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  1. Home
  2. Brands
  3. Travel & Hospitality
  4. Westin
Westin logo
Travel & Hospitality

Who Owns Westin?

Westin is a premium hotel brand owned by Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR). Founded in 1930 in Seattle as Western Hotels, the brand joined Marriott through the 2016 Starwood acquisition. Westin operates approximately 240 hotels and resorts worldwide with a wellness-centered positioning built around its Heavenly Bed, fitness, and healthy dining programs.

Parent Company

Marriott International

Acquired

2016

Status

Publicly Traded

Headquarters

Bethesda, Maryland, USA

Westin Timeline

1927
Marriott International

Parent company established in Bethesda, Maryland, USA

Company Founded
1930

Westin

Founded by Severt Thurston, Frank Dupar

Founded
2016
Acquired by Marriott International

Marriott International acquired Westin

Acquired
premiumpremiumGlobalOfficial Website

Who Owns Westin?

  • Parent Company: Marriott International
  • Ownership Type: Wholly owned
  • Acquisition Year: 2016
  • Company Type: Publicly Traded
  • Stock Ticker: NASDAQ: MAR
BrandParent CompanyOwnership Type
WestinMarriott InternationalWholly owned

History of Westin

  • Founded: 1930
  • Founders: Severt Thurston, Frank Dupar
  • Acquired by Marriott International: 2016

Severt Thurston, Frank Dupar, and a group of Puget Sound hoteliers formed Western Hotels in 1930 in Seattle, consolidating several regional hotel properties during the Depression. The management company model, operating hotels for owners rather than owning them outright, was an early precursor to the asset-light structure the industry later adopted.

United Airlines' parent UAL Inc. acquired Western Hotels in 1970 and rebranded it Westin Hotels in 1980, expanding it into an international upscale chain. Financial turbulence at the airline forced the 1988 sale to Japan's Aoki Corporation for approximately $1.35 billion.

Aoki sold Westin in 1995 to a partnership of Goldman Sachs and Starwood Capital. Starwood Hotels acquired Westin outright in 1998, adding it to a portfolio that already included Sheraton. Under Starwood, Westin developed the wellness identity that defines it today: the 1999 launch of the Heavenly Bed created an industry-wide focus on sleep quality and drove a measurable improvement in guest satisfaction.

Westin's Six Pillars of Wellness framework, covering sleep, eat, move, feel, work, and play, formalized the positioning through the 2000s. Programs including WestinWORKOUT fitness studios, RunWESTIN running maps, the Eat Well menu, and gear lending partnerships extended the brand beyond rooms.

Marriott acquired the brand in 2016 and has continued expanding it to approximately 240 properties. The wellness positioning has proven durable: travel industry trends toward health-conscious travel strengthened Westin's differentiation through the 2020s.

About Marriott International

What does Marriott International own?
Marriott International owns over 30 hotel brands including The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, W Hotels, JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels, Sheraton, Westin, Courtyard, Fairfield, Residence Inn, Moxy, and City Express by Marriott. The company operates approximately 9,500 properties in 140-plus countries and territories. However, Marriott owns very few of the physical hotel buildings. Approximately 99% of properties are managed or franchised for third-party owners. Marriott also owns the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program with over 230 million members.

Is Marriott International publicly traded?
Yes, Marriott International, Inc. is listed on NASDAQ under the ticker MAR. The company has been publicly traded since 1953. The Marriott family retains a significant but non-controlling ownership stake. Major institutional shareholders include Vanguard Group, BlackRock, and State Street. The company has a single-class share structure with one vote per share.

Who founded Marriott International?
Marriott was founded by J. Willard Marriott and his wife Alice Marriott, who opened a root beer stand in Washington, D.C. in 1927. The company entered the hotel business in 1957 with the Twin Bridges Motor Hotel in Arlington, Virginia. J. Willard Marriott handed leadership to his son Bill Marriott in 1972. Marriott International was created in 1993 when Marriott Corporation split into Marriott International (hotels) and Host Marriott (real estate).

Where is Marriott International headquartered?
Marriott International is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, near Washington, D.C. The company's global headquarters is located at 7750 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. The company operates approximately 9,500 properties in 140-plus countries and territories worldwide.

How many hotels does Marriott operate?
As of 2025, Marriott operates approximately 9,500 properties with over 1.7 million rooms across 140-plus countries and territories. The company has a development pipeline of approximately 3,800 properties and 590,000 rooms, representing significant future growth. Over half of the development pipeline is in international markets.

What is Marriott Bonvoy?
Marriott Bonvoy is Marriott International's loyalty program, with over 230 million members as of 2025. The program was formed in 2019 by merging Marriott Rewards, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards, and Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) following the 2016 Starwood acquisition. Members earn points on stays at Marriott properties, which can be redeemed for free nights, room upgrades, and other benefits. The program also includes co-branded credit cards with JPMorgan Chase and American Express.

Who is the CEO of Marriott International?
Anthony Capuano is the President and CEO of Marriott International, a position he has held since February 2021. He succeeded Arne Sorenson, who passed away from pancreatic cancer in February 2021. Capuano had been with Marriott for over 25 years before becoming CEO. The board of directors is chaired by David Marriott, grandson of founder J. Willard Marriott.

  • Founded: 1927
  • Headquarters: Bethesda, Maryland, USA
  • Company Type: Publicly Traded
  • Stock: NASDAQ: MAR
  • Revenue: $25.5 billion (FY2025, calendar year ended December 31, 2025)
  • Employees: Approximately 425,000

Visit Marriott International website

View full company profile for Marriott International

Where Is Westin Made / Based?

  • Headquarters: Bethesda, Maryland, USA

Westin Categories & Tags

HotelsWellness TravelBusiness TravelMarriottHospitality

Westin Sustainability & Ethics

Westin operates under Marriott International's Serve360 sustainability platform, which commits the parent to net-zero emissions by 2050. Properties implement Marriott's energy, water, and waste standards, including the elimination of single-use toiletry bottles in favor of larger dispensers.

The wellness positioning creates a natural alignment with sustainability messaging, though the brand holds no independent environmental certification at the brand level. Marriott publishes an annual sustainability report with verified emissions data covering all brands.

Awards & Recognition

Westin's Heavenly Bed is among the most commercially successful hotel innovations, credited with driving an industry-wide improvement in bedding standards and spawning a direct-to-consumer bedding business. Individual Westin properties regularly appear in Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure reader rankings, and the brand's wellness programming has received hospitality industry innovation recognition.

Westin Recalls & Controversies

Westin was part of the Starwood system affected by the data breach disclosed by Marriott in 2018, which exposed approximately 339 million guest records from the Starwood reservation database. Consequences included a UK ICO fine of approximately $23.8 million, a 2024 FTC settlement requiring a 20-year security program, and a $52 million multistate payment.

Brands Owned by Marriott International

Autograph Collection HotelsTravel Hospitality

Autograph Collection Hotels

Owned by Marriott International

Marriott's original soft brand of independent luxury and premium hotels, launched in 2010 with approximately 330 curated properties worldwide.

hotelsindependent-hotelssoft-brand
Courtyard by MarriottTravel Hospitality

Courtyard by Marriott

Owned by Marriott International

Select-service hotel brand launched by Marriott in 1983, operating approximately 1,300 properties worldwide for business travelers.

hotelsselect-servicebusiness-travel
Delta Hotels by MarriottTravel Hospitality

Delta Hotels by Marriott

Owned by Marriott International

Canadian premium hotel brand founded in 1962, acquired by Marriott International in 2015 and expanding globally with approximately 110 properties.

hotelspremium-hotelscanada
Design HotelsTravel Hospitality

Design Hotels

Owned by Marriott International

Curated collection of independent design-driven hotels founded in 1993, fully owned by Marriott International since 2020.

hotelsboutique-hotelsdesign-hotels
Element HotelsTravel Hospitality

Element Hotels

Owned by Marriott International

Eco-conscious extended-stay hotel brand launched by Starwood in 2008, owned by Marriott International with approximately 110 properties.

hotelsextended-stayeco-friendly
Fairfield by MarriottTravel Hospitality

Fairfield by Marriott

Owned by Marriott International

Economy select-service hotel brand launched by Marriott in 1987, operating approximately 1,300 properties focused on consistent value.

hotelsselect-servicebudget-travel
View all brands owned by Marriott International

Westin Ownership: Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • +Distinctive wellness positioning unmatched in the premium segment
  • +Heavenly Bed provides a durable branded differentiator
  • +Bonvoy loyalty integration across 230 million members
  • +Appeals to both business and wellness-oriented leisure segments
  • +Marriott development engine supports global expansion

Considerations

  • -Starwood-era data breach affected guest trust and triggered penalties
  • -Wellness programming requires ongoing investment to stay credible
  • -Premium segment crowding limits rate premium in some markets
  • -Third-party ownership creates uneven delivery of wellness standards
  • -Sister brands Marriott and Sheraton compete for overlapping guests

Frequently Asked Questions About Westin

Sources & Further Reading

  • Westin official website
  • Marriott International Investor Relations
  • Marriott 2025 Growth Milestones
  • Westin Wikipedia
  • Marriott-Starwood Acquisition
  • Marriott International Wikipedia
  • NASDAQ: Marriott (MAR)

Competitors to Westin

These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.

BrandParent CompanyCountryFoundedMarket PositionPrimary MarketGender Target
Courtyard by MarriottCourtyard by MarriottSister Brand
Marriott International
USA
1983
Mass marketGlobalAll Genders
Marriott HotelsMarriott HotelsSister Brand
Marriott International
USA
1957
PremiumGlobalAll Genders
Protea Hotels by MarriottProtea Hotels by MarriottSister Brand
Marriott International
South Africa
1984
Mass marketRegionalAll Genders
SheratonSheratonSister Brand
Marriott International
USA
1937
PremiumGlobalAll Genders
Delta Hotels by MarriottDelta Hotels by MarriottSister Brand
Marriott International
USA
1962
PremiumGlobalAll Genders
Element HotelsElement HotelsSister Brand
Marriott International
USA
2008
Mass marketUnited statesAll Genders

Learn More About Competitors

Courtyard by MarriottTravel Hospitality

Courtyard by Marriott

Owned by Marriott International

Select-service hotel brand launched by Marriott in 1983, operating approximately 1,300 properties worldwide for business travelers.

hotelsselect-servicebusiness-travel
Marriott HotelsTravel Hospitality

Marriott Hotels

Owned by Marriott International

Flagship premium hotel brand of Marriott International, operating approximately 600 full-service hotels worldwide since 1957.

hotelsfull-service-hotelsbusiness-travel
Protea Hotels by MarriottTravel Hospitality

Protea Hotels by Marriott

Owned by Marriott International

Africa's largest hotel brand, founded in South Africa in 1984 and acquired by Marriott International in 2014.

hotelsafricabusiness-travel
SheratonTravel Hospitality

Sheraton

Owned by Marriott International

Global premium hotel brand founded in 1937, owned by Marriott International since the 2016 Starwood acquisition with approximately 450 properties.

hotelsfull-service-hotelsbusiness-travel
Delta Hotels by MarriottTravel Hospitality

Delta Hotels by Marriott

Owned by Marriott International

Canadian premium hotel brand founded in 1962, acquired by Marriott International in 2015 and expanding globally with approximately 110 properties.

hotelspremium-hotelscanada
Element HotelsTravel Hospitality

Element Hotels

Owned by Marriott International

Eco-conscious extended-stay hotel brand launched by Starwood in 2008, owned by Marriott International with approximately 110 properties.

hotelsextended-stayeco-friendly

Competitive Analysis

Market Positioning: Westin competes with 6 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.

Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.

Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.

Independent Alternatives to Westin

Looking for brands with different ownership structures? These similar brands are not owned by Marriott International, giving you alternative choices that support different corporate structures.

Finns Beach ClubTravel Hospitality

Finns Beach Club

Owned by FINNS Bali Group

Beachfront entertainment venue in Canggu, Bali, known for infinity pools, dining, and sunset events. Operated by PT Pantai Semara Nusantara.

beach-clubhospitalitybali
Privately Owned

Finns Beach Club is privately owned, unlike Westin which is under a publicly traded parent company.

Aquaventure WaterparkTravel Hospitality

Aquaventure Waterpark

Owned by Kerzner International Holdings Limited

141-acre water park at Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas, featuring high-speed slides, river rides, and marine habitat experiences, operated by Brookfield Asset Management.

water-parkresort-attractionbahamas
Privately Owned

Aquaventure Waterpark is privately owned, unlike Westin which is under a publicly traded parent company.

Kingdom HospitalityTravel Hospitality

Kingdom Hospitality

Owned by Kingdom Hospitality, LLC

Full-service short-term rental and vacation property management company founded by Tim Venus in 2021 and headquartered in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, serving owners across multiple US markets.

short-term-rentalsvacation-rentalsproperty-management
Privately Owned

Kingdom Hospitality is privately owned, unlike Westin which is under a publicly traded parent company.

Taj HotelsTravel Hospitality

Taj Hotels

Owned by Tata Group

India's flagship luxury hotel brand, operated by Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), a subsidiary of Tata Group. One of the most recognized luxury hospitality brands in Asia with approximately 350 hotels globally.

luxury-hotelsindian-brandhospitality
Privately Owned

Taj Hotels is privately owned, unlike Westin which is under a publicly traded parent company.

The Royal TowersTravel Hospitality

The Royal Towers

Owned by Kerzner International Holdings Limited

Iconic hotel towers at Atlantis Paradise Island featuring 1,201 rooms and suites, the Bridge Suite, and direct access to Aquaventure water park and marine habitats. Renovated in 2024 as part of a $150 million resort-wide transformation.

luxury-hotelresort-accommodationbahamas
Privately Owned

The Royal Towers is privately owned, unlike Westin which is under a publicly traded parent company.

Dolphin CayTravel Hospitality

Dolphin Cay

Owned by Kerzner International Holdings Limited

14-acre marine habitat and conservation center at Atlantis Paradise Island offering dolphin encounters and marine education programs.

marine-habitatdolphin-encounterconservation
Privately Owned

Dolphin Cay is privately owned, unlike Westin which is under a publicly traded parent company.

Marriott International Stock Information

Jobs at Marriott International

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Last reviewed: September 26, 2026 · Reviewed by Who Brands Editorial Team