Marriott International has expanded to include 30 of the most desirable and prestigious hotel brands with the addition of the Starwood Hotels & Resorts portfolio. At a time when travellers place even greater emphasis on enriching and personal experiences, they can now choose from the most diverse selection of hotel brands ever. With more than 5,700 hotels and 1.1 million rooms in over 110 countries across the globe, guests now have access to the best hotels and resorts wherever they travel.

Marriott International and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide today announced their merger transaction has received approval from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce. As this was the last regulatory approval required to complete the merger, Marriott and Starwood are now able to proceed with closing the transaction and expect the transaction to be completed before the market opens on September 23rd, pending satisfaction of customary closing requirements.

Marriott International has revealed the signing of franchise contracts for five new Fairfield by Marriott hotels together with management contracts for a Courtyard hotel and a Marriott Hotel in China. The signing demonstrates Marriott’s commitment in expanding and deepening its collaboration with Chinese hotel partners.

Expedia has announced a new partnership with Marriott International which integrates its technology to power the hotel company’s own dynamic packaging platform “Vacations by Marriott” on Marriott.com in the United States. Expedia fosters a test and learn environment that allows the company to leverage its world class technology to identify and test new products that meet partner business goals, while also adapting to changes in the marketplace.

AC Hotel Guadalajara, Jalisco, has opened its doors, inviting guests and locals alike to experience a new way to stay in Mexico, catering to the creativity, passion, and entrepreneurial spirit of a new generation of travellers. The launch of the 188-room AC Hotel Guadalajara, developed and owned by FibraHotel and operated by Marriott International, marks the arrival of the design-driven brand in Mexico.

Marriott International and Starwood Hotels & Resorts have agreed to a request from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce to extend the time period allowed for the organisation to complete its review of the Marriott-Starwood merger transaction. This additional review period, known as phase three, could last up to 60 days.