Last Updated on July 5, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Sheraton is a global hotel name. But one company does not own every Sheraton building. In many places, local owners own the building. Marriott owns the Sheraton brand. Owners use it through franchise or management deals.
Quick Answer
Marriott International owns the Sheraton brand, but it owns or leases less than 1% of Sheraton buildings. Most Sheraton hotels are owned by independent companies, investor groups, or REITs that sign franchise or management deals to use Marriott’s name and systems.
Key Takeaways
- Marriott owns the Sheraton brand and sets the brand rules.
- Most Sheraton hotels are owned by others, not by Marriott.
- Hotels use contracts (franchise or management) to use the Sheraton name.
- Owners vary by country, so one Sheraton may have a different owner than another.
- Marriott grows “asset-light”: it signs deals more than it buys buildings, though it occasionally acquires a hotel directly.
The history and evolution of Sheraton ownership
Sheraton dates its start to 1937. Ernest Henderson and Robert Moore bought a hotel in Springfield, MA and began the chain. See the Sheraton history page.
In 1998, Starwood Hotels & Resorts bought Sheraton. On September 23, 2016, Marriott finished buying Starwood, so Sheraton became part of Marriott’s brand group.
What Marriott controls vs what hotel owners control
Marriott controls the Sheraton brand. This includes brand rules, the booking system, and the rewards program.
The building is often owned by someone else. That owner pays fees, follows the brand rules, and pays for big upgrades.
Franchise deals and management deals
Most Sheraton hotels use one of these setups:
- Franchise: the owner (or a hired operator) runs the hotel and pays brand fees.
- Management: the owner keeps the building, but Marriott runs the hotel for a fee.
Marriott calls this “asset-light” because it usually runs or franchises hotels instead of owning them.
Does Marriott own many Sheraton hotels?
Usually, no. In its 2024 Form 10-K, Marriott says it owns or leases less than one percent of its lodging properties worldwide, focusing instead on management and franchise fees.
Marriott does occasionally own a Sheraton directly, though. In late 2024, Marriott acquired the Sheraton Grand Chicago, making it one of the rare Sheraton properties the company owns outright rather than franchises or manages.
Pro Tip: Don’t assume a hotel is investable just because it carries a well-known name. If you’re considering a direct deal, check whether the property is under a franchise or management agreement, since that changes who controls day-to-day decisions and who is on the hook for renovations.
So a Sheraton may be owned by a local company, an investor group, or a hotel REIT, while the Sheraton brand and systems come from Marriott.
Why ownership differs by country
Hotel deals depend on local laws and local funding. Some Sheratons are owned by local families or firms. Others are owned by large funds. In some cities, a Sheraton is part of a bigger site with shops, offices, or homes.
How Sheraton hotels stay consistent
Even with many owners, Sheraton hotels aim to feel familiar. They use the same brand rules, staff training, and booking tools. This is why the guest experience can look similar across markets.
How people invest in Sheraton hotels
Common options include:
- Direct deals: buy a hotel (or invest in a deal) that runs as a Sheraton.
- Public shares: invest in Marriott (the brand owner) or in hotel owners like REITs.
- Partnerships: join a group that builds or upgrades a hotel and signs a Sheraton deal.
Always review the contract terms, costs, and local demand for the specific hotel.
What’s next for Sheraton ownership
Sheraton’s hotel list changes as hotels open, update, change brands, or leave the chain. Marriott tends to add hotels through franchise and management deals instead of buying more property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns the Sheraton brand today?
Marriott International owns the Sheraton brand after it bought Starwood Hotels & Resorts in 2016.
Does Marriott own every Sheraton hotel building?
No. Most Sheraton hotels are owned by third parties. Marriott is usually the brand owner or the hotel manager, not the building owner, though it does own a small number of Sheratons directly, such as the Sheraton Grand Chicago.
How can I find the owner of a specific Sheraton hotel?
Check local land records or company records for the hotel’s legal owner. The Sheraton name shows the brand, not who owns the property.
What is the difference between a franchise and a management deal?
In a franchise, the owner runs the hotel and pays brand fees. In a management deal, the owner keeps the building while Marriott runs the hotel for a fee.
Why do Sheraton hotels have different owners?
Hotels are built and funded locally, so ownership follows local investors and local rules. Many owners can use the Sheraton name through contracts.
Conclusion
Marriott owns the Sheraton brand, but most Sheraton buildings are owned by other companies. Sheraton works worldwide because owners can sign franchise or management deals that use Marriott’s rules and systems.
Sources
- Marriott International press release — confirms the September 23, 2016 completion of the Starwood acquisition
- Marriott International 2024 Form 10-K (SEC) — confirms Marriott owns or leases less than 1% of its properties
- Sheraton brand history page — background on Sheraton’s founding and evolution