Marriott International ( MAR ), one of the world’s largest hotel chains, had a year of notable achievements and some setbacks. The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and the chain behind brands like JW Marriott, operates more than 30 brands and nearly 9,600 properties in 143 countries and territories.
In 2025, in just one quarter, Marriott will add 120 properties and 17,903 rooms, focusing on its property-light franchising segment, according to Daniel Xavier, an analyst at Alpha Seeking. Luxury offerings remained a priority, opening 26 new hotels in India and adding 1,900 rooms to its portfolio.
However, Marriott also faced controversy. In November, the Maasai ethnic group sued to demolish a new Ritz-Carlton luxury safari camp, claiming it blocked a key Serengeti wildlife migration route.
Meanwhile, Marriott’s Fairfield posted a sign saying that complimentary bottled water is not included, even for elite members, unless they select a “market item,” drawing mockery online, according to Veronika Bondarenko of The Street.
Recently, Marriott caused a guest backlash with a new ban.
The New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District drew guests’ attention thanks to a sign that read, “Bench is for Marriott employees only.”
The hotel is located in a 19th-century warehouse, close to the French Quarter, the New Orleans Garden District, and the Central Business District.
“Our New Orleans hotel in the downtown area enjoys an excellent location across the street from the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Host events from the 26,636 square foot renovated event space and fuel up for the day ahead at our full-service Starbucks,” reads the description on Marriott’s hotel page.
The benches in question are part of the common area of the hotel and easily accessible by the public, which Marriott seems to prefer the public not to use. Next to “No Smoking” and “No Loitering” plastered on a red brick wall is a sign stating that the benches are for staff-only use, reads The Travel.
Does the sign mean that hotel guests, regardless of their status, are not welcome to use the benches?
While the bottled water phenomenon is clear, the hotel giant clearly states that complimentary bottled water is not included unless guests select a “market item”, the benches marked for staff only are somewhat misleading.
According to Wings’ Gary Leff, a recognized expert on miles, points, and business travel, the New Orleans Marriott sign “Employees Only” isn’t actually meant to keep guests out, but instead to prevent loitering, smoking, panhandling, and other security issues near the entrance.
“This sign is definitely not about guests. It’s in New Orleans. It’s about loitering control. They’re also flagging NO LOITERING and NO SMOKING. It says, we’ve got people hanging out here who shouldn’t be here and we want them gone,” writes Leaf for View from the Wing.
While the intent was to maintain safety and staff space, the sign gives a poor impression of hospitality and could have been handled more efficiently with design changes, such as a split bench or better lighting.
Leff further notes that this sign is not appropriate for guests or employees, as guests feel unwelcome, and employees get the message that their breakout area is out of bounds on the sidewalk under the “No Loitering” sign.
Online readers also weighed in on Marriott’s approach, providing insight into guest perceptions.
In the comments section of View from the Wing, one reader expressed frustration with the signage, saying it does not effectively deter loitering. While anecdotal, these responses illustrate how guests perceive the policy.
User Mantis wrote, “…now there’s a sign, oh my…that will definitely solve the problem.”
“It comes to mind” A user with the casual username suggested a more precise clue: “For employees and currently registered guests only.”
Other guests suggested the hotel could hire a doorman, while another noted the sign was less expensive.
Overall, the comments suggest that a world-class hotel brand like Marriott could manage the situation more subtly with alternative signage or layout changes.
While guest responses to the new policies highlight struggles in hospitality and brand perception, Marriott’s broader business operations in 2025 confirm both flexibility and growth. Despite occasional controversies, the hotel giant continues to expand its portfolio, dominate new markets, launch special deals for its loyal members and deliver strong financial results.
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Increase: Marriott added nearly 17,900 rooms in Q3 2025, reaching a record pipeline, and returned $3.1 billion to shareholders, Marriott reported in its Q3 earnings report.
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International Power: International and high-end markets outperformed the U.S. and Canada in RevPAR, according to Marriott’s Q3 earnings report.
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Residential expansion: Marriott expanded its branded residential portfolio in EMEA, signing approximately 20 new contracts through 2025, according to Marriott’s official press release.
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New Brands: Marriott launched the chain by Marriott and completed 100 City Express signings in the US and Canada. (Source:Marriott)
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Africa Plans: Marriott plans to add 50+ properties and 9,000 rooms in Africa by 2027.Source:Marriott)
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Without result: Marriott terminated its licensing agreement with Sonder, who later filed for bankruptcy, disrupting customers and employees, The Street reported.
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Cost and loyalty pressure: Rising loyalty program costs and OTA commissions challenged Marriott, which focused on direct bookings and benefits, according to Deep Research Global.
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Mixed Market Performance: International markets grew, while US and Canada RevPAR lagged in some quarters, according to Marriott’s Q3 earnings report.
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Another issue: In November, Marriott was again sued over land-use, tribal and cultural heritage disputes linked to the hotel development, The Street reported.
Related: Holiday Inn Downgrades Key Visitor Offer
This story was originally published by TheStreet on December 30, 2025, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add TheStreet as a preferred source by clicking here.
