The line already has a global outlook, as it is fourth in total number of properties open outside North America amongst Marriott’s entire portfolio.
Looking to Asia
The four star strand currently has 313 hotels operating, with 162 of these in North America plus a further 12 in Central America and the Caribbean. With Asian sites numbering 91 at the moment, a strong development focus on the region could see the continent’s presence start to rival its American cousins’ in the coming years.
THP records show that at least 50 projects are underway worldwide for Four Points, representing 11,253 keys. A massive 68% of this total, equating to 34 sites, are heading to Asia. In a distant second, Africa will be welcoming at least six additions, while North America has at least five.
Chinese charge
Analysing the pipeline by country, China is far and away the leader, with at least 22 sites under development. The only other nations with multiple Four Points projects in the THP database are Canada and Vietnam, with three each, and India and Australia, with two apiece.
Within China, the upcoming hotels’ top locations are in Gansu, Guangdong and Jiangsu provinces, with at least three developments each.
Robust China
Marriott reported that it is enhancing its strategic positioning in Greater China through dual-brand projects and its franchise-plus model, which is designed to streamline hotel openings and initial stage operations and uphold brand quality. Last year, the company signed two Four Points hotels under this premise.
In fact, Four Points by Sheraton has the most robust share of Marriott’s select-service pipeline in Greater China. The brand expects to accelerate its growth in Greater China with over five planned openings in 2023.
According to THP’s data, at least 23 openings are due internationally this year, with the pace slowing to nine scheduled for 2024. Four further completions are slated for 2025 and just one in 2026. The remaining 13 are yet to be designated a delivery date.
Brand profile
The brand’s hotels are designed to serve both business and leisure travellers, with a particular focus on independent guests. Incorporating both style and comfort, Four Points properties can be found in urban, airport, beach or suburban locations.
Integrating an authentic sense of the local, Four Points offers the Best Brews programme, providing guests with the chance to sample craft beers and enjoy authentic local flavours at every hotel pub. The line’s business traveller provisions include free in-room water and in-room and public space Wi-Fi.
Noteworthy projects
A couple of the Asian additions to look out for are Four Points By Sheraton Xiamen, Wuyuan Bay in China and Four Points By Sheraton Amritsar, Mall Road in India. The Chinese property will be part of the Xiamen Mingfa Bay Resort in south eastern China, delivering 376 keys by the end of the year. Onsite will be an indoor heated pool, a fitness centre and a spa, with food options including an all-day dining restaurant and a Chinese specialty restaurant which offers a range of private rooms.
The Indian site, located within the northern Punjab province, will boost the portfolio by 120 rooms in Q3 this year. It will be able to cater for all kinds of events, with more than 1,100 sq m of facilities including a 600 sq m ballroom, three meeting rooms, and a pre-function area.
