Marriott International Launches Its New Global Headquarters

Marriott International’s global headquarters in downtown Bethesda, Maryland, has opened after six years of planning, design, and construction. The 21-story, 785,000-square-foot LEEDv4 Gold-certified skyscraper serves as the new corporate headquarters for approximately 8,100 hotels in 139 countries and territories worldwide.

“We are thrilled to be welcoming associates to our new headquarters,” said Anthony Capuano, Chief Executive Officer of Marriott International. “The campus has been designed to better connect our global workforce in support of our hotels and teams around the world.  Empowering associates and accelerating innovation were our key priorities and central in every decision we made to deliver a compelling environment for associates to work, learn and thrive.”

Marriott’s new HQ site, which comprises the new Marriott Bethesda Downtown at the Marriott HQ hotel next door, is meant to foster connectivity, collaboration, growth, ideation, and health via varied and dynamic spaces and cutting-edge technology. The new structure will also serve as a global hub for Marriott’s research and development operation, with its Innovation and Design Lab, a premium test kitchen and beverage bar, and “model” hotel rooms in the adjacent Marriott hotel, where new concepts, design elements, service approaches, and amenities will be tested for potential use across the company’s portfolio of 30 brands.

“Unveiling our new global headquarters is an exceptional way to celebrate our 95 years of culture and innovation,” said David Marriott, Chairman of the Board, Marriott International. “This campus honors our storied history and roots in the local community while showcasing Marriott’s exciting next chapter of growth as we remain dedicated to our purpose of connecting people through the power of travel.”

The decision to implement a hybrid work structure was taken in the spirit of the company’s ideals of “Put People First and Embrace Change,” and the new facility will facilitate that model through architectural decisions and seamless technology. Marriott has developed a best-in-class associate growth center on the top floor of the new headquarters, which is named after the company’s long-time CEO and Executive Chairman of the Board, J.W. Marriott, Jr., who is now Chairman Emeritus.