Marriott to Launch City Express Hotel Brand in U.S. and Canada

[ad_1]

A rendering of Marriott's latest hotel brand, City Express by Marriott. Marriott

Marriott International said on Tuesday that it was introducing a hotel brand — City Express by Marriott — to the U.S. and Canada, marking its foray into the “affordable midscale” category in these countries.

The world’s largest hotelier had teased this new brand in the U.S. and Canada in May, describing it as Project Mid-T. Marriott bought the City Express brand in Mexico in May 2023, and has since been running properties under the City Express by Marriott brand in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Marriott had wanted to name its newest North American hotel brand City Express back in May, instead of calling it temporarily Project Mid-T.

However, rival hotel group IHG petitioned the U.S. trademark and patent office to cancel the proposed trademark for City Express by Marriott. IHG argued that the name was just a little too close to its own popular hotel brand, Holiday Inn Express, for comfort. Marriott has resolved that issue.

Key Points Still, Diana Plazas-Trowbridge, senior VP and global brand leader for select brands, cited “tremendous interest” in a press statement. She anticipates signed agreements and possible hotel openings in the U.S. and Canada “within months.”

A Brand Aimed at the Middle Class Marriott’s new brand is the latest example of hotel groups catering to the midscale segment. This tier falls in the middle of a spectrum between upscale and luxury brands on the one side and economy and premium economy brands on the other.

Last year, Marriott debuted the Four Points Express by Sheraton as a midscale brand in Europe and StudioRes as a midscale extended-stay brand in North America. Last year, IHG launched its Garner midscale conversion brand, Hilton launched its Spark midscale conversion brand, and Hyatt launched Hyatt Studios, an “upper-midscale” conversion brand.

The move echoes one of Skift’s Megatrends for this year — hotel groups are developing more brands that serve budget-minded, middle-class guests with limited services but a consistent delivery of essentials.

Marriott Reveals First Look at Its Newest Hotel Brand Marriott has unveiled details about its newest hotel brand, temporarily named Project Mid-T. It is mainly designed for converting existing hotels or reusing office spaces and is aimed at middle-class travelers.

Story continues

December 2025
M	T	W	T	F	S	S
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
8	9	10	11	12	13	14
15	16	17	18	19	20	21
22	23	24	25	26	27	28
29	30	31

Marriott to Launch City Express Hotel Brand in U.S. and Canada

Musk’s X to be reinstated in Brazil after complying with Supreme Court demands

Coldplay adds 10 North American dates to long-running Music of the Spheres World Tour

Coldplay adds 10 North American dates to long-running Music of the Spheres World Tour

Is the US’s Gamble on Argentina’s Bailout Reaping Rewards?

Embracing Adventure: A Family’s Journey from the U.S. to a New Life in Ecuador

El Salvador’s Battle for Freedom: Confronting Political Imprisonment and the Threat to Democracy

Dive into Adventure: Join the Exciting 5th National Immersion Session in French Guiana!

Celebrating Independence: A Heartfelt Farewell from the U.S. Embassy in Grenada

Greenland and the US: Reviving Exciting Conversations on Territorial Future

JetBlue Celebrates Bastille Day with Thrilling New Caribbean Route to Guadeloupe!

Uniting for Health: Americas Join Forces in Guatemala to Strengthen Influenza Pandemic Preparedness

Unveiling the Dark History: A Journey to the Jonestown Massacre Site

Haiti’s World Cup Dream: Triumphs and Trials Amidst Controversial Travel Restrictions

Categories

Archives