15 Biggest Hotel Chains In The World

The 15 biggest hotel chains in the world offer an enticing cocktail of leisure, vacation and a grandeur that every traveler aspires for. These large hotel chains are known for not only their immaculate services but also an experience befitting royalty. However, if you are ready to experience this luxury and hospitality, you need to shell out a fortune.

Many of the 15 biggest hotel chains in the world are located in the United States. The hospitality industry is posting steady growth worldwide, with Europe and Asia Pacific delivering hotel occupancy rates of over 69%. With a solid global economy and easy booking options on smartphones, there has been a surge in customer spending on leisure and vacations. However, a shift has also been noticed towards budget hotels. While many aspire for a grand vacation, it’s what outside their rooms, in the cities and other sights that holds more interest to them than the inside of their hotel rooms. A decent bed, a shower and of course Wi-Fi is all travelers really need to get by. Many large hotel chains are thus coming up with properties in this category to lure more customers.

The global hotel sector is estimated to have risen to an astounding $550 billion, showing 20% growth from $457 billion in 2011. According to Hotel Technology’s 2016 Lodging Technology Study, 54% of hotels will spend more on technology this year, as guests today expect comprehensive digital services during their stays. Technology is even disrupting the hotel industry, as a Japanese hotel is already using robot staff. The hotel business is a competitive one, with scores of hotels to choose from.

The list of 15 biggest hotel chains in the world on the following pages will give you a fair idea of who the largest are in terms of revenue. While the list is derived from the largest hotels and motels based on revenue as reported by Forbes, we have also looked at trends from all around the globe. For further reading, check out our list of the 10 Most Expensive Hotels in the World to Build.

15. Best Western International Inc, United States – $296 million

Best Western International operates more than 4,000 hotels and is headquartered in Arizona. Known as the ‘World’s Largest Hotel family’, the hotel chain is quite popular in the Middle East and Asia. It also has a strong presence in the U.S and Europe. With revenue of $296 million, the hotel chain ranks 15^th on our list of the 15 biggest hotel chains in the world.

14. Genting Hong Kong Limited (USA) (OTCMKTS:GTHKF), Hong Kong – $690 million

Headquartered in Hong Kong, Genting Hong Kong operates cruise and resort businesses. Its cruise & cruise-related segment operates Star Cruises in the Asia-Pacific region and has a fleet of 18 ships. Its Other segment is engaged in hotel operations. The company operates businesses in Asia Pacific, North America and Europe. Genting Hong Kong reported revenue of $690 million for 2015.

13. Choice Hotels International Inc (NYSE:CHH), United States – $859 million

Choice Hotels International run an extensive network of franchisee hotels in America. It operates approximately 6,420 hotels and franchises under brand names like Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Clarion, Sleep Inn, and MainStay Suites. It also has a cloud-based technology division, SkyTouch, that provides services like inventory management, pricing and connectivity.

12. Great Eagle Holdings, Hong Kong – $1.1 billion

Headquartered in Hong Kong, Great Eagle Holdings Ltd. owns hotel properties and also manages a real estate investment trust. It operates through six segments, including its hotel operations segment, which offers hotel accommodation, food and banquet operations, and hotel management. The company operates in Hong Kong, North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region.

11. InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (ADR) (NYSE:IHG), UK – $1.8 billion

InterContinental Hotels Group was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in Denham, UK. The company’s geographical reach extends to The Americas, Europe and AMEA. The company has a bouquet of hotel brand portfolios with over 5,000 hotels in over 100 countries. It also has over 1,300 hotels in the development phase. With revenue of $1.8 billion for its fiscal year ended March 2015, the company ranks 11th on our list of the 15 biggest hotel chains in the world.

10. Jin Jiang International, China – $1.824 billion

With over 3,000 hotels in China, Europe, Africa, Asia, and The Americas, Jin Jiang International is one of China’s largest hotel chains but also a large global hospitality company. The hotel is known for its marvelous interiors and architecture and operates full service and select service hotels. The Shanghai-based, state-owned enterprise reported revenue of $1.824 billion in 2015, making it the 10th-largest hotel chain in the world.

9. Oriental Land, Japan – $3.9 billion

The Japanese company engages in the business of theme parks and hotels. It was founded in 1960 and is headquartered in Japan. Oriental Land reported revenue of $3.9 billion for 2015.

8. Shenzhen Overseas, China – $4.1 billion

Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Shenzhen, China, Shenzhen Overseas operates travel agencies, as well as handling tourism, real estate and hotel development, and paper and printing services. With sales of $4.1 billion, the hotel chain ranks 8th on our list of the 15 biggest hotel chains in the world.

7. Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, United States – $4.3 billion

With over 102 properties in 43 countries, Four Seasons is a Canadian international luxury hospitality company that was founded in 1960. Four Seasons’ properties are known for their lavish interiors and exotic locations. Microsoft founder Bill Gates and Saudi Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal together own a majority of the shares in the company.

6. Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H), United States – $4.33 billion

Ranking 6th on our list of biggest hotel chains in the world is Hyatt Hotels Corporation, with reported revenue of $4.33 billion for its fiscal year ended March 2015. It is a global hospitality company that owns and operates a portfolio of properties including full service hotels, select service hotels, resorts, and vacation properties. The company owns eight brands, six out of which fall under the company’s full service hotels and resorts.

5. Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE:WYN), United States – $5.5 billion

Headquartered in New Jersey, Wyndham Worldwide Corporation operates several hotel brands across the world. It owns and operates 7,800 hotels in its Hotel Group segment. It also has vacation accommodations located in 100 countries and 220 resorts under its Vacation Ownership segment. It was spun off from Cendant Corporation in July 2006. Wyndham’s properties span six continents and offer a wide range of choices, from economy to upscale.

4. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc (NYSE:HOT) United States – $5.8 billion

With revenue of $5.8 billion, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc is next on our list. Starwood Hotels focuses on hotels in the luxury segment and also provides vacation experiences through its villa-style resorts under Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc. Starwood Hotels & Resorts operates in the Americas, Europe, Africa and the Middle East (EAME), and Asia.

3. Accor, France – $6.2 billion

The third place on our list of  biggest hotel chains in the world goes to the Accor Hotels, a French multinational group founded in 1960 and headquartered in Paris. The group owns and franchises 3,700 hotels ranging from economy lodgings to five-star hotels. Some of its popular brands include Formula 1, Novotel, Suite Hotel, All Seasons, Ibis, Etap, Motel 6, Pullman, Sofitel, and Mercure. With reported revenue of $6.2 billion, Accor is the 3rd-biggest hotel chain in the world in terms of revenue.

2. Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc (NYSE:HLT), United States – $11.3 billion

Hilton Worldwide is a global hospitality company with a presence in more than 100 countries. It has an impressive luxury and lifestyle hotel brand portfolio including Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, and DoubleTree by Hilton. With revenue of $11.3 billion in 2015, the hotel chain ranks 2nd on our list.

1. Marriott International Inc (NASDAQ:MAR), United States – $14.5 billion

Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Maryland, Marriott International tops our list of the 15  biggest hotel chains in the world, with revenue of $14.5 billion. The company has more than 5,700 properties in 110 countries and operates 30 brands internationally. Its merger with Starwood Hotels and Resorts in September 2016 created the world’s largest hotel company. The move has also increased Marriott’s non-U.S presence.

Disclosure: None