Despite the "Marriott" name, Host Marriott is not affiliated with Marriott International. Its hotels are managed by a number of different operators, including Four Seasons (ATL & PHL), Hyatt (ATL, SFO, Cambridge, Reston), and the Swissotels - all of which they consider upper end, as well as a host of Marriotts, etc. I suspect that Hyatt is anxious for a downtown property, and in addition to satisfying the owner's desire for a better flag, both parties are motivated for such a deal to happen. Marriott, on the other hand, already has two downtown locations and a Vacation Club property downtown - as well as hotels just outside downtown.