Marriott International, Inc. has announced a major agreement with Pacifica Hotels G.K. to debut the City Express by Marriott brand in Japan. The move involves the conversion of two existing hotels in the city of Osaka.

Following a complete rebrand, the two properties are scheduled to reopen in 2026 as City Express by Marriott Osaka Namba South and City Express by Marriott Osaka Shin-Imamiya. These openings are expected to mark the City Express by Marriott’s first appearance in the Asia Pacific region, bringing its midscale blend of value and convenience to Japan.

The City Express by Marriott brand offers reliable, modern, and accessible accommodations for budget-conscious travellers. It focuses on quality, simplicity, and consistency, inviting both business and leisure travellers to relax with comfortable rooms and plenty of space to recharge in urban, suburban, and emerging destinations.

The deal sees Marriott working again with Pacifica Hotels G.K. and its investor AB Capital. Shawn Hill, Chief Development Officer, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International, commented on the signing. “We are pleased to once again collaborate with Pacifica Hotels G.K. and its investor AB Capital to bring City Express by Marriott to Japan, which is also expected to mark the brand’s debut in Asia Pacific,” he stated. “This signing reflects our continued commitment to growing strategically across the region and expanding our offerings to meet the evolving needs of today’s travelers. With its strong value proposition and Marriott Bonvoy’s powerful distribution and loyalty platform, City Express by Marriott is well positioned to complement Marriott’s growing midscale portfolio in Japan and contribute meaningfully to Osaka’s thriving tourism landscape.”

Seth Sulkin, CEO of Pacifica Hotels G.K. and its subsidiary Shin Imamiya Hospitality, the franchisee for both hotels, noted the market opportunity. “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,” he said. “These hotels will give travelers the opportunity to discover the vibrant area south of Namba, where we see strong potential and growing demand.”

Alan Kam, Founder and CEO of AB Capital, emphasised the investment perspective. “City Express by Marriott represents more than a traditional real estate investment; it embodies our vision for Osaka’s mid-scale hospitality market,” he said. “Through this agreement with Marriott, we are transforming these assets into a globally recognized brand that addresses a growing demand for accessible, high-quality accommodations. With Osaka’s tourism reaching unprecedented levels, combined with Marriott’s extensive distribution and loyalty platform, City Express by Marriott is set to serve travelers and deliver meaningful value to our investors in Japan’s vibrant urban cultural hub.”

The City Express by Marriott Shin-Imamiya hotel is expected to feature 100 guest rooms. It will be a nine-storey standalone property located directly adjacent to Shin-Imamiya Station. The City Express by Marriott Osaka Namba South property is planned to be a 143-room, 14-storey standalone hotel adjacent to Hanazonochō Station. Both properties are well connected to major transit lines and Kansai International Airport. These openings strengthen Marriott’s focus on its midscale portfolio across the Asia Pacific region.