Are Sheraton and Marriott Connected? A Comprehensive Guide
The hospitality industry across the world is also very much marked, at times, with consolidation and merger wherein big brands join hands to offer greater choices for their guests. One such grand connection can be drawn between two leading hotel chains, Sheraton and Marriott Hotels, that are now part of the same family. How, then, do Sheraton and Marriott relate? What kind of benefits does this connection bring for travelers?
Throughout the guide, we review the relationship between Sheraton and Marriott—what it means for guests, and how the two brands coexist within the bigger Marriott International portfolio.
When Did Marriott Acquire Sheraton?
Starwood Hotels & Resorts, the owner of Sheraton brand, was formally acquired by Marriott in 2016. The price: $13.6 billion and one of the biggest mergers in hospitality history, forming the world’s largest hotel company. A combined potent brand portfolio of Starwood that includes Sheraton, together with the existing Marriott collection now totals more than 7,000 properties spanning over 130 countries.
Excluding the historic chain: Sheraton being one of Starwood’s oldest and best known brands. The merger turned Sheraton into an essential part of Marriott’s portfolio, reinvigorating the brand and providing new capital to expand and invest in its properties.
How Sheraton Became Part of the Marriott Family
Sheraton was a part of the Starwood Hotels & Resorts family before being acquired by Marriott. Starwood was founded in 1969 and operated many famous hotel chains such as Westin, W hotels, St. Regis, and one you have heard of, Sheraton. Sheraton too had been around longer, founded in 1937. It was a byword for hospitality, particularly for business travelers and high-intermediate customers.
After its acquisition by Marriott, Sheraton was included in the latter’s expanding family of brands but carefully kept true to its brand essence. The Sheraton brand was another important target for Marriott, who committed considerable resources toward renovating and updating properties in order to bring the brand in line with contemporary guest expectations.
Sheraton and Marriott are sister brands, sharing mutual benefits across both company’s larger umbrella. Some of the most prevalent ones are:
That means guests who are already fans of either Sheraton or Marriott would enjoy more options and flexibility when they take their next trip.
Loyalty Programs: Can You Use Marriott Bonvoy Points at Sheraton?
Well, certainly the biggest piece of synergy from Marriott acquiring Starwood is the joint loyalty program. Marriott: Marriott’s global loyalty program is known as Marriott Bonvoy, which includes the entire portfolio of brands under Marriott, including Sheraton. That means that Bonvoy members can earn and spend points there just like they would at any Marriott hotel.
