Founded in 1930 in Yakima, Washington, Westin Hotels & Resorts began as Western Hotels—a collaboration between Severt W. Thurston and Frank Dupar. Over time, the brand expanded its footprint and evolved into a global icon in upscale hospitality.

Now headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Westin operates under the Marriott International umbrella, boasting over 250 properties worldwide.

Westin began franchising in March 2017, offering investors the opportunity to operate full-service hotels and resorts under its trusted brand.

Westin sets itself apart by focusing on wellness and rejuvenation. Signature offerings like the Heavenly Bed, SuperFoodsRx menus, and wellness-centered amenities attract health-conscious travelers. This wellness-driven identity creates a unique position in the competitive hotel market.

Training

Westin Hotels, franchised by Marriott International, provides multiple training programs to ensure franchisees can successfully operate their hotels in alignment with brand standards. These programs focus on technical, operational, and sales support. Below are the primary training offerings:

1. LightSpeed Upgrades/Training: This training is required when implementing system upgrades and ranges in cost from $15,000 to $25,000 based on the hotel’s size and tech needs. It includes database management and training for staff, with the franchisee covering travel, lodging, and meal expenses of training personnel.
2. Point-of-Sale (POS) System Training: Franchisees must use Marriott’s designated POS system. Monthly fees include software and technical support, along with “patching services” for system upgrades and security. Optional training is available for advanced features.
3. EMPOWER Reservations Add-On License: For hotels opting into enhanced guest reservation services, training is provided for reservation agents at $550 per year per agent. The fee includes vendor management and additional service options.

Territory Protection

Westin Hotels, franchised by Marriott, does not offer exclusive territorial protection to its franchisees. Instead, franchisees are granted a non-exclusive license to operate at a specific approved location. This means Marriott retains the right to authorize other Westin Hotels in nearby or overlapping areas if it deems appropriate.

While this model allows for brand expansion and flexibility, it may result in competition between franchisees within the same region. Franchisees must rely on their individual hotel performance and brand support rather than territorial exclusivity. Thus, the franchisor prioritizes brand consistency and growth over exclusive market zones.