BETHESDA, Md., Sept. 9, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Marriott International (Nasdaq:MAR) was recently named to the Forbes World's Most Innovative Companies List, ranking as the highest hotel company and #18 overall. The World's Most Innovative Companies is the definitive ranking of the 100 firms investors think are most likely to generate big, new growth ideas. Long known as an industry leader, Marriott was recognized for its ground-breaking Innovation Lab, mobile check-in and out, and its new Greatroom Lobby featured in its Marriott Hotels brand.
"We are honored to be among the world's most innovative companies," said Stephanie Linnartz, Marriott International's executive vice president and chief marketing and commercial officer. "We are designing hotels for a new generation that is used to working, staying and playing how and where they want. Our Innovation Lab is helping us to create solutions that elevate, innovate and evolve our guest experience."
Marriott announced the opening of its 10,000 square foot Innovation Lab located beneath the company's headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland last year. The Innovation Lab offers rapid prototyping with instant feedback capabilities, bird's eye views from Internet-enabled cameras, and multiple avenues for customer participation. Located two stories below headquarters, the lab -- also dubbed "The Underground" -- is dedicated to promoting innovation and collaboration. Like a blank canvas, the floor-to-ceiling white space offers a clean slate for anyone – whether architect, designer, employee or customer – to manipulate and make his mark. This space showcases the brand's commitment to the next generation of travelers, who seamlessly blend work and play, with a focus on changing style, technology and service.
The lodging leader also recently announced its expanded mobile check-in and checkout globally. Eleven additional brands – The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Renaissance Hotels, Autograph Collection, AC Hotels, Courtyard, SpringHill Suites, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites and Marriott Executive Apartments – are joining the nearly 500 properties of the company's flagship Marriott Hotels brand in providing mobile check-in and checkout to guests. With these latest additions, these services are immediately available at 1,200 properties worldwide, and will be live at more than 4,000 hotels worldwide by year-end. With the Marriott Mobile app, check-in and checkout is simpler. Marriott Rewards members receive a push notification on their Apple iPhones or Android devices after 4 pm on the day before their arrival alerting them they can check-in. Then they receive an automatic notification when their room is ready. Communicating in advance means the hotel is prepared for their arrival. Because payment information is stored within members profiles, guests simply walk up to the expedited mobile check-in desk where their pre-programmed key card will be waiting for them.
Forbes used a method that relies on investors' ability to identify firms they expect to be innovative now and in the future. Companies on the list were also ranked by their innovation premium: the difference between their market capitalization and net present value of cash flows from existing businesses. Read more about the selection process and see the full list of World's Most Innovative Companies.
Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq:MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 4,000 properties in 78 countries and territories and reported revenues of nearly $13 billion in fiscal year 2013. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 45 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.