Originally Posted by svenskaflicka
I get confused about who owns and who manages properties. Who is host Marriott buying these properties from? Are they individually owned or does some conglomerate (sp) own many of them? Does Starwood actually own any properties or do they just manage?
Host Marriott is a real estate investment trust that was spun off of Marriott Hotels and Resorts. IIRC, they are trying to lose the Marriott portion of their name and just go with Host because it causes a lot of confusion now that they have nothing to do with Marriott the hotel company. They are buying these properties from Starwood, who owns them currently. It seems that Starwood would rather focus on management and branding rather than owning real estate, but you'd have to ask someone smarter than I am as to what this all means for the future of the company.
All I know for sure is that even though the properties in your link are being sold, they will remain part of Starwood's brands, Starwood will keep the management contracts for most properties for the next 40 years, and as long as they do, they will participate in Starwood Preferred Guest.
Sincerely,
William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services
[email protected]