The Marriott brand was founded by J Willard Marriott in 1927 - staring life (believe it or not) as a root beer stand! Willard was a missionary, determined to provide people with a place to get a cool drink during the long, hot Washington summer. Like all great ideas, it took off - the brand developing into a chain of restaurants and hotels. Today Marriott International (lead by his son, Bill) has 3000+ hotels worldwide and continues to expand as one of the industry's most recognisable brands.