Marriott: A Global Hospitality Giant, From Root Beer Stand to Empire Marriott International stands as a titan in the hospitality industry, a name synonymous with comfort, consistency, and a vast portfolio of brands catering to every type of traveler. From its humble beginnings as a nine-stool root beer stand to a global empire encompassing thousands of properties, Marriott's journey is a testament to innovation, adaptation, and unwavering commitment to service.  With more than 8,500 properties across 138 countries and territories, Marriott has something for every type of traveler, and prices to match. A Legacy Built on Service: The story begins in 1927, when J. Willard and Alice Marriott opened a root beer stand in Washington, D.C... Read more about marriott.com.