Marriott Says Takeover of Waikiki EDITION by Owner Illegal
Will Aggressively Oppose Move; Remains Deeply Committed to the EDITION Brand
"This is a deeply unfortunate, regrettable and illegal event. The owner and its partners raided the hotel literally under cover of night, forcibly taking over the property and threatening our employees with dismissal unless they immediately agreed to a change of management. We will aggressively and vigorously pursue all remedies against the owner and its partners in this illegal act," said Arne Sorenson, Marriott's president and chief operating...
The takeover of the EDITION Hotel Waikiki early Sunday morning by the hotel's owner and affiliated partners was illegal and a blatant violation of Marriott's contractual agreement with the owner, Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) said today.
"This is a deeply unfortunate, regrettable and illegal event. The owner and its partners raided the hotel literally under cover of night, forcibly taking over the property and threatening our employees with dismissal unless they immediately agreed to a change of management. We will aggressively and vigorously pursue all remedies against the owner and its partners in this illegal act," said Arne Sorenson, Marriott's president and chief operating officer.
The company said that the hotel's owner had knowingly, wrongfully, and materially breached a long-term management agreement with Marriott with 29 years remaining. Marriott has demanded that the owner's partner vacate the hotel and return control to Marriott. Marriott will also seek substantial damages from the hotel's owner and its partners for their conduct in damaging the operation and reputation of the hotel, Marriott and the EDITION brand.
The company reiterated its strong and deep commitment to the EDITION brand, citing glowing reviews of both the Waikiki EDITION and Istanbul EDITION hotels by major media and customers. The Waikiki EDITION was included on the Conde Nast Traveler 2011 Hot List of the World's Best Hotels and the Travel + Leisure 2011 World's Best New Hotels. The company also said it has invested over $400 million to open two new EDITION hotels in prime gateway destinations, London and Miami Beach, over the next two years.
Marriott is actively pursuing development projects for the EDITION brand in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Washington DC, Mexico City, and Bangkok.
For the immediate future, reservations cannot be made at this hotel through normal Marriott channels, including Marriott.com and Marriott's voice reservations phone numbers. For existing reservations or other questions, guests should contact Marriott Customer Care at 1-800-559-9352.
About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of compelling brands across luxury, premium, select, midscale, extended stay, and all-inclusive, with over 10,000 properties in 148 countries and territories, as of June 30, 2026. Marriott franchises, operates, and licenses hotel, residential, timeshare, yacht, outdoor, and other lodging products all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel platform. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on X and Instagram.
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Marriott Bonvoy membership is free and unlocks unique benefits including the ability to earn points through travel and everyday activities, like purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for free stays, experiences and more. Visit marriottbonvoy.com for more information and download the Marriott Bonvoy app here. Travelers can connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook.