Yes, there's a good family behind that Marriott name & in very subtle ways, their values/ideas trickle down into the product. It's still a corporation, and in that sense somewhat sterile and distant, but only as necessary. Mr. Marriott does indeed get out and personify the product and this is a good thing as it also shows in his associates.

We meet him at one of the Marriott timeshares, and he is indeed soft-spoken, humble, and gracious. His associates adore him; another good sign of strong, credible leadership. I was struck by how he arrives in an ordinary sedan with a driver and his personal secretary, an equally affable fellow and his entire visit was entirely low key although the associates were buzzing and smiling, as they rightly should. They work for a good company.

Barry