Marriott acquires Sheraton Grand Chicago for $500M

Sheraton Grand Chicago
New York-based Tishman Realty was part of the development team that completed the Sheraton Grand Chicago in 1992. (Sheraton Grand Chicago)

Tishman Realty has exercised its option to sell the Sheraton Grand Chicago to Marriott International for $500 million. The deal, expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2024, will see Marriott part with $300 million for the hotel and an additional $200 million for the land beneath it. Marriott already operates the hotel.

The hotel chain's purchase of the 1,218-room hotel is part of an unusual agreement struck in 2017 with the property owner Tishman Realty. New York-based Tishman Realty was part of the development team that completed the hotel in 1992.

The settlement brings an end to a protracted legal battle between Tishman Realty and Marriott that began in 2016. The dispute arose following Marriott's merger with Starwood Hotels, which Tishman claimed violated a non-compete clause in the hotel's management contract. The resulting lawsuit led to a settlement agreement in 2017, which included an option for Marriott to purchase the hotel at a later date.

By purchasing the hotel, Marriott will eliminate recurring ground-lease payments and become the owner of Chicago's fifth-largest hotel.