Marriott Reaches 10,000 Hotels with a Landmark Opening in Ranthambore
JW Marriott Ranthambore Resort & Spa, named after its co-founder, K. Willard Marriott, marks a defining chapter in one of hospitality's great stories.
By SOH Edit Team
Marriott International has reached a landmark that few companies in any industry ever do: its 10,000th property. The honour goes to JW Marriott Ranthambore Resort & Spa in Rajasthan, India, a choice that carries its own symbolism, given that the JW Marriott brand bears the name of co-founder J. Willard Marriott himself.
The scale of the journey behind this number is staggering. Ninety-nine years ago, Marriott began as a nine-seat root beer stand. Today, it operates across 146 countries and territories, with a portfolio that spans budget stays to some of the world's most celebrated luxury addresses.
"Marriott was founded 99 years ago as a nine-seat root beer stand, and as of today, has grown into a global portfolio of 10,000 properties spanning 146 countries and territories," says Anthony Capuano, President and CEO. "I'm immensely proud of this tremendous milestone, made possible by our global teams and the owners who continue to place their trust in Marriott brands."
Anthony Capuano, President and CEO, Marriott International.
The opening was marked by senior Marriott leadership, including Chairman of the Board David Marriott and Rajeev Menon, President for Asia Pacific excluding China, alongside owner Nilesh Gadhiya and the Gadhiya family.
David Marriott, chairman of the board of Marriott International, said India’s importance can be gauged from the fact that the company opened its 10,000th property in Ranthambore. “My father (chairman emeritus JW Marriott Junior) is 94, and he wanted to be around when we reached that landmark. I called him and told him, ‘it’s done’ and in India. He was thrilled. India has an incredible hospitality culture, one of the finest in the world.”
David Marriott, Chairman of the Board, Marriott International.
Set a short drive from Ranthambore National Park, one of India's most storied wildlife reserves, the resort offers 127 accommodations across guestrooms, suites, and private villas. Designed as a luxury nature retreat, it weaves wildlife experiences with wellness programming and regional dining.
The 10,000th property also spotlights the strength of Marriott's luxury segment, which now spans nearly 700 properties across 74 countries. The JW Marriott brand alone has grown to more than 130 hotels worldwide. Recent openings across the portfolio include The St. Regis Budapest, The Westin Playa Vallarta All-Inclusive Resort in Mexico, and new additions in China and the United States.
With its centenary approaching, Marriott arrives at this milestone not at the end of a chapter, but squarely in the middle of one. Besides Ranthambore, the hospitality company has recently celebrated several exciting openings, spanning midscale to luxury, including:
- The St. Regis Budapest opened in April and marked the brand’s debut in Hungary. Set within the iconic Klotild Palace, one of the city’s most renowned architectural landmarks, the property introduced the brand’s timeless sophistication, signature rituals and anticipatory service to Budapest’s most distinguished address.
- The Westin Playa Vallarta, an All-Inclusive Resort officially opened as Westin’s first all-inclusive property in Mexico. Located along the shores of Banderas Bay, the resort introduces a refined, experience-driven interpretation of stress-free, all-inclusive travel.
- Artik Suzhou, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy opened earlier this year, marking the brand’s debut in Greater China. Located in the heart of the historic city of Suzhou, the property blends contemporary design with the refined elegance of Suzhou’s centuries-old cultural heritage.
- StudioRes by Marriott Greensboro Airport officially opened its doors in May, about a year after signing. The new-build property was developed using modular construction and joined one of the company’s newest brand portfolios, catering to extended-stay guests.
