Marriott International has just secured its acquisition of CitizenM, a lifestyle hotel brand, for £266 million. This news came out in April, building on speculation that the Dutch hotel chain’s owners were considering a sale.
CitizenM operates 37 hotels with nearly 9,000 rooms across more than 20 cities in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Marriott is now working to merge CitizenM’s operations into its own system. They plan to incorporate two upcoming hotels from CitizenM, which will add over 300 additional rooms to their portfolio.
For now, guests can continue booking through CitizenM’s own digital platforms until the integration wraps up later this year. Once fully integrated, more details will emerge about CitizenM’s subscription program within the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty scheme.
Anthony Capuano, Marriott’s CEO, noted, “As travelers seek fresh lodging experiences that mix technology with genuine hospitality, the CitizenM brand fits perfectly with our portfolio.” He emphasized Marriott’s success in expanding select-service lifestyle brands like AC, Moxy, and Aloft, highlighting plans to grow CitizenM’s global presence.
CitizenM started in 2008, providing “affordable luxury” with compact, tech-savvy rooms, unique artwork, rooftop bars, and co-working spaces. Their journey in the UK began in 2010 with a hotel in Glasgow, offering rooms from £49. Today, they have multiple locations in London, including in desirable spots like Shoreditch and Tower Bridge.
This acquisition aligns with current trends in travel. A recent survey by the American Hotel & Lodging Association suggests that more travelers are prioritizing high-tech amenities and unique experiences when choosing accommodations. The hospitality landscape is evolving, and Marriott’s purchase of CitizenM could help them cater to this growing demand for innovative lodging.
In a world that’s changing rapidly, adapting to trends in travel and hospitality is crucial. Marriott’s strategy not only diversifies its offerings but also capitalizes on what modern travelers are looking for. As they finalize this integration, it will be interesting to see how CitizenM’s brand enhances Marriott’s overall appeal. For more information about Marriott’s latest updates, visit Marriott’s official website.