Marriott is no stranger to creating a variety of brands that accommodate a wide range of needs and stays. The hotel conglomerate, which has 31 brands in its portfolio, has hotels around the world geared toward every type of traveler from families, to business travelers to luxury lovers. The brand is continuing to expand and this time, it’s dabbling in the market of affordable extended stays.

According to The Points Guy, the hotel giant announced on May 1 that it obtained Mexico’s City Express chain of affordably priced hotels. In addition to this new acquisition, Marriott also plans to debut a new extended-stay hotel brand, bringing their number of brands to 32.

“Here in the U.S., we’re just a few weeks away from announcing a simple, modern, streamlined new-build, extended-stay product that has very basic services and amenities for those looking for longer stays at a midscale price point,” Marriott CEO Anthony Capuano said Tuesday during a company call.

Marriott’s announcement follows those of Hilton and Hyatt, both of which are venturing into the realm of affordable extended stays as well. Detour reported Hyatt’s announcement that it would be launching over 100 new hotels within their new brand, Hyatt Studios. The first properties are anticipated to open in 2024.

Marriott has yet to reveal specific details about the new brand, but Capuano said that travelers can “expect to hear more about that in the coming weeks.”

The Points Guy highlighted that during the pandemic, budget-friendly and extended-stay options fared well because of essential workers occupying rooms. Now, as hotel rates climb, budget properties are more likely to withstand the hits of recession compared to options that are more of a splurge. The outlet also notes that Marriott’s foray into more affordable properties is a shift in focus from its higher scale brands, but the move is one that is informed by demand.

“When we have talked in the past about the breadth of our portfolio, we’ve often responded to questions by saying we love the breadth of that portfolio for the way in which it satisfies the wants and needs of both our guests and our owners and franchisees,” Capuano said. “Midscale is the frontier where we hear demands from both of those constituents.”

Roshae Hemmings is an arts and culture magazine journalist from St. Louis, MO. A graduate from the Missouri School of Journalism, Roshae has bylines in the Columbia Missourian, Vox Magazineand 5280 Magazinediscussing topics ranging from pop culture, social justice and eat and drink. She is a foodie at heart and enjoys eating food as much as learning about the story behind it. When she’s not working on a story, Roshae enjoys cooking, watching and analyzing reality TV, and spending time with family and friends.

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