Marriott International, Inc. is the largest hotel company in the world, headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland. Established in 1927, the company began as a root beer stand and has since evolved into a global leader in hospitality, managing approximately 9,361 to 10,000 properties across 144 to 146 countries. With over 1.7 million rooms, Marriott operates a diverse portfolio of 30 to 36 distinct lodging brands, catering to various traveler segments, from luxury seekers to budget-conscious guests. The company employs a multifaceted business model that includes hotel management, franchising, and licensing. Marriott's brands range from luxury options like The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis to select-service hotels such as Courtyard by Marriott and Fairfield by Marriott. Additionally, Marriott offers vacation ownership through its Marriott Vacation Club and Grand Vacation Club. With around 411,000 employees and a revenue of approximately $23.7 billion in 2023, Marriott International continues to set the standard in the hospitality industry.