JW Marriott Washington, D.C., Bill Marriott and J.W. Marriott, Sr. Photo: Marriot Nearly a century after opening a small nine-seat root beer stand in Washington, D.C., Marriott International has reached one of the biggest milestones in its history: the opening of its 10,000th property worldwide.
The landmark property, JW Marriott Ranthambore Resort & Spa in Rajasthan, India, officially opened on June 11, 2026, becoming Marriott's 10,000th hotel and highlighting the company's remarkable global expansion ahead of its centennial celebrations in 2027.
The milestone was marked with the JW Marriott brand, named after the company's co-founder, J. Willard "J.W." Marriott, making the occasion especially symbolic.
The JW Marriott brand was launched in 1984 by J.W. "Bill" Marriott Jr. as a tribute to his father, who founded the company alongside his wife, Alice Sheets Marriott.
The first JW Marriott Washington, D.C. opened on February 6, 1984, just blocks from the location where the Marriott story began decades earlier with a small root beer stand. The hotel was built on the former site of The Washington Post and became the flagship of Marriott's luxury portfolio.
Since then, the brand has grown into one of Marriott's premier luxury offerings.
Today, JW Marriott operates more than 130 hotels worldwide, with nearly 90 additional properties in development across 41 countries and territories.
More than 45,000 associates now work across the brand's global portfolio, which includes landmark hotels that introduced JW Marriott to new regions around the world.
Some of the brand's notable expansion milestones include JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong (1989), JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City Polanco (1996), JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur (1997), and JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel (2000), which introduced the luxury brand to Eastern Europe.
JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong (opened in 1989). Photo: Marriot
JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City Polanco (opened in 1996). Photo: Marriot
JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur (opened in 1997). Photo: Marriot Marriott said the opening of its 10,000th hotel reflects the company's continued focus on growth while remaining committed to the founding principles established nearly a century ago, putting people first, pursuing excellence, embracing innovation, acting with integrity, and supporting local communities.
As Marriott approaches its 100th anniversary in 2027, the company continues expanding its portfolio of more than 30 brands while strengthening its presence in luxury, premium, and lifestyle hospitality markets around the world.