We've determined there were no JW Marriott hotels until 1984.
There was just one hotel called the JW Marriott when the first one opened in DC, but it was not yet its own brand.
The name eventually appeared in a few more locations, but JW Marriott was still not considered its own brand in the
Marriott International, Inc. 2000 Annual Report. In that report, Marriott claimed, "With 21 distinct brands and businesses, Marriott offers the broadest portfolio of hospitality brands in the world." But JW Marriott was not listed as one of those 21 brands. (The brands included a bunch of brands that are still around, but also brands that Marriott sold or eliminated, such as Ramada International, Brighton Gardens Assisted Living, and Marriott Vacation Club Horizons.)
The 2000 Annual Report mentioned JW Marriott Hotels in the context of full-service Marriott hotels. Oddly, in that context, JW Marriott Hotels was called a brand, even though it was not listed as one of the 21 brands:
Marriott Hotels, Resorts and Suites is the company’s flagship brand of quality-tier hotels and resorts known for quality service and genuine care that enables travelers to enjoy a memorable travel experience. Most hotels feature multiple restaurants and lounges, health club, swimming pool, concierge level, business center and meeting facilities. JW Marriott Hotels, the most elegant, luxurious brand to carry the Marriott name, offers a higher level of personal service and amenities to discerning business and leisure travelers. There are 393 Marriott Hotels, Resorts and Suites properties worldwide.