Does Donald Trump Own A Hotel?
/Donald Trump’s name is one of the most well-known names in real estate, especially when it comes to big, shiny hotels. His last name is literally written in gold on the front of some of the world’s most noticeable hotel buildings. But here’s the real question people ask when they see a Trump hotel — does he actually own it, or is it just branding?
It’s easy to assume every Trump hotel is owned by him personally, but it’s not that simple. The Trump Organization, the business group led by his family, has been in charge of building, managing, and licensing his hotels. So, yes, Donald Trump does have hotels under his name — but that doesn’t always mean he owns the entire building or even still runs it.
Some Hotels Are Fully Owned By Donald Trump While Others Simply Use His Name As Part Of A Paid Licensing Agreement
When you look at a massive hotel with the Trump name on it, it may appear as though he built it himself. In some instances, that's the case. Trump himself developed a few hotels, particularly in places such as New York and Chicago. Those hotels were often owned by his company, so he had a say in how they were constructed, how they were designed, and how they were run.
But the Trump Organization began making other deals with other developers over the years just to use his name and branding. This would be referred to as a licensing agreement. Essentially, the building is owned by someone else, but they would pay for the use of the Trump name, and the Trumps would assist in managing the property so all goes according to plan. This would allow Trump to still earn money on a hotel despite not technically owning the building.
Business Name: Sparkly Maid Chicago
Business Number: (224) 214-0145
Business Email: support@sparklymaid.com
Business Address: Chicago, IL
There Are Still A Handful Of Luxury Hotels Around The World That Are Directly Managed Or Owned By The Trump Organization Today
As of now, the Trump Organization still owns or manages a handful of hotels around the world. Some examples include:
Trump International Hotel & Tower New York
Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago
Trump International Hotel Las Vegas
Trump International Hotel Waikiki in Hawaii
These properties are still operating under the Trump name and are connected directly to the family’s business. They are usually luxury hotels with high-end rooms, expensive restaurants, and all the extras like fitness centers and fancy spas.
While Trump still has some hotels, it’s also true that not all of them stuck around. Some of the most well-known hotels that used to have the Trump name are no longer part of his business. One of the biggest examples was the Trump International Hotel in Washington D.C.
This hotel opened during his presidency and quickly became a political hotspot. But in 2022, the hotel was sold and the Trump name was taken off. It’s now known as the Waldorf Astoria. There have been other Trump hotels that were either sold off, shut down, or rebranded — including ones in Panama, Toronto, and Vancouver.
Business Name: Sparkly Maid Chicago
Business Number: (224) 214-0145
Business Email: support@sparklymaid.com
Business Address: Chicago, IL
It's worth noting that Donald Trump isn't the one at the front desk welcoming people in. He's not organizing the rooms or folding the towels. These facilities are operated by groups of professionals as well as executives, and much of the day-to-day operations are operated by his company or with licensing agreements.
But his brand — that gold-lettered Trump look — is still a big part of what makes the hotels what they are. Whether people like it or not, some travelers still book a room because it’s a Trump hotel, while others avoid it for the same reason.
While Donald Trump Still Owns Some Hotels Today, Not Every Hotel With His Name On It Is Actually Owned By Him Personally
To answer the question simply — yes, Donald Trump does still own hotels, at least through his business. But not every hotel with his name on it is fully owned by him. Some are partnerships, some are branding deals, and some are long gone from his company altogether.
So next time you pass by a hotel with the Trump name in big gold letters, just know that while it might look like his empire is still going strong, the ownership side of things is a little more complicated than it seems.