Hotel chain Marriott is to expand into Airbnb-style self-catering rentals in Europe, the US and Latin America.
It has already tested home rentals in Europe last year, and it will begin taking bookings soon for 2,000 properties in 100 cities in its three target markets.
The hotel operator is focusing on higher-end rentals, starting at about $200 per night for a one-bedroom apartment.
It will partner with management companies to take care of the housekeeping and maintenance.
"One of the challenges you see with home-sharing is there’s too much inventory without quality filters or brand assurances. There’s inconsistency across the brand experience," said Stephanie Linnartz, Marriott’s global chief commercial officer.
Meanwhile Airbnb has just announced a collaboration with a property developer to introduce a 200-suite hotel in Rockefeller Plaza, Manhattan.
Also, last month, it bought booking service Hotel Tonight.
