Marriott International and Pacifica Hotels G.K., a third-party operator of international hotels in Japan, have signed an agreement to bring the City Express by Marriott brand to Japan through the conversion of two existing hotels in Osaka.

The rebranded hotels are expected to reopen in 2026 as City Express by Marriott Osaka Namba South and City Express by Marriott Osaka Shin-Imamiya. Shin Imamiya Hospitality, a subsidiary of Pacifica Hotels G.K., will act as the franchisee for both hotels.

City Express by Marriott Shin-Imamiya will feature 100 guest rooms in a nine-story standalone property in Haginochaya, Nishinari-ku, which is directly connected to Shin-Imamiya Station on the JR Osaka Loop Line.

Meanwhile, City Express by Marriott Osaka Namba South is planned to be a 143-room, 14-story standalone property in Hanazono-kita, Nishinari-ku, adjacent to Hanazonochō Station on the Osaka Metro Yotsubashi Line. Both hotels are also well connected to Osaka’s top attractions as well as Kansai International Airport.

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

City Express by Marriott caters to both business and leisure travelers. The brand has over 150 properties across four countries and is part of Marriott Bonvoy, the hotelier’s global travel program.