Marriott International, Inc. is a publicly owned American multinational company that operates, franchises, and licenses lodging, including hotels, residential properties, and timeshare properties. Founded in 1927, the company is headquartered in the United States and employs over 213,560 people. Marriott International is known for its diverse portfolio of brands, including The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, JW Marriott, W Hotels, Westin, Sheraton, Le Méridien, Aloft, and Element. The company operates over 7,600 properties in 139 countries and territories, making it one of the largest hotel companies in the world.