When people hear that Marriott International has opened its 10,000th property, it’s easy to focus on the number. Ten thousand hotels. Ten thousand milestones. Ten thousand places where associates welcome guests every day.

But every hotel opening starts the same way: with a group of people coming together to build something from the ground up.

At the newly opened JW Marriott Ranthambore Resort & Spa in India, associates spent months preparing for the moment the first guests would arrive. For many, it was their first time being part of a hotel opening. For all of them, it was a chance to be part of Marriott history.

→ Learn About the Wide Range of Career Journeys at Marriott

For Aishwarya K., Assistant Manager of Food & Beverage Service, one of the most memorable parts of the journey wasn’t a single moment. It was the people.

“There is a unique sense of excitement and anticipation that comes from knowing you are building something from the ground up and preparing to welcome the very first guests,” she says.

Working alongside associates from different states and backgrounds, Aishwarya says the pre-opening experience was both challenging and rewarding. Together, the team learned from one another, built relationships, and began creating the culture that would define the hotel.

For Arpit S., Front Office Executive, some of his favorite memories came during training.

“When the trainers arrived and gave us such a warm welcome, it was truly one of the most memorable moments for me,” he says. Through simulations and hands-on learning, associates prepared for opening day while building confidence in their new roles. “I learned a lot while having fun throughout the journey.”

Being part of Marriott’s 10,000th property carries special meaning for many associates.

“I feel proud and grateful to be part of this historic moment,” says Melusulu T., Guest Service Associate. “It’s exciting to know that my work contributes to a milestone that will always be a part of Marriott International’s history.”

That sentiment is shared by Indranil, Housekeeping Executive.

“It gives me immense pride to be part of such a historic milestone,” he says. “Being part of the pre-opening team has been a huge milestone in my career as well.”

The guests may see a beautiful new resort. What they won’t always see are the months of collaboration, training, preparation, and teamwork that made it possible.

But for the associates who helped bring Marriott’s 10,000th property to life, that’s the part they’ll never forget.

→ Marriott Is Hiring! Find What You’re Looking For in a Career