City Express by Marriott’s North American Expansion Signals Strong Appetite for Midscale Hotels

(NEWS) BETHESDA, MD, 2025-Dec-17 — /Travel PR News/ — Marriott International’s midscale ambitions are gaining visible momentum, with the company announcing it has reached 100 signed agreements for City Express by Marriott properties across the United States and Canada. The milestone comes just over a year after the brand was introduced to North America and reflects a broader shift in global travel demand toward reliable, value-focused accommodation in well-connected markets.

Six City Express by Marriott hotels have already opened in the region in 2025, with four more expected before year-end. The expansion underscores Marriott’s strategy of scaling regional brands with proven demand into new geographies, positioning City Express as a bridge between affordability and the company’s global loyalty ecosystem. Designed for efficiency rather than extravagance, the brand targets travelers seeking consistency, convenience, and predictable comfort across both business and leisure stays.

The latest North American signings highlight that approach. Planned openings include properties near major transport hubs and leisure corridors, from Kissimmee near Orlando and Dulles Airport outside Washington, D.C., to regional destinations such as Amarillo, Sandusky near Lake Erie, and Carson City. Many of the projects are conversions, allowing owners to bring hotels to market quickly while aligning with Marriott Bonvoy’s global reach.

While the 100-hotel milestone marks a significant moment for the U.S. and Canada, City Express by Marriott’s growth story is firmly global. In Central America, Marriott has signed agreements to introduce four City Express hotels in El Salvador, expanding the brand into urban, airport, and mixed-use districts as tourism and business travel continue to grow. Meanwhile, Brazil’s Northeast is set to welcome seven City Express properties as part of a long-term plan to develop up to 30 hotels in the region, reinforcing the brand’s role in emerging leisure and industrial markets.

Asia Pacific is also entering the picture. Marriott recently confirmed the brand’s debut in Japan, with two City Express by Marriott hotels scheduled to open in Osaka in 2026. Positioned in well-connected neighborhoods south of Namba, the conversions are aimed at travelers navigating Japan’s rising hotel prices while still seeking central locations and dependable service.

Across regions, City Express by Marriott follows a consistent formula: modern guestrooms, complimentary breakfast, high-speed connectivity, and practical amenities suited to short stays or transit-focused travel. For Marriott, the brand plays a strategic role in expanding its midscale footprint, drawing new guests into its portfolio while offering owners a flexible, conversion-friendly model.

As global travel patterns continue to rebalance toward value-driven stays, City Express by Marriott’s rapid expansion suggests that midscale hospitality is no longer a niche segment—but an increasingly central pillar of international hotel development.