Marriott Acquires Urban Lifestyle Engine for $355M, Not Just 36 Small-Room Hotels

Marriott International acquired the citizenM brand for $355 million, not just the hotels, but a fully formed system for producing high-yield, design-led rooms in competitive cities. The brand offers a standardized product with simplified operations, allowing Marriott to grow its portfolio without adding complexity. The deal also includes an earn-out component of up to $110 million tied to future brand growth.