Marriott’s Luxury Brands Review
Here we give insight into OUR experiences with these properties as well as give the best tips on choosing the best locations for your stays.
⭐ BlkTravel Brand Rankings Legend
Service → How attentive, friendly, and reliable the staff are.
Cleanliness → Overall upkeep of rooms, facilities, and public areas.
Vibes → Atmosphere, style, and energy of the property.
Price → Value for money compared to quality of stay.
Black Traveler Comfort → Cultural awareness, inclusivity, and guest experience for Black travelers.
The Marriott Experience
The Marriott luxury tier is about redefining what high-end hospitality feels like today. Instead of the rigid traditions of St. Regis or the historical grandeur of Ritz-Carlton, this tier leans into modern expressions of luxury—spaces that balance comfort with style, formality with flexibility, and exclusivity with energy. It’s refined, but not intimidating.
At JW Marriott, guests are welcomed into an atmosphere of quiet refinement, where wellness, balance, and thoughtful design create a sense of calm. EDITION Hotels offer a design-forward, boutique feel where subtle sophistication and cultural connection define the stay. And at W Hotels, luxury takes on a bold, social personality—vibrant, stylish, and unapologetically modern.
What unites these brands is a commitment to creating spaces that feel intentional and alive. These hotels aren’t about reminding you of old money or legacy power; they’re about immersing you in the spirit of the city, the rhythm of the property, and the community of travelers around you. For Black travelers, that means these hotels can feel less like entering someone else’s world and more like stepping into a space where your own expression belongs.
JW Marriott, EDITION, and W Hotels each carry a distinct personality, but together they offer an accessible version of luxury—memorable, stylish, and welcoming without the weight of outdated expectations. Many of these hotels rose to prominence in a more modern era, with staff and guest cultures that are more diverse and globally minded. For Black professionals, creatives, and families, this tier represents a luxury that feels open, inclusive, and aligned with the present.
About the Brands
JW Marriott – Named after John Willard Marriott, this brand represents elegance without pretension. Properties focus on wellness, comfort, and refined service, with spacious rooms, strong food and beverage programs, and spaces designed for restoration as much as productivity. For Black professionals and families, JW Marriott often feels like “accessible luxury”—upscale enough to impress, yet warm and welcoming rather than intimidating.
EDITION Hotels – Marriott’s boutique luxury lifestyle brand, created with hotel visionary Ian Schrager, offers stays that are design-forward, intimate, and culturally connected. Each property feels curated and personal, blending art, architecture, and local influence into a modern expression of sophistication. For Black creatives and entrepreneurs, EDITION delivers a sense of belonging in spaces that are as stylish as they are thoughtful.
W Hotels – Launched in New York in 1998, W Hotels turned traditional luxury on its head with bold design, music, nightlife, and social energy. Rooftop bars, lobby DJs, and vibrant interiors made W the go-to brand for travelers who wanted fun and culture woven into their stay. They’re not for everyone—quiet luxury seekers may feel out of place—but for those drawn to bold, social, design-rich environments, W Hotels are unmatched.
Together, JW Marriott, EDITION, and W Hotels form Marriott’s modern luxury trio—brands that are less about heritage and exclusion, and more about creativity, accessibility, and expression. For Black travelers, this tier represents a version of luxury that feels open, modern, and aligned with the world we helped shape.
When is the right time?
The Marriott Luxury tier fits different moments in life, depending on the mood you want to set:
JW Marriott works best when the occasion calls for refinement without intimidation. It’s the place for family milestones, professional gatherings, or getaways where comfort and polish need to meet. For Black families and professionals, JW Marriott often feels like the balance point—elevated but still approachable, upscale without being unwelcoming.
EDITION Hotels are ideal when the focus is on culture, design, and connection. Think art fairs, fashion weeks, or curated city escapes where the hotel itself feels like part of the experience. For Black creatives and entrepreneurs, EDITION provides spaces that are as modern and intentional as the lives they reflect.
W Hotels belong to moments built on energy and expression. Festivals, nightlife-driven trips, or celebrations with friends come alive in W’s vibrant, social environments. For travelers who want their stay to feel like part of the party, W delivers unmatched cultural energy.
At this tier, timing isn’t only about seasons or rates—it’s about aligning the brand with the moment you’re living. For Black travelers, these three identities—refined, curated, and bold—offer luxury that feels connected, inclusive, and in step with today.

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