Here are eleven of the biggest hotel chains in the world, along with some relevant information about each one:
- Marriott International
- Year started: 1927
- Owner: Publicly traded (Multiple shareholders)
- Number of hotels: Over 7,800 (as of 2021)
- Active countries: More than 130
- Country with the most hotels: United States
- Trivia: Marriott International was founded by J. Willard Marriott and is known for its diverse portfolio of brands, including Marriott Hotels, Sheraton, Westin, and Ritz-Carlton.
- Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.
- Year started: 1919
- Owner: Publicly traded (Multiple shareholders)
- Number of hotels: Over 6,500 (as of 2021)
- Active countries: More than 120
- Country with the most hotels: United States
- Trivia: Hilton Worldwide is named after its founder, Conrad Hilton. The company is renowned for its iconic brands such as Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria, and DoubleTree by Hilton.
- InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG)
- Year started: 2003 (Although its roots trace back to 1777)
- Owner: Publicly traded (Multiple shareholders)
- Number of hotels: Over 6,000 (as of 2021)
- Active countries: More than 100
- Country with the most hotels: United States
- Trivia: IHG operates well-known brands such as InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, and Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants. It is the largest hotel chain by the number of rooms.
- AccorHotels
- Year started: 1967
- Owner: Publicly traded (Multiple shareholders)
- Number of hotels: Over 5,200 (as of 2021)
- Active countries: More than 110
- Country with the most hotels: France
- Trivia: AccorHotels encompasses a wide range of brands, including Sofitel, Novotel, Ibis, and Fairmont. It is known for its global presence and diverse portfolio.
- Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
- Year started: 1981
- Owner: Publicly traded (Multiple shareholders)
- Number of hotels: Over 9,000 (as of 2021)
- Active countries: More than 80
- Country with the most hotels: United States
- Trivia: Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is the largest hotel franchising company globally, operating brands like Wyndham, Ramada, Days Inn, and Super 8.
- Choice Hotels International
- Year started: 1939
- Owner: Publicly traded (Multiple shareholders)
- Number of hotels: Over 7,100 (as of 2021)
- Active countries: More than 40
- Country with the most hotels: United States
- Trivia: Choice Hotels International is known for its diverse brand portfolio, including Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Clarion, and Sleep Inn.
- Best Western Hotels & Resorts
- Year started: 1946
- Owner: Best Western Hotels & Resorts
- Number of hotels: Over 4,700 (as of 2021)
- Active countries: More than 100
- Country with the most hotels: United States
- Trivia: Best Western is the world’s largest hotel chain of independently owned and operated hotels. It offers various types of accommodations, from budget-friendly to upscale.
- Radisson Hotel Group
- Year started: 1962
- Owner: Jin Jiang International Holdings Co. Ltd.
- Number of hotels: Over 1,400 (as of 2021)
- Active countries: More than 100
- Country with the most hotels: United States
- Trivia: Radisson Hotel Group operates brands such as Radisson Blu, Radisson Collection, Park Plaza, and Country Inn & Suites. It is known for its Scandinavian-inspired hospitality.
- Jin Jiang International Hotels
- Year started: 1995
- Owner: Jin Jiang International Holdings Co. Ltd.
- Number of hotels: Over 10,000 (as of 2021)
- Active countries: More than 60
- Country with the most hotels: China
- Trivia: Jin Jiang International Hotels is one of the largest hotel groups in China and operates brands such as Jinjiang Inn, Metropolo, and Vienna Hotel.
- OYO Hotels & Homes
- Year started: 2013
- Owner: Oravel Stays Private Limited
- Number of hotels: Over 1.2 million (as of 2021)
- Active countries: More than 80
- Country with the most hotels: India
- Trivia: OYO is a rapidly growing hotel chain that primarily focuses on budget and mid-range accommodations. It leverages technology for hotel bookings and operations.
- Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
- Year started: 1961
- Owner: Cascade Investment, Kingdom Holding Company, and Triples Holdings
- Number of hotels: Over 120 (as of 2021)
- Active countries: More than 40
- Country with the most hotels: United States
- Trivia: Four Seasons is known for its luxurious and high-end accommodations, offering personalized service and exquisite amenities.