Core Values & Heritage

Our core values make us who we are. As we change and grow, the beliefs that are most important to us stay the same—putting people first, pursuing excellence, embracing change, acting with integrity and serving our world. Being part of Marriott International means being part of a proud history and a thriving culture.

We Put People First

"Take care of associates and they will take care of the customers."

This is our founder’s philosophy and it has made Marriott International a great place to work for more than 85 years. Our people first culture has consistently earned us awards and recognition around the globe. Giving associates opportunities to grow and succeed is part of the company’s DNA.

We Pursue Excellence

Our dedication to the customer shows in everything we do.

Marriott’s reputation for superior customer service dates back to J. Willard Marriott’s original goal for his business: “good food and good service at a fair price.” We take pride in the details—every day, in every destination worldwide.

We Embrace Change

Innovation has always been part of the Marriott story.

The Marriott family helped shape the modern hospitality industry. We’re driven to continually challenge the status quo and anticipate our customers’ changing needs with new brands, new global locations and new guest experiences.

We Act with Integrity

How we do business is as important as the business we do.

We hold ourselves to uncompromising ethical and legal standards. This extends to our day-to-day business conduct, our employee policies, our supply chain policies, our environmental programs and practices, and our commitment to human rights and social responsibility.

We Serve Our World

Our “spirit to serve” makes our company stronger.

We support the communities where we live and work. Marriott International focuses on five global social issues: poverty alleviation, the environment, community workforce development, the wellbeing of children, and global diversity and inclusion.

Meet our Founders

In 1927, J. Willard Marriott opened the nine-stool root beer stand that evolved into the Hot Shoppes Restaurant chain. For the next 58 years, he built and expanded the Marriott brand on a foundation of guiding principles that remain embedded in the company’s culture today.

Alice Sheets was J. Willard Marriott’s essential partner in both life and business. She had a hands-on role in helping the Marriott company grow, and her volunteer spirit is celebrated each year through the Alice S. Marriott Award for Community Service.

Raised in the family business, J.W. “Bill” Marriott, Jr. developed an early passion for hospitality. In his more than 50 years at the company’s helm, he built Marriott into a global lodging company with more than 3,700 properties in over 73 countries and territories.