CJKatl, Your observations are excellent.

Marriott is not alone in brand proliferation, although its main computers don't come close to 19 brands.

Starwood now has eleven brands: Aloft, Design Hotels, Element by Westin, Four Points by Sheraton, The Luxury Collection, Le Méridien, St. Regis, Sheraton, Tribute Portfolio, W Hotels, Westin.

Hyatt now has eleven brands: Andaz, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Centric, Hyatt Hotels, Hyatt House, Hyatt Place, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Residence Club, Hyatt Zilara, Hyatt Ziva, and Park Hyatt.

Hilton now has twelve brands: Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Canopy, Curio, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton, Hilton Grand Vacations.