Marriott unveils online rental platform for luxury homes

Hotel chain Marriott International has launched an online rental platform for luxury homes, joining the likes of home-sharing giant Airbnb.

The group will be offering around 2,000 high-end homes in certain areas of the US, Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America from next week.

Stephanie Linnartz, Commercial Director of Marriott International, said, "The launch of Homes & Villas by Marriott International reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation as consumer travel needs evolve. The launch follows a successful pilot program."

Marriott, which owns brands like Sheraton and Ritz-Carlton, will permit customers to use the new platform for earning loyalty points that can be put toward new bookings.