Marriott Intl Inc Stock Price, News & Analysis

Sonder Holdings Inc. (SOND) has announced significant strategic moves to strengthen its financial position and operational efficiency. The company secured an $18 million equity financing through Series A preferred stock sale and amended its Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement, reducing the principal balance by 15% and interest rate by approximately 50%.

The company's integration with Marriott International is progressing, with full integration expected by Q2 2025. This will make Sonder properties available on Marriott's digital platforms under the 'Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy' collection. Sonder has received $7.5 million in key money from Marriott and continues to participate in the Marriott Bonvoy® travel platform with its 228 million members.

Additionally, Sonder is implementing cost reduction initiatives expected to deliver approximately $50 million in annualized savings compared to Q3 2024, through headcount reductions, software savings, and integration-related efficiencies.

Marriott International (MAR) has signed an agreement with Mullen Real Estate Capital to develop one of the first JW Marriott All-Inclusive resorts globally in Costa Elena, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The property, scheduled to begin conversion in July 2025 and join the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio in Spring 2026, will feature:

• 415 guest rooms
• 11 food and beverage outlets
• 44,000 sq ft of water amenities including 17 pools
• 10,000 sq ft of indoor meeting space
• 16,000 sq ft spa
• 885 feet of beach frontage

Located 49 miles from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, the resort plans include potential JW Marriott branded residences on an adjacent site. This development adds to Marriott's expanding presence in Costa Rica, where the company currently operates 22 properties across 15 brands, with 15 more properties (1,776 rooms) in the development pipeline.

Marriott International (MAR) has announced the launch of its first City Express by Marriott property in the United States, marking its entry into the affordable midscale segment in North America. The 83-room City Express by Marriott Duluth (GA) will open in March 2025, located 30 minutes from downtown Atlanta.

The company has secured over 45 signed agreements for new properties, with more than a dozen scheduled to open throughout 2025. Key upcoming locations include New Orleans Northeast, Chicago Downtown, Orlando International Drive, and Port Hope (Ontario). The brand expansion follows Marriott's acquisition of the City Express portfolio in 2023.

Each property will feature amenities including plush beds, high-speed internet, complimentary breakfast, 24-hour markets, pet-friendly policies, and fitness facilities. The properties will participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program, allowing members to earn and redeem points for their stays.

Marriott International (NASDAQ:MAR) has announced the opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Suzhou, marking the brand's first venture into this historic Chinese city. Located in the Gusu District, the hotel features 190 guest rooms, including 57 luxury suites, and is situated within walking distance of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The property includes four restaurants and bars, a 508-square-meter grand ballroom, three multi-functional meeting rooms, and an outdoor venue. Notable amenities comprise a 24-hour fitness center, a 143m² swimming pool, and the exclusive Ritz-Carlton Club offering cultural experiences.

Designed by KPF Architects with interiors by Peter Remedios, the hotel's architecture blends modern techniques with traditional Suzhou elements. The location provides strategic access to major transportation hubs, including Suzhou Railway Station with high-speed rail connections to Shanghai, Xi'an, and Guangzhou.

The Ritz-Carlton has announced its debut in Suzhou, China, marking its first venture into this historic city near Shanghai. Located in the Gusu District, the new hotel features 190 guest rooms, including 57 luxurious suites, positioned within walking distance to UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The property, designed by KPF Architects with interiors by Peter Remedios, showcases modern interpretations of traditional Suzhou elements. The hotel offers three distinctive restaurants: Alkanna for modern bistro fare, Feng Pan Ting for tea culture, and Biao Xia for Huaiyang cuisine. Facilities include a 508-square-meter grand ballroom, three meeting rooms, a 24-hour fitness center, and an indoor swimming pool.

The hotel's strategic location, just three kilometers from Suzhou Railway Station with high-speed rail access, caters to both leisure and business travelers. The property features The Ritz-Carlton Club, exclusive amenities, and cultural experiences including traditional tea master performances and the Ritz Kids program.

Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve has officially opened its doors on Costa Rica's Peninsula Papagayo, marking the brand's first property in Central and South America. The ultra-luxury retreat features 107 ocean-facing accommodations, including rooms, suites, and three luxury treetop tents, with sizes starting at 872 square feet.

The resort showcases extensive amenities including:

• Puna, a signature restaurant by acclaimed Chef Diego Muñoz
• Nimbu Spa & Wellness, a 27,000-square-foot facility
• The Outpost at Palmares Preserve, a 250-acre sanctuary for outdoor adventures
• Access to an 18-hole Arnold Palmer Signature golf course

The property's design incorporates locally sourced materials and sustainable practices, featuring over 550 pieces of artwork, including 125 original pieces by Latin American artists. Located 45 minutes from Guanacaste Airport, Nekajui offers luxury accommodations ranging from expansive guest rooms to the exclusive 10-bedroom Villa Guayacan.

Marriott International (Nasdaq: MAR) has announced a quarterly cash dividend of 63 cents per share of common stock. The dividend will be paid on March 31, 2025, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 27, 2025.

The company currently operates a portfolio of over 9,300 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 144 countries and territories. Marriott's business model includes operating, franchising, and licensing hotel, residential, timeshare, and other lodging properties worldwide. The company also offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its travel platform.

Sonder Holdings (NASDAQ: SOND) reported its Q3 2024 financial results, showing mixed performance. Revenue reached $162 million, up 1% year-over-year, with RevPAR increasing 14% to $176 and occupancy rate rising 2 percentage points to 85%. However, the company posted a net loss of $(179) million, a 211% increase year-over-year, including a $58 million loss on preferred stock issuance.

The company made substantial progress in its portfolio optimization program, exiting approximately 70 buildings (2,800 units) out of the planned 80 buildings. Sonder also announced a strategic licensing agreement with Marriott International, integrating with Marriott's digital channels and Bonvoy program. The company strengthened its balance sheet with approximately $146 million in enhanced liquidity and expanded its European presence with new properties in Madrid, Milan, and Paris.

The Snow League, the first professional winter sports league dedicated to snowboarding and skiing launched by Shaun White, has announced a partnership with Marriott Bonvoy as its official hotel and loyalty partner for the inaugural season. The league will debut at Aspen Snowmass on March 7-8, 2025.

As part of the collaboration, Marriott Bonvoy has launched four Moments experiences for the Aspen Snowmass competition, which members can redeem with points. These packages include private mountain experiences with White, VIP access to the Marriott Bonvoy suite, and three-night stays at W Aspen. The partnership will also provide league athletes with access to Marriott Bonvoy's hotel brands and experiences during Season One competitions, along with championship parties and other activations.