Marriott Hotels

History

Marriott was founded by J. Williard Marriot in 1927, when he and his wife Alice Sheets, opened a nine-stool A&W Root Beer stand in Washington D.C., which they later called "The Hot Shoppes”.  They expanded their enterprises into a chain of restaurants and in 1957; Marriot opened its first hotel, the 365-room Twin Bridges Motor Hotel in Arlington, Virginia.

J. Williard and Alice’s son, current Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, J.W.Marriott Jr. (also known as Bill Marriott) has led the company to spectacular worldwide growth.  Today, Marriott International has 3.150 lodging properties locatindeed in 68 countries and territories.

 

Marriott’s Values and Culture

According to the Marriott family, the core values established over 80 years ago have served the company well and will continue to guide their growth in the future.  

The fundamental ideals of service to customers are exemplified by Marriott’s ‘Spirit to Serve’ philosophy: “The customer is always right” A hands-on management style Attention to detail Openness to innovation and creativity in serving guests Pride in the knowledge that guests can count on Marriott's unique blend of quality, consistency, personalized service, and recognition

Marriott's core values drive the culture. Marriott’s culture influences the way they treat associates, customers, and the community. In the words of J.W. Marriott, Jr., "Culture is the life-thread and glue that links our past, present, and future."

Marriott in Costa Rica

Today, Marriott has 60 properties open in Latin America and the Caribbean, 5 of which are located in different regions of Costa Rica.  With spacious accommodations for families, couples and business travelers, Marriott’s Costa Rica hotels offer local flavor and all the comforts of home.

San José - Costa Rica Marriott Hotel
The first Marriott in Costa Rica was the ‘Costa Rica Marriott Hotel’, located in the country’s capital San José. This majestic hotel is set on a flourishing 30-acre coffee plantation, a beautiful hacienda that captures the elegance of the 16th century.  It’s an ideal hotel for both, business and adventurous Costa Rica vacation, where guests can enjoy a combination of luxury, comfort and natural beauty.
The Costa Rica Marriott Hotel was voted as one of the best hotels in Central America and Mexico. 

Playa Herradura – Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort
Los Sueños Marriott is a beautiful oceanfront resort that includes luxurious guest rooms and suites with breathtaking ocean, mountain and garden views.   This luxury Costa Rica hotel also features 6 restaurants and lounges, a wonderful golf course, casino, and a high-class Spa. 
Near the Central Pacific coast where Los Sueños Marriott is located, you will find Rainforest Trails, Pristine Beaches, Surfing, Diving and Snorkeling, Dolphin Watching, Flora and Fauna, Bird Watching, Whitewater rafting, Waterfall and Canopy Tours.
The Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort was recognized by ‘Travel & Leisure’ magazine readers, as one of the best hotels in the world.

San José – Courtyard San José Escazú
The Costa Rica Courtyard by Marriott Hotel is conveniently set in the lively urban center of Escazú, embracing cultural traditions through its architecture and offering guests a unique style in Costa Rica.  It is perfect for business travelers - near industrial parks, businesses and corporate offices. When the meetings are over, Courtyard is also within minutes to shopping, restaurants and the best nightlife in San José.
This beautiful hotel provides guests with ideal accommodations and services to make business and vacation travel easy and stress free.

Guanacaste – JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa
Another stunning oceanfront resort located on the country’s northwestern coast.  JW Marriott Guanacaste offers comfort and luxury in an environment that is authentically Costa Rican.  This resort is situated on a pristine and reclusive beach surrounded by Costa Rica’s natural beauty.
JW Marriott Guanacaste has 310 luxurious guest rooms with handsomely furnished balconies and magnificent views to the Ocean.

San José – Residence Inn San José Escazú
Residence Inn, Marriott’s second largest lodging brand, launches in the Caribbean and Latin America with the June 2009 opening of Residence Inn by Marriott San Jose Escazú.  It is located just 15 minutes from downtown San José and it’s close to prominent area businesses such as the CIMA hospital, which makes it ideal for families visiting patients.  Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, for a few days or a few weeks, Residence Inn has everything you need – the best balance of work and life.

News & Events

Marriott concerned with oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico
Marriott International is concerned with the current environmental threat caused by the ongoing oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico.  Marriott hotels continue to monitor the evolution of the situation and are staying in close contact with local and U.S. national authorities.  Marriott is optimistic about the preventive measures that have been implemented and expects they will successfully minimize potential damage to the planet. 

2010 to be a good year
According to Bill Marriott, “2010 is shaping up to be a good year” thanks to stronger demands and meaningful growth, with many property openings throughout the world.  Marriott has inaugurated 44 new properties in the 2010 first quarter, for a total of 3,457 properties and timeshare resorts worldwide.

Mariott International among top 10 companies
According to MSN Money, Marriott International is among the top 10 companies for excellent customer service and stated it’s a ‘textbook example’.  The company is often taught in business school conferences about good customer service. 

11th Annual ‘Spirit to Serve’ Our Communities Day
Marriott International’s headquarters celebrated the company’s 11th annual Spirit to Serve Our Communities Day on May 19th, in Washington D.C. More than 1,800 employees participated in different activities to benefit local schools, hospitals, parks and more.

Sunday Times’ ‘Best Green Companies’ List ranked Marriot International as #7
The environmental awareness of Marriott International hotels has led The Sunday Times, a local U.K. newspaper, to rank the company seventh on their ‘Best Green Companies’ List. Marriott has been making improvements that have helped achieving environmental goals, by creating an eco-friendly environment for their guests and surrounding communities.