In case you were worried that Marriott didn’t already have enough brands and concepts, there’s good news — there’s more on the way!
Marriott is introducing all-inclusive hotels
Marriott has announced that they’re launching an all-inclusive platform, giving their 133 million Marriott Bonvoy members new options for earning and redeeming points.
To kick this off, Marriott has signed management contracts with hotel developers who plan to build five new all-inclusive resorts, expected to open between 2022 and 2025, at the cost of over $800 million.
Initially Marriott’s plan is to leverage Ritz-Carlton, Luxury Collection, Marriott, Westin, W, Autograph Collection, and Delta by Marriott, for these concepts. Later on we could see more Marriott brands offer all-inclusive experiences as well.
Marriott’s EVP and Global Chief Development Officer, Tony Capuano, had the following to say:
“Our new all-inclusive resort platform is a natural progression for Marriott International. It will provide the ownership community a game-changing value proposition for their luxury and premium resort projects around the world, while providing guests a new vacation option with brands they trust.”
Note that currently Marriott does already have a couple of all-inclusives, but it’s not something they’ve emphasized up until now. These are just some random Westins that seemingly decided to be all-inclusives, but no focus has otherwise been put on the concept.
Marriott’s five all-inclusive resorts in the works
Contracts have been signed for over 2,000 rooms under Marriott’s new concept, spread across several brands in the Caribbean and Latin America.
In Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Marriott plans on opening the following resort:
- A 650-room Autograph Collection property, expected to open in 2022
In Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, Marriott plans on opening four resorts:
- A 240-room Ritz-Carlton property, expected to open in 2023
- A 400-room Westin property, expected to open in 2023
- A 300-room Autograph Collection property, expected to open in 2025
- A 500-room Marriott property, expected to open in 2025
Beyond the initial resorts they’re targeting, they hope to expand through a mix of new-build properties as well as conversions of existing properties. This could include existing Marriott properties being converted into all inclusives, and could also include non-Marriott properties joining Marriott.
Bottom line
I don’t think I’ve been to an all-inclusive in nearly 20 years. The last one I remember was when I went to Club Med when I was a kid. Historically the concept hasn’t had much appeal to me, though I’d certainly try one of these out.
I’m surprised it has taken Marriott so long to get into this segment. Hyatt and Hilton both have all-inclusives, yet Marriott, the world’s largest hotel group, hasn’t.
What’s your take on all-inclusives, and are you happy to see Marriott getting into this segment?
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