Is Marriott part of Accor? Answer is – No, Marriott and Accor are separate, competing hotel companies. They are two of the largest hotel chains in the world, offering a wide range of brands and properties across different price points.

Is Marriott part of Accor?

The world of travel accommodations can be a maze of brands, logos, and loyalty programs. Two names that stand tall in this landscape are Marriott and Accor. While seasoned travelers might easily differentiate between them, the sheer number of hotels under their banners can be overwhelming for the less frequent hotel guest.

Let’s untangle some of this complexity. Marriott International and Accor are both behemoths within the global hospitality industry. Each company owns and operates a vast collection of hotel brands designed to appeal to different budgets, styles, and travel needs.

Understanding the distinction between these companies, and ultimately, their individual brands, is key to making informed decisions as you book your next stay.

Brief Overview of Marriott and Accor

Marriott International: Based in the United States, Marriott traces its roots back to a humble root beer stand in 1927. Today, it is the world’s largest hotel company, boasting over 8,000 properties across 30 brands spanning 139 countries and territories.

Accor: Headquartered in France, Accor has a rich legacy in European hospitality dating back to 1967. Accor operates more than 5,300 hotels globally, encompassing over 40 brands across a similar range of market segments.

Importance of Understanding Hotel Brand Ownership

Sarah Anderson

“While both Marriott and Accor offer exceptional experiences, understanding the parent company behind your chosen hotel has several benefits,” explains Sarah Anderson, Travel Consultant at Odyssey Travel. Here’s why it matters:

Loyalty Programs: Marriott Bonvoy and ALL – Accor Live Limitless are entirely separate loyalty programs. Your accumulated points and benefits within one system cannot be transferred or used at hotels within the other company’s portfolio.

Brand Consistency: While each hotel brand has its own personality, parent companies often instill overarching standards. This can impact things like service philosophy, amenities, and the overall design aesthetic you’ll encounter.

Geographic Focus: Though both companies are global, they have varying regional strengths. Marriott has a traditionally larger footprint in North America, while Accor holds a robust presence across Europe and Asia-Pacific.

What is Marriott?

Marriott International is a hospitality powerhouse that needs little introduction for frequent travelers. However, its journey from a Washington D.C. root beer stand to a global lodging empire is one worth revisiting.

1. Marriott’s History and Background

Humble Beginnings: In 1927, J. Willard and Alice Marriott founded a modest A&W Root Beer franchise. They pivoted to hot food with their Hot Shoppes restaurants and, in 1957, opened their first hotel – the Twin Bridges Motor Hotel in Arlington, Virginia.

Strategic Growth: Marriott expanded through a combination of savvy management, brand development, and well-timed acquisitions. Key milestones, like their 1993 acquisition of Ritz-Carlton, solidified their presence in the luxury market. The 2016 merger with Starwood Hotels & Resorts further diversified their holdings.

2. Portfolio of Marriott Brands

Marriott’s success lies in its diverse brand strategy, catering to a broad spectrum of travelers. Let’s break it down:

Luxury

• The Ritz-Carlton: Legendary service, timeless elegance.
• St. Regis: Refined opulence at iconic addresses.
• EDITION: Boutique-style hotels with distinct design and dining.
• JW Marriott: Sophisticated luxury for business and leisure.
• W Hotels: Trendsetting design, vibrant nightlife.

Premium

• Marriott Hotels: Marriott’s flagship brand, reliable and comfortable.
• Sheraton: Classic hotels in convenient locations worldwide.
• Delta Hotels: Streamlined service for focused travelers.
• Westin: Focus on wellness and rejuvenation.
• Renaissance Hotels: Encourages local discovery.

Select-Service

• Courtyard by Marriott: Designed for productive business travel.
• AC Hotels by Marriott: European-inspired, modern aesthetic.
• Moxy Hotels: Playful, millennial-focused accommodations.
• Fairfield Inn & Suites: Comfortable and family-friendly stays.

Extended Stay

• Residence Inn: Apartment-style suites with kitchens.
• TownePlace Suites: Ideal for longer stays or project work.
• Element Hotels: Eco-conscious design, extended-stay friendly.

3. Marriott Bonvoy Loyalty Program

James Martin

Marriott Bonvoy is one of the most popular hotel loyalty programs worldwide. “I love the flexibility of Marriott Bonvoy,” says James Martin, a frequent traveler and founder of TravelBlogAdvice. “So many brands under one umbrella means more opportunities to earn and redeem points in ways that fit my travel style.”

Key benefits of Marriott Bonvoy include:

• Free Nights: Earn points on stays, dining, and with co-branded credit cards, redeemable for hotel nights.
• Status Tiers: Progress to higher tiers (Silver, Gold, Platinum, etc.) for perks like room upgrades, lounge access, and bonus points.
• Experiences: Marriott Bonvoy Moments offers members-only access to concerts, sporting events, and culinary experiences.

What is Accor?

Accor is a European hospitality giant with a global reach that rivals Marriott in scale. While its name recognition might not be as widespread in North America, Accor boasts a loyal following with its diverse brand collection and strong presence across Europe, Asia Pacific, and beyond.

1. Accor’s History and Background

French Origins: Accor’s story begins in 1967 when co-founders Paul Dubrule and Gérard Pélisson opened their first Novotel hotel in Lille, France. The concept was revolutionary for its time, offering modern, standardized accommodations with a focus on comfort and convenience.

Growth Through Expansion: Over the decades, Accor’s growth has been fueled by strategic acquisitions and the development of new brands. Notable milestones include their acquisition of Sofitel in 1980, which marked their entry into luxury hospitality, followed by brands like Fairmont and Raffles in 2006.

2. Portfolio of Accor Brands

Similar to Marriott, Accor offers a range of brands tailored to diverse traveler needs and price points. Here’s a breakdown:

Luxury

• Raffles: Historic landmark hotels with legendary service
• Orient Express: The return of an icon, evoking the golden age of train travel
• Fairmont: Grand hotels in sought-after destinations worldwide
• Sofitel: Blends French elegance with local culture
• Banyan Tree: Sanctuary-like resorts known for spas and wellness

Premium

• MGallery: Boutique hotels with strong storytelling and design
• Pullman: Cosmopolitan hotels catering to business travelers
• Swissôtel: Inspired by Swiss efficiency and design
• Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts: Relaxed, family-friendly experiences

Midscale

• Novotel: Accor’s original brand, reliable and contemporary
• Mercure: Locally inspired hotels with unique personalities
• Mama Shelter: Stylish and vibrant, designed with a social focus

Economy

• ibis: Simplicity, comfort, and value-focused stays
• ibis Styles: Quirky designs and a touch of personality
• ibis Budget: Functional, no-frills accommodations

3. ALL – Accor Live Limitless Loyalty Program

The ALL – Accor Live Limitless program is another strong competitor in the hotel loyalty landscape.

Emily Dubois

“As a European traveler, ALL feels like my home team,” remarks Emily Dubois, a travel writer. “I appreciate how ALL unlocks local experiences in cities I frequent for work or leisure.”

Key benefits of the ALL include:

• Points + Status: Earn points on stays and through partners, progress to Silver, Gold, Platinum or Diamond tiers for enhanced perks.
• Lifestyle Rewards: ALL focuses on experiences beyond the hotel room, with points redeemable for dining, sporting events, shopping, and more.
• Co-Branded Credit Cards: Accelerate point earning with specific credit card programs.

Key Differences Between Marriott and Accor

While both Marriott and Accor are hotel powerhouses, there are subtle yet important distinctions between them. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Brand Focus and Distinctions

Marriott: North American Strength, Select-Service Focus Marriott’s portfolio skews slightly more towards North America. They have an especially strong presence in the select-service segment (think brands like Courtyard, Fairfield, Residence Inn) which offers business travelers and families reliable, comfortable stays.

Accor: European Roots, Diverse Luxury Offerings Accor proudly showcases its European heritage and excels in the luxury hotel space. Brands like Raffles, Orient Express, and Fairmont bring a sense of history and refined elegance. Accor also offers a wider range of truly budget-focused economy brands compared to Marriott.

2. Geographic Strengths

Marriott: North American Dominance While Marriott has a global footprint, they have a clear advantage in the United States and Canada due to a wider density of hotels in these regions.

Accor: Strong Europe, Asia-Pacific Presence Accor’s European origins give it an edge in major cities and destinations across the continent. They are also particularly well-established in the Asia Pacific region, offering greater choice in many Southeast Asian and Australian destinations compared to Marriott.

3. Loyalty Program Structures and Benefits

Marriott Bonvoy: Points Focus, Transfer Partners Marriott Bonvoy emphasizes earning and redeeming points for free hotel nights. It’s known for a large network of transfer partners, including airlines, allowing you to convert points into frequent flyer miles and vice-versa.

ALL – Accor Live Limitless: Experiential Rewards, Lifestyle Elements While ALL also allows for points redemption on hotel stays, their focus on experiences sets them apart. Members can use points for everything from exclusive concerts and culinary events to shopping and car rentals, appealing to those seeking rewards beyond the hotel room.

Daniel Thompson Expert Opinion

“Your choice between Marriott and Accor should be dictated by a mix of your usual travel destinations and preferred loyalty program style,” advises Daniel Thompson, Senior Travel Consultant at Global Escapes Travel. “If you’re a frequent flyer who mainly travels within the U.S., Marriott Bonvoy’s airline partnerships could be powerful. However, if you love to explore Europe or seek unique experiences beyond just hotel stays, ALL might be the better fit.”

Feature	Marriott	Accor
Brand Focus	Strong in North America, select-service focus	European roots, diverse luxury offerings
Geographic Strengths	Dominates in North America	Strong presence in Europe and Asia-Pacific
Loyalty Program	Marriott Bonvoy: Points focus, airline partners	ALL: Experiences, lifestyle rewards
Best Suited For	Frequent US travelers, point collectors	Europe/Asia-Pacific travelers, experience seekers

What Does This Mean for Travelers?

Understanding the distinctions between Marriott and Accor isn’t just about trivia – it has practical implications for how you plan your future trips. Here’s what to keep in mind:

1. Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Marriott and Accor

Destination: The simple question of “Where am I going?” is vital. If your travels center around the United States, Marriott’s wider selection might offer more practical choices. Venturing into Europe or destinations like Thailand? Accor’s greater hotel density in these regions could hold the advantage.

Budget: Both companies play in all segments, but nuances exist. Are you a true luxury traveler? Accor boasts a wider array of iconic, top-tier hotels. Extremely budget-conscious? Accor’s greater number of ‘no-frills’ economy brands might give you more suitable options.

Desired Hotel Style: Do you crave consistency and a recognizable standard, especially for business trips? Marriott’s strong select-service portfolio delivers on that. Conversely, if you love boutique hotels bursting with local character, Accor’s MGallery collection has unique gems to discover.

Loyalty Program Perks: Do you primarily collect points for free hotel stays, or do you crave experiences like concert tickets and special events? This is where Marriott Bonvoy and ALL diverge and aligning your preferences will reap the most rewards.

Airline Miles: Frequent flyers should pay close attention. If you collect miles on a specific airline partnered with Marriott Bonvoy, it might tip the scale in their favor, offering you flexibility to convert points between programs.

2. Benefits of Understanding Hotel Ownership Structures

Savvy travelers know that looking beyond the individual hotel name is key. Here’s why understanding parent companies matters:

Managing Expectations: Each company instills overarching service standards and philosophies across its brands. Knowing whether your hotel belongs to Marriott or Accor gives you baseline expectations for the style of service and amenities you’ll likely encounter.

Consistency for Brand Loyalists: If you’ve found a specific brand within either company that you love (say, Ritz-Carlton by Marriott or Sofitel by Accor), understanding the parent company lets you easily identify other hotels where you can expect a similar experience.

Unlocking Loyalty Benefits: Points earned at one Marriott hotel can be redeemed at thousands of their properties worldwide. The same goes for Accor. It’s impossible to get this flexibility by staying solely at independent hotels.

Sarah Harrison Expert Opinion

“Don’t underestimate the power of researching the parent company before booking,” emphasizes Sarah Harrison, Travel Blogger. “It’s an extra bit of homework that can save you from a disappointing stay if the hotel’s underlying vibe isn’t quite what you expected.”

FAQs

Can I use Marriott points at Accor hotels?

Unfortunately, no. Marriott Bonvoy points and ALL – Accor Live Limitless points are confined to their respective hotel families. You cannot cross-use or transfer them.

Are there any partnerships between Marriott and Accor?

There are no direct partnerships or points-exchange programs between Marriott and Accor. They remain steadfast competitors in the hospitality space.

Do Marriott and Accor hotels have the same price range?

Both companies offer hotels at a wide range of price points. However, Accor generally has a greater number of options at the extreme ends of the budget spectrum (especially more choices for true budget travelers).

Which company has a better loyalty program?

This is subjective and depends on how you like to redeem your points. Marriott Bonvoy focuses heavily on hotel stays, while ALL puts greater emphasis on experiences.

If I love a specific city, how do I determine if Marriott or Accor has a greater presence?

It’s best to research hotel options on platforms like Booking.com or Hotels.com. Filter by your desired location and compare the selection of Marriott and Accor brands that appear.

Is it worth staying loyal to just one company?

There are advantages to doing so, as you can climb to higher loyalty tiers and earn better perks over time. However, flexibility can also be valuable, especially if your travel patterns are unpredictable.

Conclusion

The world of hotel choices can be overwhelming. Understanding the key players, like Marriott and Accor, empowers you to move beyond individual hotel names and make strategic decisions based on their parent companies.

Keep these factors in mind as you plan your future travels:

• Destination is often the greatest deciding factor.
• Budget and your desired hotel style help narrow your focus.
• Loyalty programs offer rewards, but pick the one aligned with how YOU want to use your points.