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With pending consolidation comes potential upheaval at the top of HOTELS ’ annual ranking of the Giants .
Even before “ the deal ” closes , which should vault the new Marriott International even further ahead of its giant competitors , the redefined Bethesda , Maryland-based company has for the first time topped the HOTELS 300 , growing its portfolio just enough to surpass Hilton Worldwide by the slimmest of margins .
With further consolidation expected , it remains to be seen how the Giants shake out next year . What if Jin Jiang gobbles up AccorHotels after taking over Plateno Hotels Group in 2015 and jumping to No . 5 from No . 9 in the ranking ? How far will HNA Hospitality Group climb , assuming it completes its deal for Carlson Rezidor ? Might it take a bigger stake in NH Hotel Group and combine its holdings into another powerful giant ? Will IHG or Hilton make bold moves , as some have theorized ?
While it is all conjecture today , the prevailing sentiment suggests bigger is better , so there is little doubt that more disruption is coming to the hotel business and to HOTELS ’ annual ranking . For now , enjoy the 325 , based on data as of December 31 , 2015 , and make your own predictions about how this list might look differently next year .
July / August 2016 hotelsmag . com 23