: Increased exposure to luxury segments through Starwood brands like W and St. Regis made the company more sensitive to economic cycles.
: In 2017, the stock was a strong performer, fueled by "superb industrial logic" from the merger. Investors who bought in early 2017 benefited from a 66% price surge as the market priced in the value of the new hospitality giant. should i buy marriott stock 2017
: Rising pressure from Online Travel Agents (OTAs) like Expedia and the growth of Airbnb challenged traditional hotel market shares. : Increased exposure to luxury segments through Starwood