The company is seizing upon growing consumer interest among families and friends seeking more space for stays, propelled by the blending of work and leisure travel, and desire among younger travelers for wider accommodations options, it reports.
Marriott is building upon its 26 years of experience with Marriott Executive Apartments, its serviced-apartment brand in Asia, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America. With the introduction of Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy, the company expects it will enhance portfolio growth globally and bring the serviced-apartment concept to guests in the U.S. and Canada.
“Travelers planning vacations and long business trips today are seeking more choice in accommodations, and the introduction of Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy responds to those trends, while offering developers a premium product backed by our trusted name and distribution platform,” said Stephanie Linnartz, president, Marriott International. “With Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy, guests will be able to shop a wider array of accommodation options within the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, growing their loyalty to the portfolio and its range of brand offerings.”
The company plans to introduce the brand in the upper-upscale and luxury segments, distinguished from its existing extended-stay brands, with distinctly designed products that reflect the local neighborhood for independent travelers seeking more space and residential amenities. Guestrooms will feature a separate living room and bedroom, full kitchen and in-unit washer and dryer, but will be differentiated from Marriott’s existing extended-stay brands by not providing certain traditional hotel services such as food and beverage, meeting spaces and retail.
The brand is anticipated to offer developers flexibility to build new properties or convert existing properties, with a design approach similar to the company’s Autograph Collection and Tribute Portfolio lodging brands, which offer consumers independent, uniquely distinguished hotel experiences.
Among travel consumers and Marriott Bonvoy members, there is a growing desire for premium accommodations that provide home-like amenities as travelers combine work and leisure trips to reconnect with family and friends, the company reports. According to Phocuswright's research, three of the top five reasons for selecting an apartment-style rental are more room or space, access to a full kitchen and laundry, and home-like feel.
Tags: Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy, Extended Stay, Marriott Executive Apartments, Marriott International, Phocuswright, Stephanie Linnartz
