic shift into the hotel business in 1957. The world’s first motor hotel opened in Arlington, Virginia, under the management of J. Willard Marriott’s son, Bill. Over the next 25 years, Marriott became a diverse global enterprise, and Bill Marriott became a visionary CEO whose leadership transformed the hospitality industry.

The Modern Years

1986-2011: A Bed for Every Traveler

One company, many brands--that’s the innovative model that Marriott began building in the late 1980s. From pioneering the extended-stay business to launching distinctive brands geared toward the business traveler to increasing its presence overseas, Marriott International broke new ground in its quest to become the #1 hospitality company in the world.

Raised in the family business, J.W. “Bill” Marriott, Jr. developed an early passion for hospitality. In his more than 50 years at the company’s helm, he built Marriott into a global lodging company with nearly 4,000 properties in more than 70 countries. 

Mission Statement

Our core values make us who we are. As we change and grow, the beliefs that are most important to us stay the same—putting people first, pursuing excellence, embracing change, acting with integrity and serving our world. Being part of Marriott International means being part of a proud history and a thriving culture.

Innovation has always been part of the Marriott story.

The Marriott family helped shape the modern hospitality industry. We’re driven to continually challenge the status quo and anticipate our customers’ changing needs with new brands, new global locations and new guest experiences.