Are Sheraton and Marriott Connected?

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.

The Relationship Between Sheraton and Marriott: An Overview

Probably the most popular names in the hotel industry are Sheraton and Marriott, but few people know the relation between them. Now, Sheraton operates under Marriott International because the acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide finished its merger back in 2016. Being owned by Starwood, the mother company of Sheraton, was one of the major hotel chains around the globe. The purchase by Marriott International brought together two of Earth’s largest hotel chains.

As part of Marriott International, Sheraton has retained its distinct brand identity while benefiting from Marriott’s vast resources and global reach. Marriott’s acquisition of Starwood combined more than 30 hotel brands, including Sheraton, giving guests an opportunity to experience a wide variety of hospitality while benefiting from common loyalty programs and greater access to worldwide properties.

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.

Shared Benefits: What the Connection Means for Sheraton and Marriott Guests

Sheraton and Marriott are sister brands, sharing mutual benefits across both company’s larger umbrella. Some of the most prevalent ones are:

More Seamless Experience: Sheraton properties be booked throughout the Marriott system, which might make it easier for those already dedicated to the Marriott brand who are looking to get more familiar with Sheraton.
Unified Loyalty Program: Bonvoy Points earned and redeemed at Sheraton — the brand is part of Marriott’s Bonvoy loyalty program, so you can use your points in the same way across all Marriott brands.
Enhanced Guest Experience: Marriott’s reputation for quality and innovation is being put to good use with Sheraton properties, which are receiving upgrades, better services and more consistent guest experiences.

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.

Key Benefits for Marriott Bonvoy Elite Members at Sheraton:

Points Earned: For every stay at a Sheraton property, guests can earn Bonvoy points redeemable throughout any Marriott property.
Redeem Points: You can redeem your Bonvoy points to stay at Sheraton hotel or attend exclusive experiences only for Bonvoy members.
Elite Status Elite: Marriott Bonvoy elite who is compatible with that of Sheraton hotels will get perks like higher-upgrade room receiving, later fruits out and free Wi-Fi.

This integration has resulted in an even better travel experience for our Marriott Bonvoy members as we now offer countless opportunities to both earn and redeem points or status.

What Sets Sheraton Apart from Other Marriott Brands?

Despite being part of the Marriott family, Sheraton has managed to maintain its identity and stand apart from other Marriott brands in a couple of ways:

Heritage and Global Reach – Sheraton is one of the longest-established global hotel brands, with a repution for offering good quality but predictable accommodation that is aimed squarely at business travelers.
Mid Price Good: Sheraton falls in this property type of mid to upscale market, the place where there is a middle line between cost effectiveness and high quality amenities.
Business and Conference: Sheraton business hotels are in some of the most sought after locations in the world, only minutes from major airports, highways and prominent cities.

Whereas some brands, such as Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis, are unabashed luxury brands and Courtyard by Marriott, undeniably a budget brand, Sheraton plays the middle and relies on comfortable place in prime locations at a reasonable price for what it offers.

Global Presence: Sheraton’s Role in Marriott’s Worldwide Portfolio

The Sheraton brand remains one of the North Star images for Marriott’s long-term global growth path. Sheraton has more than 440 properties in more than 70 countries, per its website, with the brand being one of Marriott’s most widely recognized internationally. With its sizeable presence, Sheraton is a popular choice also among both business and leisure travelers around the world – particularly in high-traffic urban and resort locations.

That global reach across North America, Asia and Europe has made the brand a bedrock for Marriott’s international portfolio. Sheraton’s full-service options fit well alongside both full-service resorts and more city-focused hotels, giving Marriott a range of choices to meet different travel needs.

How the Sheraton-Marriott Connection Benefits Travelers

The Sheraton partnership provides a lot of benefits, especially to people who stay at Marriott properties often. There are limitless advantages of online classes, but the peak ones are listed below.

Greater Choice in Hotels: With Sheraton now part of the Marriott family, guests have a larger variety of properties — from budget to luxury — at their disposal throughout the world.
Integrated Loyalty – Complimentary to Marriott Bonvoy Rewards, seamless integration enables members to use points across brands which includes Sheraton allowing greater flexibility with accommodations.
Better Service Standards: Sheraton benefits from Marriott’s superior service record, providing a higher standard for the many guest experiences it strives to offer.
A Wider Net for Business Guests: Between Sheraton’s business-aimed amenities and Marriott’s substantial hold on the corporate travel market, there’ll be an integrated web that will likely make travel easier for business guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sheraton part of Marriott International?

Yes, Sheraton is part of Marriott International. The brand became part of Marriott’s portfolio following the 2016 acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts.

Can I use Marriott Bonvoy points at Sheraton hotels?

Yes, Marriott Bonvoy points can be earned and redeemed at Sheraton hotels, making it easy for loyal Bonvoy members to enjoy stays at Sheraton properties.

What are the key differences between Sheraton and Marriott?

While both are part of the same parent company, Sheraton has a unique brand identity. Sheraton primarily caters to business travelers and focuses on mid-to-upscale accommodations, while Marriott offers a broader spectrum of hotel options across different price ranges.

Are Sheraton hotels being upgraded under Marriott’s ownership?

Yes, Marriott has committed to upgrading many Sheraton properties to ensure they meet the brand’s standards. These upgrades often focus on improving guest amenities, room renovations, and modernizing common spaces like lobbies and conference centers.

What other brands are part of Marriott International’s portfolio?

In addition to Sheraton, Marriott International owns brands like Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Westin, Courtyard by Marriott, W Hotels, and many others, offering a wide range of options for different types of travelers.

Are Sheraton and Marriott Connected?