Category: Uncategorized

booking.com
Overview of Booking.com

Booking.com is one of the world’s largest online travel agencies, specializing in lodging reservations and travel services. Headquartered in Amsterdam, the company operates as a subsidiary of Booking Holdings and serves a global market, offering its platform in over 40 languages[4]. Founded in 1996, Booking.com has grown to list approximately 3.4 million properties, including hotels, motels, resorts, homes, and apartments across more than 220 countries and territories[4].

Key Features and Services

Accommodation Booking
- Access to millions of properties: hotels, apartments, hostels, vacation rentals, resorts, motels, guest houses, and bed and breakfasts[1][2][5].
- Extensive filtering options: search by price, review score, WiFi quality, location, pet-friendliness, and more[2][5].
- Free cancellation: available at most properties, allowing flexibility for travelers[2][5].
Travel Services
- Flights: Book domestic and international flights from major airlines directly through the platform[2][5].
- Car rentals: Rent vehicles from major companies for road trips or local exploration[2][5].
- Taxis and airport transfers: Reserve taxis in advance for seamless travel connections[2][5].
- Experiences and attractions: Book tickets for tours, museums, and local experiences, often with free cancellation[2][5].
App and User Experience
- Mobile apps for iOS and Android, offering exclusive mobile-only discounts (10% or more on select properties)[2][5].
- Manage bookings on the go, with paperless confirmation and the ability to make changes or cancellations easily[2][5].
- 24/7 customer service in over 40 languages[2][5].
- Community forums for sharing experiences and travel tips[2][5].
Company Background and Recent Developments
- Ownership: Subsidiary of Booking Holdings, a major player in the global travel industry[4].
- History: Founded in the Netherlands in 1996, Booking.com became part of Booking Holdings (formerly Priceline Group) in 2005[4].
- Innovation: Launched an AI-based travel planner in 2023, leveraging ChatGPT technology to help users plan trips and answer travel questions[4].
- Expansion: Added cruise reservations in the US in 2023, in partnership with World Travel Holdings[4].
Criticisms and Controversies
- Data Breaches: Booking.com has faced several security incidents, including a notable breach in 2018 and a €475,000 fine in 2021 for late reporting of a customer data breach[4].
- Business Practices: Criticized for “brand hijacking” in search advertising, charging commissions on prices including VAT, and manipulative sales techniques (such as unclear marketing statements and price comparisons)[4].
- Payment Delays: In 2023, the company was accused of delayed payments to accommodation hosts in several countries, leading to regulatory investigations and public apologies from the CEO[4].
- Customer Service: Some users report difficulties with customer service, especially regarding refunds or booking changes when travel plans are disrupted[5].
Booking.com in Summary

Booking.com is a comprehensive travel platform offering a wide range of accommodations and travel services worldwide. Its strengths include the sheer volume of listings, flexible booking options, and user-friendly apps. However, it has faced criticism over customer service, payment processing, and certain business practices. Despite these issues, it remains a dominant force in the online travel industry, constantly expanding its offerings and integrating new technologies to enhance the user experience[2][4][5].

Sources
[1] Booking.com | Official site | The best hotels, flights, car rentals … https://www.booking.com
[2] Booking.com: Hotels & Travel – Apps on Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.booking
[3] Booking.com (@bookingcom) • Instagram photos and videos https://www.instagram.com/bookingcom/
[4] Booking.com – Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Booking.com
[5] Booking.com: Hotels & Travel 4+ – App Store https://apps.apple.com/us/app/booking-com-hotels-travel/id367003839
[6] Booking.com (@bookingcom) / X https://x.com/bookingcom
May 6, 2025

Marriott

Overview of Marriott

Marriott International, Inc. is the world’s largest hotel company by number of rooms, operating, franchising, and licensing a diverse portfolio of lodging brands that include hotels, resorts, residential, and timeshare properties. The company is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and as of 2025, manages or franchises over 9,361 properties with 1,706,331 rooms in 144 countries and territories[4][7]. Marriott International owns more than 37 brands, including well-known names such as Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton, Westin, and more[4][5].

History

Founded: 1927 by J. Willard Marriott and Alice Marriott, originally as a root beer stand called Hot Shoppes in Washington, D.C.[4]
First Hotel: The Marriott Motor Hotel opened in Arlington, Virginia, in 1957[4][5].
Expansion: The company expanded rapidly, entering international markets in 1969 and Europe in 1975[5].
Corporate Evolution: In 1993, Marriott Corporation split into Marriott International (management/franchising) and Host Marriott Corporation (property ownership)[4].
Major Acquisitions: Notable acquisitions include Renaissance Hotels and Ramada (1997), Delta Hotels (2015), Starwood Hotels & Resorts (2016), Elegant Hotels (2019), Hoteles City Express (2023), and Citizen M (2025, pending completion)[4].
Recent Developments: In 2024, Marriott entered a long-term licensing agreement with Sonder, further expanding its room portfolio[4].

Brands and Services

Marriott’s portfolio includes a range of brands across different market segments, from luxury (Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis) to premium (Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Sheraton) to select-service and extended-stay brands (Courtyard, Residence Inn, City Express by Marriott)[4][5]. The company also operates Marriott Vacation Clubs, offering timeshare and vacation club experiences[6].

Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott Bonvoy is the company’s global loyalty program, allowing members to earn and redeem points for stays, experiences, and exclusive benefits across Marriott’s extensive network[1][2][3]. Members enjoy perks such as exclusive rates, free nights, free Wi-Fi, and mobile check-in[2].

Financials and Scale

Revenue (2024): $25.1 billion
Operating Income (2024): $3.77 billion
Net Income (2024): $2.38 billion
Employees: Approximately 418,000 (2024)[4]
Properties: Over 9,361 properties worldwide[4][7]

Leadership

Chairman: David Marriott (since 2022)
CEO: Anthony Capuano (since 2021)[4]

Notable Events

Data Breaches: Marriott faced significant data breaches in 2018 and 2020, affecting millions of guests and leading to regulatory fines and increased security measures[4].
COVID-19 Response: The company implemented enhanced cleanliness protocols and social distancing measures during the pandemic, with global occupancy dropping as low as 31%[4].

Marriott Hotels & Resorts Brand

This is Marriott International’s flagship full-service brand, founded in 1957 and now comprising over 600 hotels and resorts globally. The brand has played a central role in the company’s growth and reputation for hospitality[5].

Summary Table

Feature	Details
Headquarters	Bethesda, Maryland, USA
Number of Properties	9,361 (2025)
Number of Brands	37+
Global Presence	144 countries and territories
Loyalty Program	Marriott Bonvoy
Revenue (2024)	$25.1 billion
Employees	418,000 (2024)
CEO	Anthony Capuano
Chairman	David Marriott

Marriott International continues to shape the global hospitality industry through its expansive portfolio, innovation, and commitment to service excellence[4][5][7].

Sources
[1] Marriott Bonvoy: 메리어트 호텔 & 리조트 예약 https://www.marriott.com/ko/default.mi
[2] Marriott Bonvoy Hotels | Book Directly & Get Exclusive Rates https://www.marriott.com/default.mi
[3] Marriott Bonvoy Moments™ https://moments.marriottbonvoy.com/en-us
[4] Marriott International – Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marriott_International
[5] Marriott Hotels & Resorts – Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marriott_Hotels_&_Resorts
[6] The Marriott Vacation Clubs: Timeshare Resorts and Vacation Clubs https://www.marriottvacationclubs.com/s/
[7] Marriott International | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/marriott-international
[8] Marriott International, Inc. (MAR) Stock Price, News, Quote & History https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/MAR/

May 6, 2025

Hilton

Hilton Overview

Hilton is a globally recognized hospitality company with a broad portfolio of hotels and resorts operating under multiple brands. The company is known for providing accommodations ranging from luxury to midscale and extended-stay options, catering to a wide variety of travelers[2][5].

Key Features of Hilton:

Operates more than 8,000 hotels worldwide under various brands, including Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree, Embassy Suites, Hampton by Hilton, and more[5].
Offers the Hilton Honors loyalty program, allowing members to earn and redeem points for free stays, upgrades, and other rewards across all Hilton brands[3][5].
Provides a digital experience through the Hilton Honors app, enabling guests to book rooms, manage reservations, check in and out, and use a Digital Key to access rooms without visiting the front desk[5].

Notable Hilton Properties

Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort: Located at the heart of Daytona Beach, Florida, near major attractions like the Ocean Center and Daytona International Speedway[1].
Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel & Suites: Offers rooms with views of both the American and Canadian Horseshoe Falls, direct access to Fallsview Casino Resort, multiple dining options, and amenities such as an infinity pool and fitness center[4].
Hilton Orlando: Situated near major theme parks like Universal Orlando and SeaWorld, featuring extensive dining options, pools, a lazy river, and spa services[6].

Hilton Honors Loyalty Program

Members earn points for stays at any Hilton property and can redeem them for free nights, upgrades, and other benefits[3][5].
Elite status levels provide additional perks such as complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, and late check-out[5].
The Hilton Honors app enhances the guest experience with features like Digital Key, contactless check-in/out, and the ability to manage reservations from a mobile device[5].

Hilton Brands

Hilton’s portfolio includes a diverse range of brands to suit different traveler preferences:

Brand Name	Segment
Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, LXR	Luxury
Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Signia	Upper Upscale
DoubleTree, Curio, Tapestry	Upscale
Embassy Suites, Hilton Garden Inn	Upper Midscale
Hampton by Hilton, Tru, Spark	Midscale
Homewood Suites, Home2 Suites	Extended Stay
Hilton Grand Vacations	Timeshare/Vacation
Motto, Tempo, Canopy, Graduate	Lifestyle/Boutique

Additional Notes

Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. is headquartered in McLean, Virginia, USA[5].
The company emphasizes guest experience, innovative technology (such as Digital Key), and a strong loyalty program to differentiate itself in the hospitality industry[5].
Hilton also partners with travel and transportation services, such as offering Lyft ride integration in the Hilton Honors app for guests in the US and Canada[5].

Summary

Hilton is a leading global hospitality company with a diverse portfolio of brands, a strong loyalty program, and a focus on guest experience through technology and service. Whether traveling for business or leisure, Hilton offers accommodations and amenities to suit a variety of needs and preferences[2][5][3].

Sources
[1] Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort FL https://www.daytonahilton.com
[2] Hotels by Hilton – Book the Best Rates Across All Brands https://www.hilton.com/?content=es-AR
[3] 포인트, 호텔 리워드 등을 적립하세요 – Hilton Honors https://www.hilton.com/ko/hilton-honors/
[4] Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel & Suites https://niagarafallshilton.com
[5] Hilton Honors: Book Hotels – Apps on Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hilton.android.hhonors
[6] The Hilton Orlando – Stay near Epic Universe https://thehiltonorlando.com
[7] Hilton Foods https://www.hiltonfoods.com