In late 2024, Marriott announced that it would be greatly expanding its outdoor focused lodging options, with the acquisition of one company, and a long term agreement with another company. There’s now an additional update, as Marriott has launched a new, branded ”collection” for these properties.
Continue reading: New Marriott Bonvoy Outdoor Collection, With Postcard Cabins & Trailborn
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More evidence that Marriott has ceased to be a hotel company. It is now just a booking platform that just happens to operate a few luxury brands.
FNT - that development is not unique to Marriott (Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, etc have the same business model), and it's not new (the move to franchising, collection of brands, etc is decades old).
As these companies grow, they will continue to add non traditional lodging options. I know these companies have dabbled in home sharing concepts. Eventually I see more expansion in this area, especially if there are big portfolios of vacation homes that can get accumulated and packaged over the next few years.
Hyatt mostly does hotels. Hyatt manages a much higher percentage (a majority in fact) whereas Marriott franchises over 70%. Hilton and IHG franchise at a higher level than Marriott but neither Hilton nor IHG are trying to become the next Tripadvisor or Expedia. Marriott is doing it because it depends on fees for revenue since it isn't collecting management fees.
Wow. Underwhelming tiny cheap (but expensive to stay in) cabins. And of course, being an elite doesn’t matter to Marriott. Hilton and even Hyatt rolled their Glamping out correctly.
Marriott is plain mediocre. A fancy Wyndham. But at least your Wyndham points can get you good redemptions at great properties.