The explosion of automobile ownership in the 20th century, a growing middle class, the development of the interstate highway system, and accessible jet travel made destination vacations an important part of the American life. As tourism expanded, the number of hotel chains expanded along with it, with properties becoming better quality and standardized across brands.
Marriott is an American hotel chain and global company with 150,000 employees and an annual revenue that generally exceeds $10 billion. In a remarkable story of American success, Marriott began as a root beer stand on the streets of Washington, DC, which company founder J.W. Marriott started in 1927. The company opened its first hotel property in 1957 and currently has 3,150 hotels in 68 countries. In the United States Marriott operates the following chains: Renaissance, Ritz-Carlton, Courtyard and Residence Inn, among others. A 2008 survey by the Reputation Institute named Marriott the top United States company in the services sector. On a list of the 75 most reputable companies, they were the only lodging company, ranking at number 30.
Marriott
10400 Fernwood Road
Bethesda, MD 20817
301-380-3000
marriott.com
The Hyatt chain of hotels consists of Hyatt Regency, Park Hyatt and Grand Hyatt. The company was started in 1957 when Jay Pritzker bought the Hyatt House Motor Lodge near Los Angeles International Airport. The chain grew over the next decade and then received worldwide notice when it opened the Hyatt Regency Atlanta in 1967, which was the world’s first atrium hotel. The company has been honored as a leader in different hospitality sectors, including diversity, where it made Fortune Magazine’s “Best Companies for Minorities” list multiple times.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation
71 S. Wacker Dr.,
Chicago, IL 60606
312-750-1234
hyatt.com
The Hilton chain operates a number of brands in the United States, including Doubletree, Embassy Suites and Homewood Suites. The company was founded in 1919 when Conrad Hilton started a 40-room hotel in Cisco, Texas and it now claims its mission is to “fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality.” It began publishing a “Responsible Business” report that focuses on the company’s core values as they relate to people, diversity, health and safety of guests and employees, customer satisfaction, and company business practices. Its properties are often slightly upscale, and the company prides itself on its reputation for quality service and facilities.
Hilton
7930 Jones Branch Drive
McLean, VA 22102
310-278-4321
hiltonworldwide.com
