In 1995, Marriott International purchased a 49% stake in The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, and in 1998, they purchased an additional 50% stake in the company, giving it 99% ownership of the company.
Hilton (brand value down 2% to US$11.7 billion) retains its title as the world's most valuable hotel brand, according to the latest report from leading brand valuation consultancy, Brand Finance.
It was acquired by Marriott International in 2016. Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. Starwood had 11 brands and owned, managed, or franchised 1,297 properties comprising 370,000 hotel rooms in approximately 100 countries. Starwood was founded in 1969 as a real estate investment trust.