What Sheraton is and how it fits into the hotel world
Sheraton is a chain of mid-to-upscale hotels owned by Marriott International. When you book a Sheraton, you are staying at a branded property that follows Marriott's standards for room quality, amenities, and service. Sheraton operates in roughly 100 countries with over 400 properties, ranging from city centers to resort destinations.
Unlike independent hotels, Sheraton properties are part of a larger system. This means consistency across locations — a Sheraton in Denver will have similar room layouts, bedding quality, and front-desk procedures as a Sheraton in Singapore. It also means your stay connects to Marriott Bonvoy, the loyalty program that tracks your nights and points across all Marriott brands.
Sheraton sits in the middle tier of Marriott's portfolio. It is positioned above budget chains like Motel 6 but below luxury brands like The Ritz-Carlton. Most Sheratons have a business center, fitness room, and on-site restaurant or bar. Many include a pool.
Key Takeaways
- Sheraton is owned by Marriott International and operates over 400 hotels worldwide, with consistent room standards and amenities across locations.
- Your stay earns points through Marriott Bonvoy, the loyalty program that works across all Marriott brands and can be redeemed for future nights or other rewards.
- Room rates vary widely by location and season, and booking directly through Sheraton's website or calling the property may offer different prices than third-party booking sites.
- Sheraton properties typically include business services, fitness facilities, and on-site dining, though specific amenities depend on the individual property.
- Cancellation policies, pet policies, and parking fees vary by property and booking rate, so confirm these details before you complete your reservation.
How room rates and booking options work
Sheraton room prices change based on location, season, day of the week, and how far in advance you book. A Sheraton in a major city during peak season costs significantly more than the same brand in a smaller town during off-season. Weekend rates often exceed weekday rates at the same property.
You can book through multiple channels: the Sheraton website directly, Marriott.com, third-party sites like Expedia or Booking.com, or by calling the property. Each channel may show different rates for the same room on the same night. Booking directly through Sheraton or Marriott usually earns you full Marriott Bonvoy points, while some third-party bookings earn reduced points or none at all. Check the fine print before you complete a reservation on an outside site.
Most Sheraton bookings include a standard room rate that covers the room itself. Parking, resort fees (at some properties), and taxes are typically added at checkout. Some properties charge daily parking fees ranging from nothing to $20 or more per night, depending on location and whether you use valet or self-parking.
Understanding Marriott Bonvoy and how your stay earns points
When you stay at Sheraton, you earn Marriott Bonvoy points based on the room rate you paid. The exact earning rate depends on your membership tier within Bonvoy. A standard member earns 10 points per dollar spent; elite members earn more. You must provide your Bonvoy membership number at check-in to earn points, so create a free account before you book if you do not already have one.
Points accumulate in your Bonvoy account and can be redeemed for future hotel nights at any Marriott brand, airline miles, or other rewards. The redemption value varies — some nights cost 10,000 points, others cost 50,000 or more depending on the property and season. You can also use points to upgrade your room or extend your stay.
Bonvoy membership is free to join. Higher tiers (Silver, Gold, Platinum, and above) unlock benefits like room upgrades, late checkout, and bonus points, but they require a minimum number of nights or credit card spending each year to maintain.
What amenities and services are typically included
Most Sheraton properties include a fitness center, business center with computers and printing, and a lobby area with seating. Many have an on-site restaurant, bar, or both. Some include a pool or hot tub, though this varies by location and property age.
Room amenities usually include a work desk, flat-screen television, air conditioning or climate control, and a bathroom with standard toiletries. Wi-Fi is standard at Sheraton properties, though some charge for high-speed internet while others include it free. Check the property details when you book to confirm what is included at that specific location.
Sheraton does not include breakfast in most standard room rates, though some packages or promotions do. Parking, as mentioned, is often a separate charge. Pet policies vary by property — some allow pets free, others charge a daily pet fee, and some do not allow pets at all. Always confirm the pet policy before you book if you are traveling with an animal.
Cancellation and change policies
Sheraton cancellation policies depend on the rate type you book. Most standard rates allow free cancellation up to a certain number of days before arrival — commonly 48 hours or 72 hours, though this varies. Non-refundable rates, which are cheaper, do not allow cancellation or changes without losing the full payment.
If you need to cancel or change your reservation, do so through the same channel where you booked. If you booked on Sheraton.com, log into your account and modify the reservation there. If you booked through a third-party site, you may need to contact that site's customer service. Always check your confirmation email for the specific cancellation important date and policy for your booking.
During certain circumstances — such as natural disasters or government travel restrictions — Marriott may waive cancellation fees or allow changes without penalty. These policies change based on events and location, so contact the property directly if your travel plans are affected by circumstances beyond your control.
How to find and compare Sheraton properties
Sheraton properties are searchable on Sheraton.com, Marriott.com, and most major booking sites. When you search, you can filter by location, check-in and check-out dates, and number of guests. Results show room types available, the nightly rate, and basic amenities for that property.
Before you book, read the property description and guest reviews. Reviews on Marriott.com, Google, and TripAdvisor often mention specific details like noise levels, cleanliness, breakfast quality, and parking convenience that the official listing may not highlight. Pay attention to recent reviews — a property's condition or service can change over time.
If you are comparing prices across sites, note that the total cost includes room rate plus taxes and fees. A cheaper nightly rate on one site may cost more overall once taxes and resort fees are added. Calculate the full cost before deciding.
Special programs and promotions
Sheraton and Marriott run seasonal promotions that offer discounted rates, bonus points, or free nights. These are advertised on Marriott.com and Sheraton.com, and you can sign up for email notifications to learn about upcoming deals. Some promotions require you to book within a specific window or stay during specific dates.
Marriott Bonvoy members at higher tiers receive exclusive offers, such as discounted rates at certain properties or bonus points for stays during promotional periods. If you stay frequently, reaching a higher tier can unlock savings that offset the cost of credit card annual fees or the effort of earning nights.
Corporate rates are available if you work for a company that has a negotiated agreement with Marriott. Ask your employer's travel department whether Sheraton is on your approved hotel list and what rate code to use when booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to join Marriott Bonvoy to stay at Sheraton?
No, you can book and stay without a Bonvoy account. However, joining is free and takes two minutes, and you will earn points on your stay if you provide your membership number at check-in. There is no downside to having an account.
Can I earn airline miles instead of hotel points?
Yes. Marriott Bonvoy points can be transferred to airline partners at a set conversion rate. You can also earn airline miles directly if your airline has a co-branded credit card that earns miles on hotel stays. The conversion rate and earning rate vary by airline and card.
What is the difference between booking on Sheraton.com and Marriott.com?
Both sites show the same properties and rates. Sheraton.com filters to Sheraton brand only, while Marriott.com shows all Marriott brands. Booking through either earns full Bonvoy points. Some promotions are brand-specific, so check both sites if you are flexible on brand.
Are there fees for checking in early or staying late?
Standard check-in is 3 or 4 p.m. and checkout is 11 a.m. or noon, depending on the property. Early check-in and late checkout are not may provide but may be available at no charge if rooms are available. Bonvoy elite members often receive complimentary late checkout. Contact the property directly to request early check-in or late checkout.
What happens if I have a problem during my stay?
Contact the front desk when ready. Most issues — noise, maintenance problems, missing amenities — can be resolved on the spot or quickly. If you are not satisfied with the resolution, contact Marriott customer service after your stay with your confirmation number and details of the issue. Marriott may offer points or a future night credit depending on the situation.