Marriott/Starwood merger

Marriott International announced on Nov. 16 that it will merge with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. When complete, the merged company will operate more than 5,500 hotels around the globe, including the brands Sheraton and Ritz-Carlton, making it the world’s largest hotel chain.

As of press time, Marriott had not yet announced what changes, if any, it will make to either its own loyalty-points program or Starwood’s or if it will merge the two programs. Starwood’s program is considered to be better, awarding member points through partnerships with American Express and 35 airlines.