Marriott to launch City Express in US
Marriott International is set to introduce its new "affordable midscale" hotel brand, City Express by Marriott, to the U.S. and Canadian markets, per Skift. This move follows the brand's successful expansion in the Caribbean and Latin America, where it increased Marriott's footprint by 45%. The brand, previously known as Project Mid-T, targets budget-conscious middle-class travelers with functional, no-frills accommodations.
City Express by Marriott will focus primarily on converting existing properties rather than new construction, with the company anticipating signed agreements and potential openings within months. This launch aligns with a broader industry trend of major hotel groups developing brands catering to the midscale segment.
The introduction of City Express faced a brief trademark dispute with IHG, which has since been resolved. This new brand joins Marriott's recent midscale offerings, including Four Points Express by Sheraton in Europe and StudioRes in North America, reflecting the industry's growing focus on serving budget-minded, middle-class guests with consistent, essential services.