Last Updated on July 16, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Sheraton Hotels and Resorts is owned by Marriott International, so when you book a Sheraton stay, you’re staying with one of Marriott’s flagship global brands. Founded in 1933, Sheraton grew through ITT and later Starwood before Marriott bought Starwood in 2016. Today, you can expect refreshed rooms, signature beds, Wi‑Fi, lounges, and meeting spaces. It also sits within Marriott Bonvoy, giving you broad global reach and more perks to explore next.
Who Owns Sheraton Hotels and Resorts?
Sheraton Hotels and Resorts is owned by Marriott International, the hospitality giant that acquired Starwood Hotels, Sheraton’s parent company, in 2016. When you trace Sheraton history, you see a brand founded in 1933, then reshaped by ITT Corporation’s 1968 takeover and Starwood’s $13.3 billion purchase in 1998. Each shift pushed Brand evolution forward, steering Sheraton through reinvention, renovation, and repositioning. Today, you experience it under Marriott’s umbrella, alongside more than 30 hotel brands worldwide, with Marriott’s 2023 strategy including a planned $500 million investment to refresh weaker Sheraton properties. That backing matters because it signals a push to restore Sheraton’s competitive edge without erasing its legacy. For you, this ownership means a global network supporting a classic name that’s still adapting to modern expectations, while keeping room for a more empowered, refreshed guest experience.
Sheraton Hotels and Resorts at a Glance
With Marriott now backing the brand, Sheraton Hotels and Resorts stands as a long-running global name that’s been shaping traveler experiences since 1933. From a single Cambridge, Massachusetts property, you can trace Sheraton history into a network spanning more than 70 countries, proof that comfort and connection travel well. Global expansion accelerated after ITT Corporation took over in 1968, and the brand became easier for you to reach through the first nationwide toll-free reservation number. Later, Starwood’s 1998 purchase sharpened Sheraton’s presence and refreshed many hotels, while Marriott’s 2016 acquisition kept the brand moving forward. Today, you’ll still find Sheraton living up to its motto, “Where the world comes together,” with spaces built for work, conversation, and rest. In 2023, the launch of Four Points Express showed Sheraton’s ongoing evolution without losing its familiar, worldwide identity.
Sheraton’s Growth in the 1930s
Launched in 1933 by Ernest Henderson and Robert Moore with the purchase of the Continental Hotel in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Sheraton quickly turned a single property into the start of something much larger. You can see how their bold 1930s expansion fed on smart hotel acquisitions, not cautious waiting. In 1937, they bought Standard Investing Corporation and International Equities Corporation, then formed Standard Equities Corporation to unify the push. That same year, you’d have noticed the Stonehaven Hotel, the first property under the new company, signaling the birth of the Sheraton brand. By 1939, the chain took the name Hotel Sheraton, inspired by its striking sign and growing reputation. Each move widened your options as a traveler, giving you access to a more connected, modern hotel network. Sheraton’s rise in the 1930s wasn’t just growth; it was a clear claim to space, visibility, and independence.
Sheraton’s ITT Years and 1990s Expansion
After Sheraton’s early rise, the next major chapter came in 1968, when ITT Corporation acquired the brand and pushed it toward franchising and management on a much wider scale. You’d see Sheraton move with sharper Franchising Strategies, letting the brand spread faster while keeping control of service standards. In 1969, it launched the first nationwide toll-free reservation number, so you could book more easily from anywhere. The next year, Sheraton introduced Sheraton Towers, a hotel-within-a-hotel idea that gave you more privacy, richer amenities, and a stronger sense of Luxury Positioning. During the 1990s, ITT Sheraton elevated that image by naming 28 premier hotels and 33 Towers as the ITT Sheraton Luxury Collection. In 1994, it also took control of Italy’s CIGA chain, folding those properties into the collection and widening your access to high-end stays across Europe and beyond.
How Starwood Repositioned Sheraton
When Starwood Hotels acquired Sheraton in 1998 for $13.3 billion, it set out to refresh the brand with a sharper focus on renovations, new concepts, and broader expansion. You could see its brand revitalization strategies in action: aging U.S. properties got upgrades, modern amenities arrived, and guest experiences became more polished and flexible. Starwood also launched fresh hotel concepts and used market adaptation techniques to match shifting traveler tastes, while keeping Sheraton visible across more locations. It marketed the Luxury Collection separately, yet many properties still carried the Sheraton name, strengthening recognition without losing reach. In international markets, especially Asia, Sheraton stayed strong, giving you a brand that felt both familiar and newly energized. Starwood’s approach didn’t just fix buildings; it repositioned Sheraton as a freer, more contemporary choice for travelers who wanted comfort, style, and movement.
Sheraton After Marriott’s 2016 Acquisition
With Marriott’s 2016 acquisition of Starwood, Sheraton gained the backing of the world’s largest hotel and resort company, giving the brand far greater reach, resources, and momentum. You can see the acquisition impact analysis in Sheraton’s renewed push to shed the weight of aging U.S. properties and rebuild confidence through sharper design, smarter management, and broader global visibility. Marriott’s Sheraton revitalization strategies also include a planned $500 million investment to refresh underperforming hotels, signaling a real commitment to repositioning the brand for today’s traveler. In 2023, Marriott extended that vision with Four Points Express by Sheraton, a mid-range option for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa that speaks to your need for practical, modern stays without excess. Today, Sheraton operates in more than 70 countries, adapting to changing preferences while keeping its international footprint strong and flexible, so you can move through the world with more choice and less compromise.
What to Expect at Sheraton Properties
At Sheraton properties, you can expect a range of room types and thoughtful amenities that make it easy to settle in for work or rest. You’ll also notice spacious public areas designed to bring people together, whether you’re meeting, relaxing, or getting things done. With attentive service and a polished brand experience, Sheraton aims to make your stay feel comfortable, welcoming, and connected.
Room Types And Amenities
Sheraton hotels usually give you a range of room types to choose from, including Standard Rooms, Club Rooms, and Suites, so it’s easier to match your stay to your budget and travel style. That room variety lets you pick the space that fits how you move, work, and unwind. Inside, you’ll often find the Sheraton Signature Bed, free Wi-Fi, and generous work areas that support both rest and productivity. These guest amenities help you stay comfortable without feeling boxed in. Many properties also bring you restaurants and lounges with local flavors, so you can explore the destination without leaving the hotel. When you want balance, you can use fitness centers, pools, and wellness spaces to recharge on your own terms.
Service And Brand Experience
Known for its “Where the world comes together” spirit, Sheraton aims to give you a stay that feels connected, comfortable, and practical whether you’re traveling for work or leisure. You’ll find welcoming public spaces that make it easy to meet, work, or simply breathe. The brand pairs modern service with thoughtful details like the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed and spacious workstations, so you can rest well and stay productive. If you need to gather people, versatile meeting rooms and event spaces help you host with ease. Many properties also serve local cuisine, letting you taste the destination without leaving the hotel. With ongoing investment to refresh the portfolio, Sheraton keeps raising guest satisfaction and strengthening brand loyalty through a smoother, more confident experience.
Where Sheraton Fits in Marriott Bonvoy
Within Marriott Bonvoy’s vast portfolio, Sheraton stands out as one of the group’s core brands, giving you access to more than 30 hotel brands across over 10,000 destinations worldwide. You’ll find it in over 70 countries, built for travelers who want spaces that support meetings, conferences, and meaningful events without sacrificing comfort. Sheraton branding strategies focus on welcoming public areas, flexible work zones, and social settings that feel open and connected. That’s where Marriott synergy becomes clear: Sheraton benefits from Marriott’s scale while adding its own recognizable identity. The brand’s motto, “Where the world comes together,” captures that balance of business and belonging. Marriott has also backed a $500 million revitalization push to lift weaker properties and sharpen competitiveness. In 2023, Sheraton widened its reach with Four Points Express by Sheraton, bringing a more accessible mid-range option to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Company Is the Sheraton Hotel Under?
Sheraton’s under Marriott International, which acquired Starwood in 2016. You’ll see Sheraton history reflected in its global growth, and Sheraton amenities continue to evolve as Marriott invests in stronger, more welcoming stays worldwide.
Is Sheraton Marriott or IHG?
Sheraton’s Marriott, not IHG—surprise, the corporate labyrinth spared you a wrong turn. You can trace Sheraton history through Marriott’s portfolio, and you’ll still enjoy Sheraton amenities without bowing to IHG’s branding circus.
What Hotel Program Is Sheraton Part Of?
Sheraton belongs to Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott’s hotel loyalty program, and you can earn and redeem points there. Its brand history links Sheraton to Starwood, then Marriott, giving you broad access across many properties worldwide.
Which Hotel Chains Are Part of Marriott?
You’ll find Marriott’s chains include The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, JW Marriott, W Hotels, Sheraton, Westin, Marriott Hotels, Four Points, Aloft, and more, giving you luxury accommodations and a broad global presence.
Conclusion
So, if you’re asking what company Sheraton belongs to, the answer is Marriott International—but the story is bigger than a simple ownership label. You get a brand that feels both classic and current: familiar in name, yet refreshed through Marriott’s global reach. Sheraton blends old-world hotel heritage with modern loyalty perks, giving you comfort and connection in one stay. When you book Sheraton, you’re choosing a legacy brand with a forward-looking home.