Marriott Hotels & Resorts and Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. raised the curtain on Broadway, recently unveiling a multi-million dollar renovation of the brand’s flagship New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square. At the heart of the extensive renovation is the reinvented 8th floor lobby, which includes two signature restaurants and lounges where guests can work, socialize, relax, eat and drink.
“Even though we celebrated the New York Marriott Marquis’ 25th Anniversary last year, it feels like a brand new hotel opening,” says Mike Stengel, vice president market general manager for Marriott International. “We still have the great staff and service our guests have come to know—but now it’s in a whole new setting. Our guests are thrilled with the transformation we’ve undergone this past year.”
The new design was envisioned and created by the interior architecture and design firm ForrestPerkins of Washington, D.C. The hotel’s new interior and custom furnishings reflect the vibrancy and energy of New York City and Broadway.
The new restaurant and lounge, Crossroads — an American Kitchen and Bar, features spectacular two-story mirrored spiral bar encircled with 11 high definition television screens. Surrounding the restaurant’s centerpiece is a mix of low sofas and comfortable armchairs accented by four waterfall towers. Crossroads also offers a more traditional seating area for more than 100 guests, surrounded by perforated panel screens that slide to accommodate private or more open events. Illuminated crystal light rods hang above, creating a linear feel, or a streetscape grid pattern. The menu items are quintessential New York classics with a modern twist, such as Niman Ranch Pork Rib Pot Roast and Roasted Turkey BLT with Pecan Wood Smoked Bacon.
The design of the new Broadway Lounge is inspired by New Year’s Eve and the traditional ball drop. Guests’ eyes are immediately drawn to six spherical chandeliers, each with 234 shimmering clear glass balls, reflecting Broadway’s bright lights and electronic billboards. Two-story arched glass windows give guests panoramic views of Times Square. The multi-level seating in the Broadway Lounge offers guests the choice to be in the middle of the action or enjoy privacy. The lounge is richly colored in deep turquoise, petrol blue, dark ginger and grays. The menu features sharing and artisanal tasting dishes, as well as offerings inspired by New York City food trucks, including tacos, sliders and flatbreads.
The overall renovation includes the glamorous Broadway Ballroom, as well as all guest rooms, which will be completed by the end of this spring, 2012.
And as the Broadway Lounge takes over Times Square, the “Metropolitan” is still one of its most popular signature cocktails, using these time-honored ingredients: Absolut Citron Vodka, Chambord, pomegranate juice, and lemon juice.
So there’s a new show on Broadway and the Marriott Marquis is front and center ready to wow its audiences. Cheers!
