Dear Mr. Berko: I know that Marriott International franchises most of its hotels, like the Courtyard or the Ritz-Carlton, to third parties. What is your opinion of Marriott, and do you know what it would cost me to buy a Courtyard franchise?
— S.L., Oklahoma City
Dear S.L.: Most folks aren’t aware Marriott franchises 53 percent of its properties and has management contracts on 43 percent of its other properties. Marriott depends heavily on its impressive brands to attract growth from third-party owners.
Franchise contracts run for 20 years with renewal options up to 50 years. A Courtyard by Marriott franchise requires a total investment between $7 million and $10 million. The franchise fee is $60,000 or $500 per room, whichever is greater. Franchises for a Ritz-Carlton or a Bulgari will cost much more than a bit more. Though I doubt you’ll get a Courtyard franchise — Marriott carefully selects franchisees before it builds a Courtyard, and you must have substantial experience to qualify.
I travel frequently to speak in many cities where this column appears, and I’ve never, ever had a bad stay at a Marriott, which is certainly the most iconic and visionary name in hospitality. I’ve never stayed at any of Marriott’s 101 Ritz-Carlton locations, 41 St. Regis Hotel Resorts, 55 exquisite W Hotels, eight stunning Edition properties, 107 elegant Le Meridien facilities, six lavish Bulgari premises, 175 stylish Renaissance accommodations or 84 magnificent JW Marriott hotels. I always stay at their ubiquitous Courtyard by Marriott or a Residence Inn. Marriott has over 6,500 lodging properties, 4,900 of which are in North America, with the remainder in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, totaling 1,262,000 rooms and 1,518,000 bathrooms, all with flush toilets.
