In the competitive world of hospitality, two names consistently stand out: Hilton and Marriott. Both boast expansive portfolios, loyal customer bases, and a global presence. But when it comes to the question of "who is bigger," a deeper dive into key metrics reveals a clear leader.

Marriott International generally holds the top spot as the larger hotel company when considering factors like number of properties, total rooms, and overall market share.

Let's break down the metrics to understand why:

1. Number of Properties and Rooms: Marriott's Expansive Footprint

Marriott International operates an astonishingly vast network of hotels and resorts. As of early 2025, Marriott boasts over 9,400 properties and more than 1.7 million rooms across 36 distinct brands in 144 countries and territories. This sheer scale gives Marriott a dominant presence in nearly every corner of the globe.

Hilton, while still a massive player, trails Marriott in this regard. Hilton's portfolio includes over 8,000 locations and a significant number of rooms worldwide, but it doesn't quite match Marriott's impressive reach.

2. Market Capitalization and Revenue: Financial Clout

Financial indicators further solidify Marriott's position. Recent data from Q1 2025 shows Marriott International consistently holding a larger market share in the hospitality industry compared to Hilton.

Marriott International: Reported market capitalization often sits significantly higher than Hilton's, frequently in the range of $70-80 billion USD, and sometimes even higher. Their revenue figures also tend to be substantially larger, with Marriott generating over $24 billion USD in revenue in recent periods (Q3 2024).

Hilton Worldwide Holdings: While still a multi-billion dollar company with a market cap often in the $60-65 billion USD range, and revenues around $11 billion USD (Q3 2024), it typically falls behind Marriott.

These figures indicate Marriott's greater financial power and broader market influence.

3. Brand Diversity: Catering to Every Traveler

Both companies are renowned for their extensive brand portfolios, designed to cater to a wide range of travelers and budgets.

Marriott's 36 brands span the spectrum from luxury (Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, JW Marriott) to upscale (Marriott Hotels, Sheraton) to extended-stay and select-service options (Residence Inn, Courtyard by Marriott, Fairfield by Marriott). This diverse offering allows Marriott to capture a broader segment of the market.

Hilton's 24 distinct brands also cover a wide range, including luxury (Waldorf Astoria, Conrad), full-service (Hilton Hotels & Resorts), and focused-service (Hampton by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton). While comprehensive, it's a slightly smaller collection than Marriott's.

Growth and Development: A Continuous Race

It's important to note that both companies are continually expanding their global footprints. In 2024, Marriott added a significant number of rooms, with net unit growth of 6.8%. Hilton also achieved record growth, adding nearly 100,000 rooms with a net unit growth of 7.3%. While Hilton's growth rate was slightly higher in 2024, Marriott's larger existing base means its absolute room additions are often greater. Both companies maintain robust development pipelines, indicating continued expansion in the years to come.

Conclusion: Marriott's Reign Continues

While both Hilton and Marriott are undisputed titans of the hospitality industry, a comprehensive look at the data confirms that Marriott International is currently the larger of the two. Its greater number of properties and rooms, larger market capitalization, and higher revenue figures solidify its position as the world's leading hotel company. However, Hilton's strong brand presence, consistent growth, and competitive loyalty program ensure that the rivalry between these two hospitality giants remains an exciting and dynamic one.