Marriott International

J. Willard Marriott and his wife Alice opened a small root beer stand in Washington, D.C., in 1927, launching a journey that would eventually span the globe. That humble beginning evolved into the Hot Shoppes restaurant chain before the first branded motel appeared in 1957. The company went public in 1967 and spent decades building an empire through strategic acquisitions, most notably the massive 2016 merger with Starwood Hotels & Resorts. This deal brought luxury labels like St. Regis, W Hotels, and Sheraton into the family fold.

Today the company manages over 8,785 locations with approximately 1.6 million rooms across 148 countries and territories. Their portfolio spans distinct categories ranging from budget motels to ultra-luxury resorts under more than 30 leading brands. Recent activity shows aggressive expansion including the opening of the first JW Marriott All-Inclusive resort in mid-October 2026 and a $38 million makeover for the Isla Verde Resort in Puerto Rico.

Leadership has shifted significantly since the founder's passing in 1985. Bill Marriott served as CEO for decades until 2012, followed by Arne Sorenson until his death in July 2021. Anthony Capuano now leads the company as President and CEO after being appointed in 2022. Financial analysts remain optimistic about their trajectory with Wells Fargo lifting its price target to $426 per share in late October 2026. [edit]