Marriott International(US:MAR) Feng Huang Wang·2025-09-23 08:07Core Viewpoint - The recent incident involving a Marriott hotel in Changzhou, Jiangsu, where a guest found unsanitary slippers, has sparked widespread public concern about hygiene standards in high-end hotels, raising questions about consumer trust in the hospitality industry [1][3][4]. Group 1: Incident Details - A guest discovered that the slippers provided by the Marriott hotel were worn and had hair on them, leading to suspicions of reuse [1][2]. - The hotel staff acknowledged that the slippers are collected, disinfected, and reused, which was not clearly communicated to guests [3][4]. - Local health authorities have intervened to investigate whether the slippers are classified as disposable items, as regulations require that reusable items must be sanitized and replaced for each guest [3][10]. Group 2: Public Reaction - Online discussions reveal a divide in public opinion; some view the incident as an industry norm, while others criticize the hotel for prioritizing cost-saving over hygiene [4]. - There are calls for better communication regarding the use of reusable items and assurance of proper sanitation practices [4]. Group 3: Marriott's Business Context - Marriott International, with 1.667 million rooms, remains the largest hotel group globally, but faces challenges in the Greater China market, where revenue per available room (RevPAR) has declined [7][10]. - The hotel chain's revenue growth has slowed, with a reported 0.5% decrease in RevPAR and a 0.9% drop in average daily rate (ADR) in the second quarter of 2025 [10]. - The company is also planning layoffs affecting 833 employees, indicating ongoing operational challenges [10].