BETHESDA, Md.
Mariott International may sell its three Edition properties to fund an expansion of the boutique, luxury brand, incoming Chief Executive Officer Arne Sorenson said in a recent interview at the company’s JW Marriott in downtown Los Angeles.
The Edition brand, a joint venture with hotelier Ian Schrager, is Marriott International’s attempt to break into the boutique segment in which Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ W chain operates. Marriott would continue to operate the Edition properties after they are sold, Sorenson said.
“We’re willing to put in more money to expand Edition,” he said. Sorenson will replace J.W. Marriott Jr. as CEO at the end of the month, and Marriott will remain chairman.
Marriott agreed in October to buy the Clock Tower office building near Madison Square Park in Manhattan for an Edition hotel. The hotelier is considering adding Edition properties in Abu Dhabi, Bangkok and Gurgaon, India, and may add one in West Hollywood, California, adjacent to Beverly Hills, Sorenson said.
