Marriott International Inc. is an American conglomerate that operates, franchises and licenses accommodation, including hotel, residential, and timeshare properties. It is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland. The company was founded by J. Willard Marriott and his wife Alice Marriott in 1927. The hotel company operates more than 7,000 properties in over 130 countries and territories, including well-known brands such as the Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, and Fairfield Inn & Suites.