According to the article, Marriott plans on expanding its home rental market to compete with Airbnb. Airbnb is listed as the largest platform for home rental that operates a global online market to serve the consumer with lodging or homestays experience. Since the rental market has changed aggressively with technology, hotel is becoming an old school style for guests staying. Therefore, Marriot is making a move to reshape the consumers’ expectations by following the trend like Airbnb. Hotels had stricter policy standards and requirements compare to home rentals. For instance, guests are limited staying of two in one king bed room unit or people must pay an extra fee for additional guest at the hotel while other people only being charged the same rate at home rentals with the capacity allows up to 4 or 5 guests. After Marriot successfully improved the pilot rental program in Europe, which means they have been tested the market and confidently moving it to the U.S in the nearby future.
Marriott has studied that the consumers would prefer having bigger space at home rental with fully loaded kitchen appliances and laundry facilities than a hotel room. Especially for travelers, they rather choose to stay where the atmosphere feels like being home and relax. Marriott is aiming to the right direction whereas Airbnb has successfully attracted 400,000 companies globally. In conclusion, this idea will help Marriott to gain more member to join their loyalty programs and consider embracing the advantages they offer.
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I think this is a very smart move for Marriott and maybe even safer for consumers. Airbnb is a great way to travel, however, sometimes you don't have 100% certainty with what your getting. If a company like Marriott was in the home rental game it could create some competitive pricing and better quality product as well.
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