Marriott signs City Express deal in El Salvador

INTERNATIONAL REPORT — Marriott International is partnering with a pair of El Salvador-based companies, Corporación Polaris and Cardedeu, to open four City Express by Marriott hotels in El Salvador, marking the brand’s debut in the country.

The four hotel deals are expected to add 440 rooms and include a 31-key City Centro by Marriott San Salvador that is expected to convert by the end of this year; the City Express by Marriott Aeropuerto, which is expected to open in late 2026 and will connect San Salvador to its international airport; the City Express by Marriott Santa Elena, which is also scheduled to open in 2026 and will sit along the Pan-American Highway and the City Express Plus by Marriott San Benito which is scheduled to open by late 2027.

This announcement builds on previously announced growth plans for City Express by Marriott, including the brand’s expansion into Argentina, Bolivia, Nicaragua and Peru. The Nicaragua deal also marks Marriott’s debut in the country.

The City Express brand’s growing portfolio currently includes 153 hotels (over 17,700 rooms) and 62 projects in the pipeline. Last October, Marriott announced it was also introducing the conversion-friendly midscale brand to the U.S. and Canada. Marriott acquired the City Express brand portfolio in May 2023 for $100 million, which increased its footprint in the CALA region by 45%.

El Salvador has seen growth in tourism and business in recent years, doubling its hotel room capacity through new agreements, including the recently announced JW Marriott Hotel San Salvador.

“The anticipated debut of these City Express by Marriott properties in the coming years not only reaffirms Polaris’ commitment to excellence and regional growth but also helps meet the growing demand for hotel accommodations in El Salvador,” said Alberto Guerrero, president of Corporación Polaris.

“We are very excited to introduce City Express by Marriott to El Salvador,” said Alonso Burgos, vice president of development for Marriott International in CALA. “This agreement reinforces our commitment to expanding access to reliable, high-quality hospitality options across the region and providing guests with meaningful experiences at every price point.”