The platform is being launched in partnership with various property management companies.
Marriott International has unveiled its Homes & Villas by Marriott International vacation rental platform, with plans to officially debut the service across 100 destinations throughout the US, Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America next week.
The platform is being launched in partnership with various property management companies.
The move adds more than 40 new leisure destinations to Marriott's footprint, giving the hotel giant a presence in traditional vacation markets.
Each property has been audited and reviewed by Marriott, and all homes listed on Homes & Villas by Marriott International are guaranteed to include 24/7 property management support, high-speed WiFi, premium linens and amenities and child-friendly items on request, Marriott said.
Once the platform is live, travellers will be able to search and book homes on the new Homes & Villas by Marriott International site, while those searching Marriott.com for accommodations for three-plus nights in markets where home inventory exists will see links to Homes & Villas by Marriott International.
Additionally, members of Marriott's Bonvoy loyalty programme will be able to earn and redeem points when booking a Homes & Villas by Marriott International accommodation.
Marriott is still determining how Homes & Villas by Marriott International portfolio will be sold through travel advisors and on the Marriott Bonvoy app.
The platform's launch follows Marriott's European foray into the short-term vacation rental space through its Tribute Portfolio Homes platform.
Launched last April, the programme was created in partnership with UK-based property management group Hostmaker and debuted with an inaugural 200-plus homes in London.
Marriott later expanded the Tribute Portfolio Homes portfolio, adding homes in Paris, Rome and Lisbon last October.
And while Marriott ventures further into home sharing, Airbnb has announced a partnership with New York City developer RXR Realty to convert portions of commercial properties into hybrid apartment-hotel accommodations.
According to Airbnb, the company's latest lodging type will offer guests "the features of a luxury hotel with all the comforts of a home" and curated local experiences. A digital concierge service, which will be staffed by local hosts, will be offered.
Source: Travel Weekly USA