Folklore has it that at a low time for Marriott, financially, Mr. Marriott approached the CEO of Coca-Cola, about something in the financial realm, to help Marriott ride the tide. Allegedly, the CEO of Coca-Cola, said, "no" to Mr. Marriott's request of Coca-Cola. Mr. Marriott, being the brilliant businessman that he is, said OK, Mr. Coca-Cola, Coke products will be moved out of Marriott Hotels, and will be replaced with Pepsi products.

Imagine that financial loss to Coca-Cola. Now, in the current tense, Marriott takes their message to Coca-Cola, one step further, and Coke products are moved out of Starwood Hotels, allegedly to be replaced by Pepsi products.