The 158-room Courtyard by Marriott Salt River in Arizona will soon be revealing a multimillion-dollar renovation that focuses on the local community.
“Our vision is to elevate the property with design solutions that tell the story of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community,” Suzie Hall, founder/CEO, The Cornerstone Collective, which is heading up the design and procurement for the project. “Sleek, shimmering materials represent the water, while textured, woven elements exemplify the tribes’ history of basket-weaving. Like the two tribes coming together to create one community, two color palettes—warm earth and cool water—are used in harmony to create one cohesive design.”
The renovation of the property, owned by Ba’ag ceksan (Eagle Mark) LLC, includes all guestrooms and public spaces, including the lobby, bistro, breakfast area, bar, ballrooms and meeting space and fitness center.
The four-story, culturally rich hotel offers unique decor that embodies the spirit of gathering. The hotel is part of the Talking Stick Entertainment District and within reach of many of Scottsdale’s attractions including championship golf, shopping and culinary adventures. Nearby destinations include Salt River Fields, spring training home of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies; OdySea, the largest aquarium in the Southwest; and Talking Stick Casino, featuring 800-plus slot machines and 50-plus gaming tables.
Hall said that she already has a favorite aspect of the design. “We removed an interior monolith wall that interrupted both the flowing ‘river’ in the terrazzo flooring, as well as the natural daylight, and introduced a new interior landscape feature that brings the outdoors in.”
Hotel amenities include the Bistro Café, the Market, fitness center, outdoor pool, whirlpool and nearly 5,400 sq. ft. of meeting space. Guestrooms feature plush bedding, complimentary WiFi, mini-refrigerators, microwaves and ample space to work and/or relax.
“Cornerstone did a fantastic job creating a vision for our sister hotel, the Residence Inn Salt River, and we wanted their team to capture that energy here at the Courtyard,” said Alix Smith, Ba’ag ceksan, CEO. “The Residence Inn features many custom design elements and FFE throughout the property, including a custom ‘bird’ ceiling treatment that mirrors the one in our lobby, as well as a river motif designed as a symbol of the Salt River, flowing between the two hotels. We are proud of the hotel’s Native American roots and believe guests will appreciate the special touches Suzie and her team have added to the two hotels to inform and entertain guests.”
