The New York Marriott Marquis and Sonesta Irvine have completed multimillion-dollar renovations, while New York-New York Hotel & Casino has started a remodel of its guestrooms and suites.
New York Marriott Marquis completes multimillion-dollar renovation
New York Marriott Marquis has completed an extensive renovation, which includes newly designed guestrooms, restaurants, public spaces, and meeting and events spaces.
“New York Marriott Marquis is the heartbeat of our Marriott Hotels brand, inclusive of more than 600 properties around the world,” said Drew Iddings, VP/global brand leader, Marriott Hotels. “With the completion of this captivating redesign, we continue to build momentum for the brand’s evolution and modern appeal that is tailormade for our renowned, wonderful hospitality to empower guests’ every pursuit.”
Opened in 1985 amid the rejuvenation of Times Square, New York Marriott Marquis’ location provided inspiration for architecture and interior design firms Stonehill Taylor, which oversaw the redesign of the hotel’s public and event spaces, and Sawyer & Company, which led the design of the guestrooms and suites. Both firms drew from the 360 degrees of billboard lights experienced by visitors to Times Square, in addition to Stonehill Taylor centering the hotel’s renovation design concept on the theme of “Kaleidoscope of Energy.”
“The reflections, flow of energy, and vivacity that encapsulate Times Square were central references for this project,” said Sara Duffy, principal, Stonehill Taylor. “We fed off the spirit of the hotel’s surroundings while simultaneously constructing a comfortable, rejuvenating stay for guests. The end result was a design that perfectly balances elegant playfulness and interactive experiences with flexible and varied seating, strategically open yet distinctive zones, and an artful New York theme that carries throughout the hotel.”
Upon arrival to the eighth-floor lobby, visitors will find a reoriented space designed for a seamless and energizing arrival experience. The hotel’s reception desks have been moved from the south side to the north side of the hotel, opening the northernmost wall to natural light with installed prismatic waved glass. Reception desks are now separated by archways made of wood paneling, and a lit acrylic 3-D sculpture by Parachilna sits on a plinth along with Kaleidoscope-inspired New York City artwork by Kalisher.
Each of the hotel’s 1,971 guestrooms has been completely updated with a modern design complemented by locally inspired accents to draw in the energy of the city. New features include mounted, high-definition televisions; expanded closets; walk-in showers with spa-like lighting; and platform beds. Additionally, through the first-of-its-kind, longstanding global partnership with Marriott Hotels and TED, guests will continue to have access to curated in-room TED content.
The newly redesigned M Club—a brand signature across Marriott Hotels globally—is reminiscent of a New York City-style living room. Reserved for Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite, Titanium Elite and Ambassador Elite members and paying guests, the double doors welcome guests to a large lounge, which seats close to 200. The lounge features a library, business support center and ample seating such as communal worktables and banquettes, and plenty of charging stations for electronic devices. A complimentary full buffet breakfast is offered, along with a “Grab & Go” station for members to enjoy a coffee or pastry.
In addition to the hotel’s redesign, New York Marriott Marquis has now partnered with the Union Square Hospitality Group and Union Square Events on the food and beverage concepts at three updated restaurants, as well as the catering for hotel events.
On the hotel’s ninth floor, The Terrace—an open event space connecting the Marquis Ballroom to the Jolson, Cantor and Barrymore Rooms—was expanded to serve as an additional functional event space, complete with streetlamp-inspired lighting. Meeting spaces and pre-function event spaces on floors three through seven, including the Broadway Ballroom and Marquis Theatre foyer, feature newly designed carpets and wallcoverings. The largest ballroom stage in the city, The Broadway Ballroom, now also has a state-of the-art sound system, which extends to the balconies and wings.
Sonesta Irvine finishes $20M reno
Sonesta Irvine (formerly Sonesta Irvine – Orange County Airport) has completed a $20-million renovation to transform the guest experience. The hotel offers updated guestrooms, a modern lobby, expanded social spaces for meetings and events and a new dining destination, Haven Point Provisions & Spirits.
All 339 renovated guestrooms feature new furniture, lighting and decor, and new amenities include Keurig brewers, upgraded televisions, workstations and complimentary high-speed wireless internet access. Many rooms and suites offer panoramic views of the Santa Ana Mountains.
The hotel’s lobby features more seating and communal tables with WiFi connectivity. Other amenities include an outdoor patio with a built-in fireplace; an indoor swimming pool; and a fitness studio with new sound and television systems.
Sonesta Irvine has nine flexible meeting rooms comprising more than 8,700 sq. ft. of function space, including the 3,700-sq.-ft. Catalina Ballroom. The Avalon and San Clemente rooms each hold up to 80 guests.
The property is the first Sonesta hotel to introduce the Sonesta Work Suite, a new multi-zone meeting design concept that was developed based on customer feedback to create a functional space that supports the ways professionals are working, meeting and collaborating today. It accommodates both small gatherings and large groups, with seating for up to 54 people.
New York-New York Hotel & Casino launches $63M guestroom remodel
New York-New York Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip has launched a $63-million remodel project of its 1,830 guestrooms and 155 of its suites. When completed next summer, the accommodations will feature new designs and upgraded in-room amenities.
Crafted by hospitality design firm HVS Design in partnership with MGM Resorts International Design Group, the design aesthetic draws inspiration from the energy and excitement of two of the world’s great cities—Las Vegas and New York City. The remodel features design details that harken to New York City, such as rooms with exposed faux brick walls and accent colors such as Big Apple Red and Taxicab Yellow. The rooms will incorporate modern conveniences such as moveable work surfaces, readily available USB/USB-C power outlets and additional shelving and closet space.
“It’s an exciting time at New York-New York,” said Michael Neubecker, the resort’s president/COO. “We recently launched Cirque du Soleil’s Mad Apple show to tremendous feedback from our guests. To embark on a remodel of our rooms and suites is the next step in keeping the resort fresh and giving guests new reasons to visit. Whether coming for business or pleasure, guests will find our new rooms offer a stylish and modern respite as they enjoy the excitement of Las Vegas.”
Christine Shanahan, principal/HVS Design, said, “As we envisioned our design for this project, we incorporated that New York City vibe and twisted it with bold colors and pops of energy to blend with Las Vegas, stressing functionality as a key factor. Guests will experience the feel of a loft apartment with convenient touchpoints and amenities designed to make them feel right at home.”
Completion of all guestrooms and Spa, Marquis and Players suites is scheduled for summer 2023 with the first collection of standard and premier rooms available for guest stays in late October.
The room remodel is the next phase of a resort transformation that includes the recently launched “Mad Apple;”the refurbished and rebranded Big Apple Coaster with new trains for a smoother ride; and the revamped Big Apple Arcade with updated games and the latest RFID technology. More enhancements to the property will be announced in the coming months.
