Marriott International Signs Multi-Unit Agreement with Corporación Polaris and Cardedeu to Debut City Express by Marriott in El Salvador

Rhea-AI Summary

Marriott International (NYSE:MAR) has signed a multi-unit agreement with Corporación Polaris and Cardedeu to open four City Express by Marriott properties in El Salvador, marking the brand's debut in the country. The expansion will add 440 rooms to Marriott's portfolio in the affordable midscale segment.

The properties include City Centro by Marriott San Salvador (31 rooms, converting end of 2025), City Express by Marriott Aeropuerto and City Express by Marriott Santa Elena (both opening late 2026), and City Express Plus by Marriott San Benito (opening late 2027). The hotels will be strategically located near key business and tourist destinations.

This expansion is part of City Express by Marriott's broader growth strategy, which includes planned expansions into Argentina, Bolivia, Nicaragua, Peru, United States, and Canada. The brand currently operates 153 hotels with over 17,700 rooms and has 62 projects in the pipeline.

Positive

• Strategic expansion adding 440 new rooms in El Salvador's growing tourism market
• Diversification into affordable midscale segment in Caribbean and Latin America
• Strong existing portfolio of 153 hotels and robust pipeline of 62 projects
• Strategic locations near key business, cultural, and transportation hubs

Negative

• None.

Insights

Global Hospitality Expansion Strategist

Marriott's strategic expansion into El Salvador with four City Express properties strengthens its midscale portfolio and regional footprint.

Marriott International's multi-unit agreement with Corporación Polaris and Cardedeu represents a significant expansion of its affordable midscale segment in Central America. The four new City Express properties will add 440 rooms to Marriott's portfolio in El Salvador, a market experiencing substantial tourism growth.

The strategic positioning of these properties demonstrates careful market analysis. Each location serves a distinct purpose: City Centro targets cultural tourists in San Salvador's historic district; City Express Aeropuerto captures transit travelers; City Express Santa Elena serves business travelers near commercial centers; and City Express Plus San Benito positions in an upscale entertainment district.

This expansion builds on Marriott's broader regional strategy for the City Express brand, which now encompasses 153 hotels with 17,700+ rooms and 62 additional pipeline projects across the Americas. The brand's growth into El Salvador, alongside previously announced expansions into Argentina, Bolivia, Nicaragua, Peru, the United States, and Canada, reflects Marriott's systematic approach to scaling regional brands internationally.

For Marriott, this represents efficient capital deployment through a franchise model, generating revenue streams from franchise fees while minimizing direct capital investment. This expansion complements the previously announced upscale JW Marriott in San Salvador, creating a more complete market segmentation strategy that covers multiple price points in the same geographic market.

With the expected opening of four properties, this agreement accelerates the expansion of the City Express by Marriott brand into strategic markets across the region.

PLANTATION, Fla., June 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Marriott International, Inc. announced a signed multi-unit agreement with Corporación Polaris and Cardedeu to open four City Express by Marriott properties, marking the brand's debut in El Salvador. The signed projects are expected to further enhance Marriott's footprint in the country with the addition of 440 rooms, solidifying the company's presence in the affordable midscale segment across the Caribbean and Latin America (CALA) region.

"We are very excited to introduce City Express by Marriott to El Salvador, a vibrant and culturally rich market," said Alonso Burgos, Vice President of Development for Marriott International in CALA. "This agreement reinforces our commitment to expanding access to reliable, high-quality hospitality options across the region, and to providing guests with meaningful experiences at every price point."

"The anticipated debut of these City Express by Marriott properties in the coming years not only reaffirms Polaris' commitment to excellence and regional growth but also helps meet the growing demand for hotel accommodations in El Salvador," said Alberto Guerrero, President of Corporación Polaris.

El Salvador has seen remarkable growth in tourism and business in recent years, more than doubling its hotel room capacity through new agreements—including the recently announced JW Marriott Hotel San Salvador. The four newly signed City Express by Marriott properties will be strategically located to serve both business and leisure travelers, offering convenient access to key destinations such as the historic city center, the international airport, residential districts, and major business hubs.

Located in the heart of San Salvador's historic center, City Centro by Marriott San Salvador is slated to offer 31 rooms for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the city's rich history and culture. Just 30 minutes from Ilopango International Airport, the hotel boasts a prime location near key tourist attractions, including unique views of the recently inaugurated National Library (BINAES), the majestic Metropolitan Cathedral, and the iconic Plaza Cívica and Liberty Plaza. Expected to convert by the end of this year, the property will offer an experience that blends modern comfort with the historic charm of the capital.

Expected to open in late 2026, City Express by Marriott Aeropuerto will connect San Salvador's metro area with the International Airport. Also set for 2026, City Express by Marriott Santa Elena will sit along the Pan-American Highway in a lively residential and commercial district, near the WTC, La Gran Vía mall, hospitals, and schools. By late 2027, City Express Plus by Marriott San Benito is set to open in the heart of San Benito district, a vibrant area known for its mix of business, dining, nightlife, and cultural spots like the Museum of Art of El Salvador (MARTE).

City Express by Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy's global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, continues to expand its international footprint. This announcement builds on previously announced growth plans for City Express by Marriott, including the brand's continued and anticipated expansion into Argentina, Bolivia, Nicaragua, Peru, as well as the United States and Canada - with the agreements in Nicaragua marking the company's official debut in the country. Demonstrating Marriott's strength in delivering and scaling regionally relevant brands, the brand's growing portfolio currently includes 153 hotels (over 17,700 rooms) and 62 projects in the pipeline.

ABOUT MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL
Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of nearly 9,500 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 144 countries and territories. Marriott operates, franchises, and licenses hotel, residential, timeshare, and other lodging properties all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy^®, its highly awarded travel platform. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on X and Instagram.

ABOUT CITY EXPRESS BY MARRIOTT
City Express by Marriott offers travelers a space where convenience meets comfort. Catering to the needs of both business and leisure travelers, the brand offers seamless and efficient stays in convenient locations ensuring a hassle-free journey. With a focus on quality and simplicity, guests do more than just stay – they relax, recharge, and get ready for whatever comes next. With over 150 properties in 5 countries, City Express by Marriott, our flagship, stands alongside City Express Plus by Marriott, City Express Suites by Marriott, City Express Junior by Marriott, and City Centro by Marriott each uniquely designed for a different segment of travelers. City Express by Marriott is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy^®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments, and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit www.marriott.com/loyalty.mi. For more information or reservations, visit www.marriott.com, and for the latest company updates, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

ABOUT CORPORACIÓN POLARIS
Corporación Polaris is based in El Salvador and has over 15 years of experience in the real estate sector. Our growth has gone hand in hand with the development strategy of a growing country, aligning our vision with national progress. We are leaders in the real estate business, with solid expertise and a diversified portfolio that includes corporate buildings, shopping centers, residential projects, and soon, hospitality developments. To date, we have developed over 80,000 square meters, invested more than $500 million, and delivered more than 18 office buildings. For more information, please visit our website: www.haus.com.sv.

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SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.

FAQ

When will Marriott open the new City Express hotels in El Salvador?

The openings are staggered: City Centro by Marriott San Salvador will convert by end of 2025, City Express by Marriott Aeropuerto and Santa Elena will open in late 2026, and City Express Plus by Marriott San Benito will open in late 2027.

How many rooms will Marriott's new City Express properties add in El Salvador?

The four new City Express by Marriott properties will add 440 rooms to Marriott's portfolio in El Salvador.

Where will the new MAR City Express hotels be located in El Salvador?

The hotels will be located in strategic areas including San Salvador's historic center, near the International Airport, Santa Elena along the Pan-American Highway, and the San Benito district.

How many hotels does City Express by Marriott currently operate?

City Express by Marriott currently operates 153 hotels with over 17,700 rooms and has 62 projects in the pipeline.

What is the significance of MAR's City Express expansion in El Salvador?

This marks City Express by Marriott's debut in El Salvador, strengthening Marriott's presence in the affordable midscale segment across the Caribbean and Latin America region while meeting growing demand in the country's tourism and business sectors.