Top 10 Largest Hotel Management Companies in 2025

Key Takeaways

• The largest hotel management companies shape the global hospitality landscape through extensive brand portfolios, international reach, and strategic innovations.
• Major trends shaping hotel management companies include digital transformation, sustainability efforts, growth in emerging markets, and a focus on loyalty and lifestyle brands.
• SHMS equips students with the practical skills and global perspective needed to thrive in top hotel companies through hands-on learning and business-focused hospitality education.

If you're curious about how the hospitality world operates behind the scenes, exploring the largest hotel management companies is a great place to start. These giants shape how millions of travelers experience hotels around the globe. 

Their influence stretches far beyond front desks and fancy lobbies. They set the tone for service standards, drive innovation in guest experiences, and have a massive impact on tourism economies. 

With 72% of "luxury travelers" seeking consistent, high-quality stays, these companies continue to lead the way by managing iconic brands and luxury resorts across continents.

What Is a Hotel Management Company?

A hotel management company is a professional firm hired to operate a hotel on behalf of its owner or investor. These companies don't usually own the properties they manage. Instead, they bring in their expertise to run the day-to-day operations efficiently and profitably.

Their role covers nearly every part of hotel life. They handle staffing, guest services, marketing, budgeting, maintenance, and overall performance. They also make sure the hotel meets brand standards if it's part of a larger chain. By focusing on operational excellence, these companies help maximize revenue and enhance guest satisfaction, both of which are crucial for long-term success.

What sets hotel management companies apart from hotel owners is their hands-on role in running the business. Owners may invest in the property and provide funding, but it's the management company that trains the staff, sets pricing strategies, manages the guest experience, and keeps everything running smoothly. It's a true partnership built on performance and trust.

Top Largest Hotel Management Companies

The largest hotel management companies are ranked based on the number of properties they manage, their global footprint, the strength and diversity of their brand portfolios, and their overall influence in shaping industry trends. These leaders play a key role in setting service standards and driving innovation worldwide.

Marriott International

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Marriott International oversees the largest global portfolio, with approximately 9,500 properties and 1.7 million rooms spread across 144 countries. 

Operating more than 30 hotel and residential brands, including Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton, Courtyard, and the recently acquired CitizenM, Marriott International caters to luxury, premium, and select service segments. 

This industry giant combines managed properties with franchising and branding agreements. Its footprint spans six continents, and it wields significant influence through loyalty programs like Marriott Bonvoy and strategic expansion in regions such as Africa and the Americas. 

As a leader in the industry, Marriott not only sets service benchmarks but also shapes trends in residential offerings and affordability through ongoing acquisitions and pipeline development.

Hilton Worldwide

Located in Tysons Corner, Virginia, Hilton Worldwide manages a massive network of roughly 8,600 properties and 1.3 million rooms in 139 countries. It operates 24 brands, such as Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, DoubleTree, Hampton, and LXR. 

Hilton employs an asset-light model: it owns or leases a handful of properties while franchising the majority. Its aim is to deliver consistent service and grow dual-brand hotel offerings. 

With ongoing expansion plans, including tripling its African properties and boosting luxury brand growth, Hilton's global footprint is both extensive and dynamic. It leads in guest-focused innovation through tech-based services and the success of its loyalty program, Hilton Honors.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG)

Headquartered in Windsor, England, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) manages approximately 6,668 hotels with nearly 987,000 rooms in over 100 countries. Boasting 20 distinct brands, it caters to every travel need, from upscale names like InterContinental, Regent, Crowne Plaza, Kimpton, and Six Senses to midscale and essential brands such as Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Candlewood Suites, and Staybridge. 

Its global reach spans strongholds in the Americas, Europe, Greater China (with over 789 hotels), and emerging markets such as India and Saudi Arabia. Growth is strong, with over 2,200 hotels in the pipeline, including conversions via brands like Garner and the addition of the Ruby brand. Fueled by IHG One Rewards and consistent brand diversity, IHG remains competitive across various travel segments.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Hyatt was founded in 1957, and today, it operates from its headquarters in Chicago, Illinois. The company manages over 1,300 hotels across 69 countries and continues to grow through a combination of new builds and acquisitions. 

What sets Hyatt apart is its carefully curated brand family, which includes everything from the luxury experience of Park Hyatt and Grand Hyatt to the design-forward energy of Andaz, Thompson Hotels, and Alila. It also offers more laid-back options like Hyatt Place and Hyatt House for everyday travelers.

In recent years, Hyatt has acquired brands such as Dream Hotel Group and Apple Leisure Group, reinforcing its commitment to wellness, lifestyle, and all-inclusive offerings. Their presence is strongest in the Americas, Asia Pacific, and Europe, but their pipeline reflects broader ambitions. Its loyalty program, World of Hyatt, is a key driver behind its high guest satisfaction and retention rates.

AccorHotels Group

Headquartered in Issy-les-Moulineaux, France, AccorHotels Group is Europe's largest hotel management company, managing over 5,584 hotels with more than 821,000 rooms across over 110 countries. The company boasts a diverse brand portfolio, including luxury names like Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel, and Rixos; premium brands such as MGallery; midscale options like Novotel, Mercure, and Adagio; and economy choices including ibis, hotelF1, and greet.

The company's global presence is particularly strong in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, and the Middle East, with significant expansion plans in the Americas. Accor is also investing in digital innovation, sustainability initiatives, and enhancing its loyalty program, ALL – Accor Live Limitless, to provide a seamless experience for travelers.

With a development pipeline of over 1,300 hotels, Accor continues to adapt to changing traveler needs by introducing new brands and enhancing existing ones.

Wyndham Hotels and Resorts

Based in Parsippany, New Jersey, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is often recognized as the largest hotel franchising company in the world. As of 2024, Wyndham oversees more than 9,100 hotels in over 95 countries, representing a vast network of economy and midscale properties. 

Its 25-brand lineup covers recognizable names like Days Inn, Ramada, Super 8, Howard Johnson, La Quinta, and Wyndham Grand. This wide range gives Wyndham a stronghold in road-trip staples and emerging urban markets.

Wyndham focuses almost entirely on franchising, offering hotel owners centralized support in operations, reservations, marketing, and technology.  

Its award-winning Wyndham Rewards program helps keep its millions of guests engaged, especially in the value-driven travel segment. Despite its size, Wyndham remains agile, appealing to everyday travelers while steadily modernizing its brand portfolio.

Jin Jiang International

Headquartered in Shanghai, China, Jin Jiang International ranks as the second-largest hotel group globally by property count, with ownership or partnerships in over 10,000 hotels and resorts, offering more than 1 million rooms across 120 countries and regions.

A massive portfolio of 40+ brands spans budget-friendly options like Jin Jiang Inn and 7 Days Inn to upscale names, including Radisson Blu, Golden Tulip, Metropolo, Campanile, Kyriad, and Premiere Classe.

Jin Jiang operates through an asset-light approach, blending management, franchising, and ownership. It also owns major subsidiaries, including Louvre Hotels Group, Vienna Hotels, Plateno Group, and Radisson Hotel Group. 

Beyond hotels, Jin Jiang operates extensive transportation and travel services, serving more than 150 million loyalty members and making it a powerhouse in China and increasingly influential worldwide.

Choice Hotels International

Sitting in North Bethesda, Maryland, Choice Hotels International is one of the world's top hotel franchisors. It franchises over 7,000 properties with around 570,000 rooms across 40 countries. Choice brings together a diverse brand portfolio of 22 names, from full‑service Cambria and Ascend Hotel Collection to midscale staples like Comfort Inn and Econo Lodge, plus the recently added Park Plaza and Radisson lines in some markets. 

Its model leans heavily on franchising, providing owners with operational support, technology systems, marketing, and loyalty through Choice Privileges. The company is globally present in North America, Europe, the Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Latin America. Choice stands out for its flexible franchising approach, strong tech innovation in property management, and consistent focus on high-value, traveler‑centric options.

Best Western Hotels and Resorts

Best Western Hotels and  Resorts, located in Phoenix, Arizona, licenses an international cooperative of over 4,300 independently owned properties. With roots dating back to 1946, it offers tiered branding that includes Best Western (midscale), Best Western Plus (upper midscale), and Best Western Premier (upscale), with a presence in more than 100 countries.

This membership model gives each hotel local ownership flair while upholding global standards and amenities like the Best Western Rewards loyalty program. Its reach spans North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America, leveraging local charm through marketing, training, and quality oversight. 

Best Western's hybrid structure also delivers consistent guest experiences, encourages franchisee collaboration, and keeps an agile global presence.

Radisson Hotel Group

With operational bases in Brussels, Belgium, Radisson Hotel Group runs over 1,520 properties (with about 246,000 rooms) across 95+ countries. As part of Jin Jiang International since 2018, it is now one of the globe's largest hotel owners by room count. 

Its ten brands include Radisson, Radisson Blu, Radisson RED, Park Plaza, Park Inn, Country Inn & Suites, Radisson Collection, Prize By Radisson, art'otel, and Radisson Individuals. Radisson leads expansion across the globe, with 545+ hotels in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa alone and 400+ new hotels planned in China by 2030. 

Their management style combines brand consistency with flexible regional growth, tapping into Jin Jiang's global networks while retaining distinct brand identities and loyalty through their rewards platform.

Trends Among Leading Hotel Management Companies

The world's largest hotel management companies aren't just growing in size; they're also setting the pace for some exciting trends in the industry. One of the biggest hospitality trends is digital transformation. Guests now expect seamless tech experiences, like mobile check-ins, smart room features, and personalized recommendations through hotel apps. Top companies are investing heavily in digital tools to stay ahead of expectations.

Sustainability has also moved to the center of operations. From eco-friendly construction to energy-saving systems and reduced waste, these companies are weaving environmental and social responsibility into their business models. Many now release annual ESG reports to show progress and strengthen public trust.

Another clear trend is the expansion into fast-growing regions, such as Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. As travel demand increases in these areas, hotel giants are rushing to establish their presence and secure early market share.

We're also seeing more soft brands and lifestyle hotels entering the scene. These offer unique design, local flavor, and flexibility while still benefiting from a larger brand's reach. There's also a strong push to grow loyalty programs and encourage direct bookings, which helps companies build stronger relationships with travelers and reduce their reliance on third-party platforms.

Lessons from the World's Leading Hotel Operators

What truly sets the largest hotel management companies apart isn't just the scale of their operations but the strategy behind them. Their strength lies in how they adapt to change, invest in guest experiences, and lead with purpose. At Swiss Hotel Management School, we help students build that same mindset. 

Through our Bachelor of Arts in International Hospitality Management and other specialized programs, students learn to think globally, lead teams, and make smart, data-driven decisions. They gain practical experience and business insight that reflects how top hotel companies operate today, preparing them to shape the future of hospitality!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What's the difference between hotel management and hotel franchising?

Hotel management involves running day-to-day operations on behalf of the owner, while franchising allows a hotel to operate under a brand name in exchange for fees, but the hotel manages itself.

Can independent hotels hire a hotel management company?

Yes, independent hotels often hire management companies to handle operations, staffing, marketing, and finances without joining a franchise.