I may have missed it, but nothing has been posted which details exactly what, if any, renovations will be happening. These hotels would need serious cash spent on them to bring them up to contemporary upscale hotel standards. Converting 23 hotels in the space of a month - with no inconvenience to the guests - doesn't allow for much more than changing the signage.

Pretty much, yes. The brand image of Marriott in the UK is shaped by these outdated city-centre properties and the 'faceless American corporation' vibe. The market has moved on, so if anyone has the money to invest in a shiny new city-centre hotel, you can bet the farm it won't be a Marriott.