(NEWS) TOKYO, 2025-Nov-10 — /Travel PR News/ — Marriott International is bringing its fast-growing midscale brand City Express by Marriott to Japan, with two Osaka properties set to open in 2026 under a conversion and rebranding agreement with Pacifica Hotels G.K. The announcement marks the Asia Pacific debut of City Express by Marriott — a major step in Marriott’s broader strategy to meet global demand for reliable, high-quality stays at accessible prices.
The new hotels, to be named City Express by Marriott Osaka Namba South and City Express by Marriott Osaka Shin-Imamiya, will transform two existing properties in one of Japan’s most vibrant urban regions. The brand, known for its dependable, modern, and affordable accommodations, is designed to serve both business and leisure travelers seeking comfort, value, and connectivity.
“We are pleased to once again collaborate with Pacifica Hotels G.K. and its investor AB Capital to bring City Express by Marriott to Japan, marking the brand’s debut in Asia Pacific,” said Shawn Hill, Chief Development Officer for Asia Pacific excluding China at Marriott International. “This signing underscores our ongoing commitment to strategic growth and to offering travelers meaningful, quality experiences at every price point.”
The two Osaka locations — both in Nishinari-ku — place travelers near cultural and commercial landmarks such as Abeno Harukas, Namba, Dotonbori, and Osaka Castle Park, while offering direct access to Kansai International Airport. City Express by Marriott Shin-Imamiya, a nine-story property with 100 guest rooms, will stand adjacent to Shin-Imamiya Station, a key interchange connecting the JR Osaka Loop Line, Nankai Main Line, and Osaka Metro. Meanwhile, the 14-story City Express by Marriott Osaka Namba South will feature 143 rooms and sit near Hanazonochō Station on the Yotsubashi Line.
“With hotel rates rising rapidly across Japan, we see a huge opportunity to offer guests a quality stay at a reasonable price with City Express by Marriott,” said Seth Sulkin, CEO of Pacifica Hotels G.K. “These hotels will give travelers the chance to discover the vibrant area south of Namba, where we see both strong potential and growing demand.”
The move aligns with Marriott’s global expansion of City Express by Marriott, which has seen rapid rollout across Latin America and the Caribbean — including major multi-property deals in Brazil’s Northeast and El Salvador this year. In Brazil, a landmark agreement with FÁBRICA DE HOTÉIS LTDA will introduce seven City Express by Marriott hotels across the region, part of a 15-year plan to open 30 properties and create more than 750 rooms in destinations such as Porto de Galinhas, Natal, and Fortaleza. Similarly, in El Salvador, Marriott has partnered with Corporación Polaris and Cardedeu to debut four City Express by Marriott properties, expanding Marriott’s presence in the midscale segment across the Caribbean and Latin America (CALA).
“The launch of City Express by Marriott in Japan complements its strong momentum in Latin America and the Caribbean,” said Alan Kam, Founder and CEO of AB Capital. “We are transforming local properties into globally recognized assets that meet the needs of a new generation of travelers.”
Originally integrated into the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio in 2023, City Express by Marriott embodies modern simplicity and consistent quality — a brand built for value-driven guests who prioritize accessibility without compromising comfort. The Osaka openings highlight Marriott’s growing midscale portfolio in Japan and APEC, reinforcing its aim to deliver meaningful experiences that connect travelers to local culture while benefiting from Marriott’s trusted service standards and powerful global loyalty platform.
