Marriott International will open two properties in Japan under its City Express brand, the company announced Monday, continuing the global expansion of the midscale brand that it acquired in 2022.
Developer Pacifica Hotels G.K. will convert two existing properties in Osaka to City Express properties, with plans for a 2026 reopening, according to Marriott.
The move marks the Asia-Pacific debut for the brand that Marriott acquired from Hoteles City Express for $100 million in 2022. Since then, Marriott has expanded the brand to the United States, opening a property in Duluth, Ga., earlier this year.
"These openings reflect Marriott's continued focus on expanding its midscale portfolio in Japan and across [Asia-Pacific excluding China]," Marriott said in a statement.
The City Express by Marriott Osaka Namba South, with 143 guest rooms, and the City Express by Marriott Osaka Shin-Imamiya, with 100 guest rooms each are slated to open next year, according to Marriott.
"With hotel rates rising rapidly across Japan, we see a huge opportunity to offer guests a quality stay at a reasonable price with City Express by Marriott," said Seth Sulkin, CEO of Pacifica Hotels G.K. and subsidiary Shin Imamiya Hospitality, which will serve as the franchisee of both properties, in a statement.