By the Caribbean Journal staff

The world’s biggest hotel company is getting into the home sharing business.

In a move that enters Marriott in a market dominated by home sharing giant Airbnb, the company has launched a new “Homes & Villas by Marriott International” program that includes the Caribbean market.

“The launch of Homes & Villas by Marriott International reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation as consumer travel needs evolve,” said Stephanie Linnartz, Global Chief Commercial Officer, Marriott International. “What started out as a pilot a year ago is now a global offering, providing our guests with the space and amenities of a home backed by a trusted travel company, and the very best in loyalty benefits.”

The program, which will focus on “premium and luxury homes” in more than 100 destinations worldwide, will also see members of Marriott’s Bonvoy rewards program able to earn and redeem points at the “highly-curated” homes.

The launch comes after Marriott developed the home rental program in a 2018 pilot initiative under the brand Tribute Portfolio Homes.

And the Caribbean launch will focus on luxury destinations, too, the company said, with a launch in St Barth and Anguilla, among other stops.

The Anguilla launch, for example, includes an oceanfront villa with a private beach and a personal butler.

And while it’s hard to ignore the presence of Airbnb, the luxury focus means Marriott’s biggest competition could potentially be Airbnb’s luxury sub-brand, Luxury Retreats.

Marriott is launching the program with “select property management companies that are already managing these homes,” it said.

Anguilla will also be one of Marriott’s first home rental markets.

“Our approach to home rentals allows us to curate an incredible collection of homes that deliver an elevated travel experience,” said Jennifer Hsieh, Vice President, Homes & Villas by Marriott International. “By working with a select group of professional management companies that understand and operate in this dynamic landscape, we are able to focus on what we do best – selecting a breadth of homes in inspiring destinations, setting standards for responsive service and designing a seamless booking experience that helps our guests navigate an increasingly complex and uncertain set of home rental choices.”

Marriott also said the Homes & Villas program would be the setting for experiences exclusively available to members by using their points on “Marriott Bonvoy Moments.”

That includes events like gourmet cooking, barbecues and tours.

The launch will officially take place next week with a searchable home database.

For more, visit Marriott Homes & Villas. 

— CJ