John Willard Marriot was one of a kind and there may never be another. Well-known for his deep love and appreciation for family, J. Willard prioritized spending quality time with the most important people in his life. He was also fond of the now lost art of letter writing. Giving personalized notes to both associates and guests was just one way in which he uplifted and connected with everyone he encountered.

How did he start.

At age 13, Marriott went into business for himself, enlisting his younger siblings to help raise lettuce on a few fallow acres on the farm. The harvest at summer's end brought $2,000, which Marriott immediately presented to his father. The next year, Hyrum entrusted his eldest son with the sale of a herd of 3,000 sheep, sending the boy and his woolly charges without escort by rail to San Francisco.

While finishing up at the university, Marriott hatched plans for starting a business of his own, thousands of miles away, in the nation's capital. Bill had passed through hot, muggy Washington, D.C., at the end of his mission and recognized a tailor-made market for A&W Root Beer. He secured the A&W franchise for Washington, D.C. - plus Baltimore and Richmond - and headed east in the spring of 1927. Marriott and partner Hugh Colton pooled $6,000 to buy equipment and rent space for their tiny operation. On May 20, 1927 - the day aviator Charles Lindbergh began his historic transatlantic solo flight - the duo opened their nine-stool root beer stand at 3128 14th Street, NW.

• While it worked great at first during hot summer months, they realized that in the winter it wasn’t as popular; they decided to add warm items to the menu in winter months, and branded the business as “Hot Shoppes”
• In 1928, Bill Marriott opened two more Hot Shoppes, and kept growing from there
• In 1936, Hot Shoppes approached airlines about the prospect of catering boxed lunches on planes, which had previously never been done before; airlines were interested, and soon enough the company was catering inflight meals at Hoover Airport in Washington DC
• In 1953, Hot Shoppes went public, and stock sold out within two hours of trading
• In 1957, Bill Marriott shifted into the hotel business, and opened the first motor hotel (motel) in Arlington, Virginia
• In 1959, the second Marriott property opened, which was the Key Bridge Marriott
• From there Marriott continued to grow to what it is today — the world’s biggest hotel group

What has Marriot Hotels become today?

Marriott Hotels is a globally recognized hotel brand and the flagship of Marriott International, one of the world’s largest hospitality companies. Founded in 1927 by J. Willard Marriott, the brand has expanded to over 600 properties in more than 65 countries, offering more than 205,000 guest rooms worldwide. Marriott Hotels cater to both business and leisure travelers, providing upscale accommodations with modern amenities such as spacious rooms, fitness centers, meeting spaces, and on-site dining. Known for consistent quality and reliable service, Marriott also offers the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, delivering rewards and exclusive experiences to frequent guests. As of early 2025, Marriott Hotels employs approximately 39,000 staff across six continents . The brand is part of a broader portfolio that includes other well-known names such as Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton, and Westin. Marriott Hotels are often located in major cities, airports, and resort destinations, providing convenient and comfortable stays for global travelers. The company emphasizes sustainability and community engagement as part of its global mission.

J. Willard Marriott, the founder of Marriott Hotels, died on August 13, 1985, at the age of 84.What a legacy he as left behind.

Above is the flagship hotel of Marriott Hotels is the Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C., often referred to as the brand’s “headquarters hotel.”

Opened in 2014, this massive hotel is located adjacent to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and is one of the largest in the city, featuring:

Over 1,100 guest rooms,

105,000+ square feet of event space,

Multiple dining options,

A direct connection to the convention center.

It represents the modern standard of the Marriott Hotels brand, showcasing upscale amenities, innovative design, and a focus on business and leisure travelers alike.