Marriott Expands in Japan Four Points Express by Sheraton Debuts with 14 Hotels

Post Published July 12, 2024

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Marriott Expands in Japan Four Points Express by Sheraton Debuts with 14 Hotels - Four Points Express by Sheraton Debuts in Japan





Marriott Expands in Japan Four Points Express by Sheraton Debuts with 14 Hotels

Four Points Express by Sheraton, a Marriott International brand, has made its debut in Japan with the opening of 14 hotels across the country.

This expansion marks a significant milestone for the brand, which aims to cater to the growing demand for mid-range hotel options in the Japanese market.

The 14 hotels are strategically located in major tourist destinations, offering travelers comfortable and functional accommodations with amenities tailored to their needs.

This move demonstrates Marriott's strategic efforts to strengthen its presence and meet the evolving preferences of travelers in the region.

The 14 new Four Points Express by Sheraton hotels in Japan are converted from the existing portfolio of Unizo Holdings, which was acquired by investment firm KKR.

This marks a unique partnership between Marriott and KKR to expand the brand's footprint in the country.

The hotels are strategically located across 10 major Japanese cities, including popular tourist destinations like Hakodate, Kanazawa, and Kyoto.

This widespread distribution aims to cater to the diverse travel needs of both domestic and international visitors.

With over 3,600 new rooms added to the portfolio, the debut of Four Points Express by Sheraton in Japan represents a significant expansion of Marriott's midscale hotel offerings in the country, where demand for affordable yet quality accommodations is on the rise.

Unlike traditional Four Points by Sheraton hotels, the "Express" moniker suggests a more streamlined, efficient, and potentially lower-cost hotel experience tailored to the needs of the Japanese market, which may appeal to cost-conscious travelers.

The decision to launch the Four Points Express brand in Japan, rather than the standard Four Points by Sheraton brand, could be a strategic move to differentiate Marriott's offerings and better compete with domestic Japanese hotel chains in the midscale segment.

While the Four Points Express brand is new to the Asia-Pacific region, its debut in Japan may serve as a testing ground for potential future expansion into other markets in the region, where Marriott sees growth opportunities in the midscale hotel sector.

What else is in this post?

  1. Marriott Expands in Japan Four Points Express by Sheraton Debuts with 14 Hotels - Four Points Express by Sheraton Debuts in Japan
  2. Marriott Expands in Japan Four Points Express by Sheraton Debuts with 14 Hotels - Marriott Targets Affordable Midscale Segment
  3. Marriott Expands in Japan Four Points Express by Sheraton Debuts with 14 Hotels - KKR Partnership Fuels Rapid Expansion
  4. Marriott Expands in Japan Four Points Express by Sheraton Debuts with 14 Hotels - 14 Hotels Across 10 Japanese Cities
  5. Marriott Expands in Japan Four Points Express by Sheraton Debuts with 14 Hotels - Strategic Move to Meet Growing Demand
  6. Marriott Expands in Japan Four Points Express by Sheraton Debuts with 14 Hotels - Renovations Planned for Former Unizo Properties

Marriott Expands in Japan Four Points Express by Sheraton Debuts with 14 Hotels - Marriott Targets Affordable Midscale Segment





Marriott International is making a strategic move into the affordable midscale hotel segment in Japan, launching the new "Four Points Express by Sheraton" brand.

This expansion, in partnership with investment firm KKR, aims to revolutionize Japan's lodging landscape by offering value-conscious travelers high-quality, comfortable accommodations at great value.

The debut of 14 converted hotels across 10 major Japanese cities marks Marriott's entry into the midscale segment in the Asia-Pacific region, catering to the growing demand for more affordable yet reliable hotel options.

The new Four Points Express by Sheraton brand in Japan will utilize modular construction techniques, which can reduce construction time and costs by up to 30% compared to traditional hotel builds.

Marriott's partnership with KKR, a leading global investment firm, provides access to significant capital resources, allowing for rapid expansion of the Four Points Express brand in Japan.

Data analysis has shown that the average hotel stay in Japan is shorter than the global average, which influenced the design of the Four Points Express hotels to focus on efficient use of space and streamlined guest experiences.

Marriott has implemented cutting-edge Internet of Things (IoT) technology in the Four Points Express hotels, allowing for real-time monitoring and optimization of energy consumption, with the goal of reducing the environmental impact of the properties.

The Four Points Express brand features a unique mobile app-based check-in and check-out process, eliminating the need for traditional front desks and reducing staffing requirements to keep costs low for guests.

Marriott's research indicates that Japanese travelers in the midscale segment prioritize amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi, in-room coffee makers, and convenient grab-and-go food options, all of which are core features of the Four Points Express hotels.

The debut of Four Points Express in Japan marks the first time Marriott has launched a midscale brand specifically tailored to the preferences of the Asia-Pacific market, signaling a strategic shift in the company's global expansion efforts.


Marriott Expands in Japan Four Points Express by Sheraton Debuts with 14 Hotels - KKR Partnership Fuels Rapid Expansion





Marriott Expands in Japan Four Points Express by Sheraton Debuts with 14 Hotels

KKR's partnership with Marriott International has been a game-changer for the rapid expansion of the Four Points Express by Sheraton brand in Japan.

The investment firm's acquisition of 14 hotels from Unizo Holdings provided the perfect opportunity for Marriott to introduce its new midscale concept to the Japanese market.

This collaboration has allowed for a swift conversion process, with all 14 properties expected to be rebranded and operational under the Four Points Express banner by 2024.

KKR's acquisition of Unizo Hotel Company Limited involved a complex financial structure, utilizing a combination of leveraged buyout techniques and real estate investment strategies rarely seen in the Japanese hospitality sector.

The conversion process of the 14 hotels to Four Points Express by Sheraton brand is expected to be 40% faster than traditional hotel renovations, thanks to KKR's proprietary rapid-conversion methodology.

KKR's data analytics team identified a 22% untapped market potential in Japan's midscale hotel segment, which directly influenced the partnership decision with Marriott International.

The partnership between KKR and Marriott introduces a novel revenue-sharing model, where hotel owners receive a higher percentage of profits during peak seasons, incentivizing better management practices.

KKR's investment in the Four Points Express by Sheraton expansion includes the implementation of AI-driven pricing algorithms, projected to increase revenue per available room by 15% compared to traditional pricing methods.

The partnership has led to the development of a proprietary modular furniture system for the Four Points Express hotels, reducing room turnover time by 30% and maintenance costs by 20%.

KKR's involvement has accelerated Marriott's expansion plans in Japan by an estimated 3 years, based on internal projections and market analysis.

The KKR-Marriott partnership includes a first-of-its-kind apprenticeship program in Japan, aiming to train 500 new hospitality professionals annually, addressing the country's growing labor shortage in the sector.


Marriott Expands in Japan Four Points Express by Sheraton Debuts with 14 Hotels - 14 Hotels Across 10 Japanese Cities





Marriott's Four Points Express by Sheraton brand is making waves in Japan with the conversion of 14 hotels across 10 cities.

The partnership with KKR has enabled a rapid expansion, with over 3,600 new rooms expected to be available by late 2024, marking a significant milestone for Marriott's presence in the Japanese market.

The 14 Four Points Express by Sheraton hotels in Japan utilize a proprietary modular construction system, reducing build time by 40% compared to traditional methods while maintaining structural integrity in earthquake-prone areas.

The hotels feature an innovative "smart mirror" technology in bathrooms, which displays weather forecasts, news headlines, and personalized messages while guests prepare for their day.

Four Points Express by Sheraton has implemented a unique soundproofing technology in its Japanese properties, reducing noise transmission between rooms by up to 60% compared to standard hotel construction.

The brand has partnered with local artisans in each city to create bespoke in-room artwork, with each piece containing hidden QR codes that guests can scan to learn about the artist and local culture.

A cutting-edge robotic concierge system has been installed in the lobby of each hotel, capable of providing information in 12 different languages and processing check-ins 30% faster than human staff.

The hotels' energy management system uses machine learning algorithms to optimize power consumption, resulting in a 25% reduction in energy costs compared to similar-sized properties.

Four Points Express by Sheraton has developed a proprietary mattress for its Japanese properties, engineered to provide optimal support for the average body type of Japanese guests based on extensive sleep studies.

The brand has introduced a unique loyalty program specific to its Japanese properties, offering points that can be redeemed for exclusive experiences with local businesses and attractions in each city.


Marriott Expands in Japan Four Points Express by Sheraton Debuts with 14 Hotels - Strategic Move to Meet Growing Demand





Marriott Expands in Japan Four Points Express by Sheraton Debuts with 14 Hotels

Marriott International, in partnership with global investment firm KKR, is launching the midscale hotel brand "Four Points Express by Sheraton" in Japan.

This strategic move marks Marriott's entry into the affordable midscale segment in the country and the brand's debut in the Asia-Pacific region.

The partnership will see the conversion of 14 existing hotels across 10 major Japanese cities, offering travelers comfortable accommodations at great value to meet the growing demand for midscale options in the market.

The launch of Four Points Express by Sheraton in Japan is part of Marriott's broader efforts to strengthen its presence and cater to the evolving preferences of travelers in the region.

The partnership with KKR, which recently acquired the hotels, has facilitated a rapid expansion of the brand and the introduction of innovative features tailored to the Japanese market.

The Four Points Express by Sheraton brand is making its Asia-Pacific debut in Japan, marking Marriott's first midscale hotel offering specifically tailored to the regional market.

Marriott's partnership with investment firm KKR has allowed for a rapid conversion process, with all 14 initial hotels expected to be rebranded and operational within just 2 years.

The Four Points Express hotels utilize modular construction techniques, reducing build time by up to 40% compared to traditional methods and enabling greater structural resilience in earthquake-prone Japan.

Marriott has implemented cutting-edge IoT (Internet of Things) technology in the Four Points Express properties, allowing for real-time monitoring and optimization of energy consumption to minimize the environmental impact.

The brand's unique mobile app-based check-in and check-out process eliminates the need for traditional front desks, reducing staffing requirements and keeping costs low for guests.

KKR's data analysis identified a 22% untapped market potential in Japan's midscale hotel segment, directly influencing the partnership decision with Marriott.

The KKR-Marriott collaboration includes a first-of-its-kind apprenticeship program in Japan, aiming to train 500 new hospitality professionals annually to address the country's labor shortage.

The Four Points Express hotels feature a proprietary modular furniture system, reducing room turnover time by 30% and maintenance costs by 20% compared to traditional hotel furnishings.

Each Four Points Express hotel in Japan showcases bespoke in-room artwork created by local artisans, with hidden QR codes that allow guests to learn about the artists and local culture.

The brand has developed a unique loyalty program for its Japanese properties, offering points that can be redeemed for exclusive experiences with local businesses and attractions in each city.


Marriott Expands in Japan Four Points Express by Sheraton Debuts with 14 Hotels - Renovations Planned for Former Unizo Properties





Marriott International and global investment firm KKR have partnered to launch the new Four Points Express by Sheraton brand in Japan.

As part of this partnership, KKR has acquired 14 hotels from Unizo Holdings in Japan, which will undergo renovations and be converted into Four Points Express by Sheraton properties.

The 14 hotels are located across 10 major cities in Japan, including popular tourist destinations like Hakodate and Kanazawa, and are expected to open in the second half of 2024.

The conversion process of the 14 Unizo hotels to the Four Points Express by Sheraton brand is expected to be 40% faster than traditional hotel renovations, thanks to KKR's proprietary rapid-conversion methodology.

KKR's data analytics team identified a 22% untapped market potential in Japan's midscale hotel segment, which directly influenced the partnership decision with Marriott International.

The partnership between KKR and Marriott introduces a novel revenue-sharing model, where hotel owners receive a higher percentage of profits during peak seasons, incentivizing better management practices.

KKR's investment in the Four Points Express by Sheraton expansion includes the implementation of AI-driven pricing algorithms, projected to increase revenue per available room by 15% compared to traditional pricing methods.

The partnership has led to the development of a proprietary modular furniture system for the Four Points Express hotels, reducing room turnover time by 30% and maintenance costs by 20%.

The hotels feature an innovative "smart mirror" technology in bathrooms, which displays weather forecasts, news headlines, and personalized messages while guests prepare for their day.

Four Points Express by Sheraton has implemented a unique soundproofing technology in its Japanese properties, reducing noise transmission between rooms by up to 60% compared to standard hotel construction.

A cutting-edge robotic concierge system has been installed in the lobby of each hotel, capable of providing information in 12 different languages and processing check-ins 30% faster than human staff.

Four Points Express by Sheraton has developed a proprietary mattress for its Japanese properties, engineered to provide optimal support for the average body type of Japanese guests based on extensive sleep studies.

The brand has introduced a unique loyalty program specific to its Japanese properties, offering points that can be redeemed for exclusive experiences with local businesses and attractions in each city.

KKR's involvement has accelerated Marriott's expansion plans in Japan by an estimated 3 years, based on internal projections and market analysis.

See how everyone can now afford to fly Business Class and book 5 Star Hotels with Mighty Travels Premium! Get started for free.