Hotel Brands Explained: Marriott, Hilton, IHG, And Hyatt – Who Owns What?

Did you know that New York City alone has 224 Marriott International hotels? Or that the Algonquin Hotel belongs to Marriott’s portfolio? Bonus points if you can name all 30 hotel brands under Marriott. 

While other accommodation options like Airbnb have become extremely popular, hotels are still a huge business globally. In 2023, the hotel and resort industry market size worldwide reached $1.5 trillion.

Today, major hotel companies have expanded their portfolios beyond traditional chains. You now see boutique collections, timeshare properties, and short-term rentals under the same corporate umbrella. Mergers, acquisitions, and soft brands have produced hundreds of distinct hotel types across the market. Even within one company, you get dozens of options.

You need to know who owns which brand. Brand ownership affects development rights, franchise opportunities, and competitive positioning. If you work in hospitality, or compete with it, you can’t afford to guess. 

We’ve broken down the top hotel brands by parent group and chain scale, including how megabrands like Marriott, Hilton, IHG, and Hyatt shape the global market.

 

What is a hotel brand?

A hotel brand is the unique identity a hotel uses to define its style, service level, and guest experience. Hotel groups create brands to target specific types of travelers, such as luxury guests, business travelers, or budget-conscious visitors. The biggest hotel groups, including Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Hyatt, Wyndham, Accor, Choice Hotels, and Best Western, manage multiple brands under their corporate umbrella.

While these groups control the branding, most hotels are independently owned and operate under franchise agreements. Owners pay to use the brand name, reservation systems, loyalty programs, and operational guidelines. In return, they keep control of the property. Some hotel groups also manage properties directly, but franchising drives most of the growth. You might stay at two hotels under the same brand, but different people or companies may run them.

Each brand fits into a tier: luxury, premium, midscale, or economy. Luxury brands offer high-end design, full-service amenities, and a strong focus on experience. Premium brands deliver comfort and service with fewer extras. Midscale and economy brands focus on functionality and price. This segmentation allows hotel groups to serve a wide range of travelers and price points.

Some brands hold strong recognition and value. They attract loyal guests, charge higher rates, and maintain consistent quality. Others focus on niche audiences or compete through price. You can see the gap in perception, guest expectations, and market power. That makes brand development a key part of hotel strategy. 

 

1. Marriott International: Portfolio overview

 

​Marriott International, headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, is a leading global hospitality company with a huge portfolio of brands catering to diverse traveler preferences. The company has nearly 9,100 properties across 142 countries and territories, with over 1.5+ million rooms. 

The brand portfolio covers every segment, from ultra-luxury to extended stay.

Luxury brands

Marriott’s luxury segment includes The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, JW Marriott, and Bulgari. Bulgari Hotels comes from a partnership with the Italian jewelry house. Each property reflects Bulgari’s contemporary design style and targets the top 0.01% of travelers. 

With over 60 properties, St. Regis offers luxurious stays in some of the world’s most desirable destinations, including New York, Rome, and Abu Dhabi. The brand is renowned for its signature butler service, delivering bespoke care amidst settings of unmatched glamour and grandeur. The luxury tier delivers high-end service, premium design, and exclusive locations.

Premium brands

The premium category includes Marriott Hotels, Sheraton, Delta Hotels, Le Méridien, Westin, Renaissance Hotels, Autograph Collection, Tribute Portfolio, Design Hotels, and Gaylord Hotels. These brands offer upscale experiences with a focus on style, comfort, and convenience. 

They attract both business and leisure travelers who expect full-service features without luxury price tags.

Select brands

Marriott places Courtyard, Fairfield Inn, AC Hotels, Aloft Hotels, Moxy Hotels, SpringHill Suites, Four Points by Sheraton, Protea Hotels, and City Express in its select service tier. 

These brands provide consistent quality and modern amenities at lower price points. They appeal to travelers who want efficiency and comfort without full-service extras.

Longer stays

For guests seeking extended stays, Marriott offers Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Element, Marriott Executive Apartments, Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy, and Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy. 

These brands provide spacious accommodations with home-like amenities, catering to travelers requiring longer-term lodging solutions.​

 

2. Hilton Worldwide: Portfolio overview

 

Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., founded in 1919 by Conrad Hilton, has grown into a leading global hospitality company headquartered in Tysons, Virginia. The hotel operates 7,530 properties across 126 countries and territories, encompassing over 1.18 million rooms. The company’s portfolio includes 22 brands spanning various market segments, from luxury to extended stay. 

Hilton employs a predominantly asset-light business model, with the majority of its properties managed or franchised rather than owned. This approach allows Hilton to focus on brand development, operational excellence, and global expansion. 

Under the leadership of CEO Christopher J. Nassetta, Hilton has experienced significant growth, returning to the New York Stock Exchange in 2013 and expanding its brand presence worldwide. In fact, Hilton claimed the top spot on Forbes’ list of 100 Best Companies to Work For in the US in 2025. 

Below are some of the major hotel brands under Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.:

Luxury

Hilton’s luxury portfolio includes Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts and Conrad Hotels & Resorts. Waldorf Astoria offers iconic hotels and resorts in landmark destinations, providing exceptional service and elegant accommodations. Conrad Hotels & Resorts focuses on contemporary luxury, offering bold design and authentic experiences in inspiring urban and resort locations. 

Both brands cater to affluent travelers seeking refined experiences and personalized service. Additionally, Hilton’s LXR Hotels & Resorts and NoMad Hotels further enhance its luxury offerings, providing bespoke services and unique experiences in select destinations. 

Upscale

The upscale segment features Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Curio Collection by Hilton, and Tapestry Collection by Hilton. Hilton Hotels & Resorts is the flagship brand, offering full-service accommodations in major cities and resort destinations worldwide. Curio Collection by Hilton comprises a global portfolio of upscale hotels that offer travelers authentic, curated experiences through distinctly local touches and unexpected amenities. 

Tapestry Collection by Hilton is a portfolio of original hotels that offer guests unique style and vibrant personality, encouraging exploration and adventure. These brands cater to travelers seeking quality accommodations with distinctive character and local flair.

Midscale

Hilton’s midscale offerings include Hampton by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, and Tru by Hilton. Hampton by Hilton provides value-conscious travelers with comfortable accommodations, free hot breakfast, and friendly service. Hilton Garden Inn offers upscale yet affordable accommodations with amenities such as on-site dining and flexible meeting spaces. 

Tru by Hilton is a vibrant, budget-friendly brand that focuses on providing a fun and energetic atmosphere with modern design and essential amenities. These brands cater to travelers seeking quality accommodations at accessible price points.​

Extended Stay

Hilton’s extended stay brands include Homewood Suites by Hilton and Home2 Suites by Hilton. Homewood Suites offers spacious studio and one-bedroom suites featuring fully equipped kitchens, separate living and sleeping areas, and complimentary hot breakfast. 

Home2 Suites provides modern, eco-conscious accommodations with open, flexible spaces, full kitchens, and amenities such as outdoor lounge areas and grills. Both brands cater to guests seeking home-like accommodations for longer stays, offering comfort and convenience for business and leisure travelers alike.

 

3. IHG Hotels & Resorts: Portfolio overview

 

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), headquartered in Windsor, Berkshire, England, stands as a prominent British multinational hospitality company. IHG Hotels & Resorts runs a global hotel business with 19 hotel brands, more than 6,600 open hotels in over 100 countries, a pipeline of 2,200 additional properties, and one of the industry’s largest loyalty programs.

Hotel brands within IHG Hotels & Resorts brought in approximately $33.4 billion in gross revenue during the 2024 financial year, up around 5% from the $31.6 billion recorded in 2023. 

Here’s a look at some of these brands:

Luxury & lifestyle

IHG’s luxury and lifestyle segment features esteemed brands such as InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, and Regent Hotels & Resorts. InterContinental, established in 1946, offers luxurious accommodations in prime locations worldwide, catering to discerning travelers seeking elegance and sophistication. 

Six Senses, acquired by IHG in 2019, is renowned for its commitment to wellness and sustainability, providing immersive experiences in tranquil settings. Kimpton, known for its boutique charm, delivers personalized service and distinctive design, creating memorable stays for guests. Regent, reintroduced under IHG’s portfolio, combines timeless luxury with contemporary flair, offering refined experiences in select destinations. ​

Premium

The premium category includes brands like Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Indigo, and Voco. Crowne Plaza caters to business travelers, providing amenities such as flexible workspaces and restful environments, with ongoing renovations to enhance its offerings. 

Hotel Indigo presents boutique-style accommodations, each reflecting the local culture and neighborhood, offering guests unique and authentic experiences. Voco, introduced in 2018, combines the informality and charm of an individual hotel with the quality and reassurance of a global brand, providing upscale accommodations with a distinctive character. 

Essentials

IHG’s essentials segment comprises Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, and Avid Hotels. Holiday Inn, a longstanding brand, offers family-friendly accommodations with a focus on comfort and convenience, making it a popular choice for travelers worldwide. Holiday Inn Express provides modern, affordable lodging with essential amenities, catering to both business and leisure guests seeking value and quality. 

Avid Hotels, launched in 2018, is a midscale brand emphasizing the basics done exceptionally well, offering guests a reliable and straightforward lodging experience.

Suites

The suites category features Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites. Staybridge Suites offers spacious, all-suite accommodations with fully equipped kitchens, catering to extended-stay travelers seeking a home-like environment. 

Candlewood Suites provides affordable extended-stay options, featuring suites with full kitchens and amenities designed for travelers requiring longer stays. Both brands focus on delivering comfort and convenience, meeting the diverse needs of guests seeking longer-term lodging solutions. ​

 

4. Hyatt Hotels Corporation: Portfolio overview

 

Hyatt Hotels Corporation started in 1957 when Jay Pritzker bought a small motel near Los Angeles International Airport. The company now operates over 1,400 hotels and resorts in 79 countries and territories. Its global footprint includes more than 291,593 rooms and a growing all-inclusive presence. In fact, the brand plans to add over 35 new hotels worldwide by the end of 2028, increasing its portfolio by 50%.

The brand expanded rapidly after acquiring Two Roads Hospitality in 2018, Apple Leisure Group in 2021, and Dream Hotel Group in 2023. Its five-category structure, including Timeless, Boundless, Independent, Inclusive, and Essentials, organizes its brands by experience and style. Hyatt runs its loyalty program, World of Hyatt, with over 46 million members, giving guests access to perks across every brand.

Luxury

Hyatt’s luxury brands include Park Hyatt, Miraval, and Alila. Park Hyatt brings high-end service and refined design to major cities and resort destinations. You can expect artful interiors, premium dining, and personalized service. 

Miraval focuses entirely on wellness, offering immersive programs, spa treatments, fitness classes, and nutrition guidance. You check into Miraval when you want a full reset, not just a place to sleep. Alila blends luxury with sustainability and nature. It places you in remote or culturally rich settings and connects you to local traditions without compromising comfort. 

Together, these three brands offer a mix of opulence, serenity, and meaningful travel.

Premium

Hyatt’s premium segment covers Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Centric, and Thompson Hotels. Hyatt Regency serves business and leisure travelers who want full-service properties with event spaces, lounges, and onsite dining. It focuses on function, scale, and comfort. 

Similarly, Hyatt Centric places you in the middle of urban action. It targets curious travelers who want to explore a city and use the hotel as a launchpad, not a retreat. Rooms feature clean design and smart tech. 

On the other hand, Thompson leans into fashion, food, and local culture. It brings bold interiors, rooftop bars, and high-energy spaces to creative districts in major cities. You find depth, attitude, and a social vibe across this tier.

Upscale

Hyatt’s upscale brands include Hyatt House, Hyatt Place, and Caption by Hyatt. Hyatt House targets extended-stay guests who need kitchens, large rooms, and work areas. Hyatt Place suits business travelers and families who want 24/7 service, free breakfast, and thoughtful amenities. You’ll find fitness centers, casual food options, and modern design at each property. 

Caption blends community and comfort. It pulls in a younger audience with shared social spaces, grab-and-go food, and flexible room types. You can hang out, work, or grab a drink in its all-day lounge.

All-inclusive

Ziva welcomes families with kids’ clubs, water parks, multiple dining options, and entertainment for every age. You get spacious rooms and easy access to pools, beaches, and buffets. 

In contrast, Zilara focuses only on adults. You’ll find quiet pools, fine dining, wine tastings, and activities built around romance and relaxation. Both brands offer beachfront locations across Mexico and the Caribbean, with one set of prices covering everything you eat, drink, and do. 

Hyatt brought these resorts into its portfolio through its acquisition of Apple Leisure Group. You can earn and use World of Hyatt points across both brands.

 

5. Choice Hotels: A competitive midscale player

 

Choice Hotels International, Inc., headquartered in North Bethesda, Maryland, ranks among the world’s largest lodging franchisors. As of recently, As of the third quarter of 2023, the company franchises nearly 7,500 hotels, including 630,000 rooms across 45 countries and territories. Choice Hotels offers a diverse portfolio of 22 brands, spanning from upscale to economy segments, catering to a wide range of traveler preferences.

“Choice Hotels generated another year of strong results in 2024, exceeding the top end of our earnings guidance and delivering a 4.3% year-over-year net increase in our more revenue-intense domestic rooms portfolio, a testament to the success of our growth strategy,” said Patrick Pacious, President and Chief Executive Officer.

The company’s performance highlights include

• A 3.3% increase in its global rooms system, with a 4.3% rise in its domestic upscale, extended stay, and midscale rooms portfolio compared to December 31, 2023
• The opening of 407 hotels globally in 2024, marking a 21% increase from 2023. This included the 515th extended-stay hotel opening in the fourth quarter
• A strategic partnership with Westgate Resorts that added 21 hotels and 14,471 rooms to the domestic portfolio in the fourth quarter, providing Choice Privileges members access to over 180,000 upscale, upper-upscale, and luxury rooms worldwide
• A 4.5% increase in domestic revenue per available room (RevPAR) for the three-month period ending December 31, 2024, outperforming the industry and the company’s respective chain scales by 90 and 30 basis points

Economy

In the economy category, Choice Hotels features Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn. Econo Lodge provides budget-friendly accommodations, emphasizing simplicity and affordability for travelers seeking essential amenities without extra costs. 

Rodeway Inn complements this offering by delivering economical lodging options with a focus on providing travelers with basic comforts at accessible prices. Both brands cater to cost-conscious guests, ensuring comfortable stays without unnecessary expenses. ​

Midscale

The midscale segment includes Comfort Inn and Quality Inn. Comfort Inn hotels deliver a warm and welcoming atmosphere, featuring inviting lobbies, spacious rooms, and free hot breakfast. These amenities cater to both business and leisure travelers, providing a reliable and comfortable experience. 

Quality Inn focuses on offering affordable stays with comfortable rooms and essential amenities, such as complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi, making it a dependable choice for travelers seeking value without compromising on comfort. 

Upper-midscale & upscale

For upper-midscale and upscale accommodations, Choice Hotels presents Clarion, Ascend Hotel Collection, and Cambria Hotels. Clarion hotels aim to provide a social atmosphere with on-site restaurants, bars, and event spaces, catering to both business and leisure guests. Ascend Hotel Collection offers a selection of historic, boutique, and resort properties, each reflecting unique local character and providing travelers with distinctive and immersive experiences. 

On the other hand, Cambria Hotels are designed with modern travelers in mind, featuring stylish rooms, local-inspired dining, and flexible workspaces, appealing to both business and leisure guests seeking contemporary amenities and design.

Brand crossovers and common confusions

Many travelers wonder about hotel brand ownership, leading to myths like, “Is Hyatt part of Hilton?” In reality, Hyatt and Hilton are separate entities, each with its own unique portfolio of brands. This confusion often arises because both companies operate in similar market segments, and their names appear frequently in similar contexts. For instance, you may find both offering upscale brands, such as Hyatt Regency and Hilton Hotels & Resorts, which adds to the confusion.

This is a common example of how hotel brands are frequently mistaken for one another due to similar names or services. Another great example is Comfort Inn and Comfort Suites, both of which fall under the Choice Hotels umbrella but differ in amenities and target market. 

While Comfort Inn generally serves midscale travelers with standard amenities, Comfort Suites offers larger suites and is aimed more at longer stays. Travelers often mix them up because of the similarity in their names and the overlap in their service offerings.

Rebranding and acquisitions are two of the most common reasons that contribute to this brand confusion. A significant example is the merger of Starwood Hotels and Resorts with Marriott International. The acquisition led to the discontinuation of the Starwood name, and several brands that once belonged to Starwood now operate under the Marriott umbrella.

In fact, you may still find people who refer to the St. Regis or Sheraton brands as Starwood hotels, even though they are now fully integrated into Marriott’s portfolio. These changes, while beneficial for the companies, can leave guests unsure about the brand’s identity and ownership.

Why this matters for hotel owners and investors

Franchising offers hotel owners and investors a proven way to operate a hotel with the support of an established brand. You pay franchise fees, which typically include an initial fee, ongoing royalty payments, and contributions to marketing and loyalty programs. Though these costs may seem significant, they provide a competitive advantage through brand recognition, operational support, and access to a broad customer base.

The strength of a brand also plays a key role in driving guest loyalty and revenue. Major brands like Marriott and Hilton offer loyalty programs, such as Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors, which reward repeat guests with points that can be redeemed for free nights, upgrades, and other perks. 

For hotel owners, these loyalty programs help increase bookings, attract returning guests, and ensure a steady stream of customers, directly impacting your bottom line.

Picking the right brand for your hotel is crucial for success.

Here are some of the key factors that will help you make the right decision:

• Location: Ensure the brand fits well with the local market and its characteristics
• Target market: Identify the type of guests you want to attract, such as business travelers, luxury tourists, or budget-conscious visitors
• Competition: Analyze the competition in your area and choose a brand that helps differentiate your hotel
• Brand fit: A luxury brand like Ritz-Carlton suits high-end markets, while a midscale brand like Courtyard by Marriott works better for business travelers in commercial areas
• Local demand: The brand should align with local demand to maximize occupancy and ensure both short-term and long-term success

 

Here’s a quick recap of some of the major hotel brands and their key attributes to help guide your decision-making process when choosing the right fit for your market:

Brand Group	Total Brands	Loyalty Program	Ownership Model	Global Presence
Marriott	30	Bonvoy	Franchise-heavy	130+ countries
Hilton	22	Hilton Honors	Franchise	120+ countries
IHG	19	IHG One Rewards	Mixed	100+ countries
Hyatt	33	World of Hyatt	Growing franchise	70+ countries
Choice	25	Choice Privileges	Mostly Franchise	40+ countries

Navigating the future of hotel brands and operations

As you explore the diverse portfolios of top hotel brands like Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Hyatt, and Wyndham, it becomes clear that the hospitality landscape is evolving. Each brand serves a different segment of the market, and understanding these distinctions helps you position your property effectively. 

For hotel owners, keeping pace with this evolution means integrating powerful management systems that simplify operations and improve guest experiences. With roomMaster property management system (PMS), you gain the tools you need to manage your hotel efficiently. 

The system includes a direct hotel booking engine, allowing you to encourage guests to book directly on your website with zero commission. You can also manage all your OTAs, rates, and inventory through the roomMaster Channel Manager from one central platform. The best part is that it integrates with over 150 partner systems to maintain compatibility with your existing processes.

Ready to simplify your hotel operations? Contact us today to learn how we can streamline your processes, improve guest experiences, and boost your bottom line.

FAQs

What are the top hotel brands under Hilton?

Hilton’s leading brands include Waldorf Astoria, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, and Hampton by Hilton.

What hotel brands are owned by Marriott?

Marriott’s portfolio encompasses brands like The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, JW Marriott, Sheraton, Westin, Renaissance Hotels, Courtyard, Fairfield Inn, Residence Inn, and TownePlace Suites.​

Is Hampton Inn a Hilton brand?

Yes, Hampton Inn, now known as Hampton by Hilton, is a Hilton brand offering moderately priced, limited-service hotels with over 3,000 locations globally.

Is Hyatt owned by Marriott or Hilton?

Hyatt operates independently and is neither owned by Marriott nor Hilton.​

What is the best brand in IHG?

InterContinental Hotels Group’s flagship brand is InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, known for luxury accommodations worldwide.​

What brands are included under Hilton Hotels?

Hilton’s brands span luxury to economy segments, including Waldorf Astoria, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hampton by Hilton, and others.

What is considered the best Choice Hotels brand?

Choice Hotels’ upscale brand, Cambria Hotels, offers modern amenities and stylish accommodations targeting business travelers

What are the different hotel brands under Marriott?

Marriott’s diverse brands include luxury options like The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis, premium choices like Marriott Hotels, Sheraton, and Delta Hotels, and select-service brands such as Courtyard and Fairfield Inn.

Is Hampton Inn part of the Hilton hotel group?

Yes, Hampton Inn is a Hilton brand, now operating under the name Hampton by Hilton.

Is Hyatt owned by Marriott?

No, Hyatt is an independent hospitality company, separate from Marriott.

Is Hyatt part of the Hilton hotel portfolio?

No, Hyatt operates independently and is not part of Hilton’s portfolio.

What are the key Hilton hotel brands in the market?

Hilton’s key brands include Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, and Hampton by Hilton. ​

Which hotels fall under the Hilton brand umbrella?

Hilton’s umbrella covers brands like Waldorf Astoria, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hampton by Hilton, and others.

What are the main hotel brands owned by Choice Hotels?

Choice Hotels’ main brands include Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Hotels, and Ascend Hotel Collection.

Which hotel brands are part of IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group)?

IHG’s brands include InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites, and Candlewood Suites.