Sheraton Hotels & Resorts is one of the most famous hotel brands in the world. Known for its luxurious services and global presence, Sheraton has been a favorite choice for travelers for decades. But who actually owns Sheraton Hotels today? In this article, we will take a deep dive into the ownership of Sheraton, its history, and its current management in a simple and easy-to-understand way.
The History of Sheraton Hotels
Sheraton was founded in 1937 in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA, by Ernest Henderson and Robert Lowell Moore. The two businessmen bought a hotel and decided to expand their business by purchasing more properties. They named their company Sheraton Hotels, and by the 1940s, it became the first hotel chain in the United States to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
Over the decades, Sheraton grew into one of the world’s leading hotel brands, expanding into over 100 countries and becoming a well-known name in the hospitality industry.
Who Owns Sheraton Hotels Today?
Sheraton Hotels is currently owned by Marriott International.

How Did Marriott International Acquire Sheraton?
- In 1998, Sheraton was acquired by Starwood Hotels & Resorts, a global hospitality company that owned other luxury brands like Westin, St. Regis, W Hotels, and The Luxury Collection.
- In 2016, Marriott International purchased Starwood Hotels & Resorts for $13.6 billion, making it one of the largest hotel companies in the world.
- After this acquisition, Marriott International became the official owner of Sheraton Hotels.
Marriott International: The Parent Company
Marriott International is an American multinational hospitality company that owns and operates hotels worldwide. It was founded by J. Willard Marriott in 1927 and has grown into one of the biggest hotel chains in history.
Marriott’s Global Presence
- Over 8,500 properties in more than 130 countries.
- Owns 30+ hotel brands, including Sheraton, The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, W Hotels, Westin, and St. Regis.
- Operates under both franchise and management agreements, meaning some hotels are directly managed by Marriott, while others are owned by different investors but use the Sheraton name.
Is Sheraton a Franchise?
Yes, Sheraton operates under a franchise model in many locations. This means that while Marriott International owns the brand, individual Sheraton hotels may be owned by private investors, companies, or real estate groups that operate the hotel under the Sheraton name. These owners follow the standards set by Marriott to maintain the luxury and quality of the Sheraton brand.
Sheraton’s Place in Marriott’s Portfolio
Sheraton is one of the biggest brands under Marriott International. However, Marriott has been working on modernizing Sheraton hotels worldwide by upgrading facilities and introducing new designs to attract modern travelers.
Other Hotel Brands Owned by Marriott International
Besides Sheraton, Marriott owns several other popular hotel brands, including:
- The Ritz-Carlton (Luxury)
- JW Marriott (Luxury)
- W Hotels (Trendy & High-end)
- Westin Hotels & Resorts (Wellness-focused)
- St. Regis Hotels (Ultra-luxury)
- Marriott Hotels (Flagship brand)
- Fairfield Inn & Suites (Budget-friendly)
References
Source | Description |
---|---|
Marriott Official Website | Marriott International’s official website with details on its hotel brands. |
Sheraton Official Website | Sheraton’s brand page under Marriott International. |
Wikipedia: Sheraton Hotels | History and ownership details of Sheraton. |
Wikipedia: Marriott International | Information on Marriott’s ownership and hotel brands. |
Business Insider | News on Marriott’s acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts. |
Conclusion
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts is owned by Marriott International, one of the largest hotel chains in the world. Originally an independent hotel chain, Sheraton was acquired by Starwood in 1998 and later became part of Marriott in 2016. Today, Sheraton operates in over 100 countries and continues to be a leading name in luxury hospitality. While Marriott owns the brand, many Sheraton hotels are run by franchise owners who follow Marriott’s standards.
Next time you stay at a Sheraton hotel, you’ll know the global hospitality giant Marriott International is behind its success!