Marriott International announced the expansion of the City Express by Marriott brand into the US and Canada, marking the company’s entry into the affordable midscale transient segment in the region. Marriott acquired City Express in 2023; it began as a Mexico-based chain.

Previously referred to as Project Mid-T by Marriott, this brand expansion, said the announcement, is part of the company’s continued focus on strengthening its presence in the affordable midscale segment and offering regionally relevant lodging options for every trip purpose and every price point.

Diana Plazas-Trowbridge, global brand leader, select brands, said that since entering the affordable midscale space with the acquisition of City Express with hotels in the Caribbean and Latin America (CALA) just over a year ago, “we have seen tremendous interest for the brand and are pleased with its growth across the region.” With this announcement, she said, “Marriott is excited to continue our growth in the affordable midscale segment and provide a new welcoming, affordable, and reliable option for value-conscious travelers in the US and Canada.”

With over 17,000 rooms across Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia and Chile, City Express at the time of the deal increased Marriott’s footprint in the region by approximately 45%. Since the acquisition, according to the announcement, consumer and owner interest has fueled growth of the brand, with expansion plans extending beyond the original markets to new upcoming markets, such as Bolivia and Nicaragua. Additionally, the company recently announced plans to expand City Express by Marriott in Brazil.

Noah Silverman, global development officer, U.S. & Canada, said, “We have been listening closely to our owners and franchisees to design a highly efficient operating model, and we are confident that City Express by Marriott will offer a strong value proposition for those looking to invest in a transient midscale product in the US and Canada.”

Existing City Express by Marriott properties have been integrated into the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program and are available for booking on Marriott channels for members to earn and redeem points. Additional City Express by Marriott properties will similarly be part of Marriott Bonvoy upon opening.

Image: Courtesy of Marriott