Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina to Unveil Expansion This Summer
February 26, 2016
Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, owned by Host Hotels & Resorts Inc., is currently working on a groundbreaking expansion. Set to transform the face of Downtown San Diego’s waterfront just in time for summer, the iconic hotel will now be home to a brand-new, two-level stacked ballroom project along with Marina Terrace, a grand outdoor area right on the bay, coupled with the public walkway, Marina Walk. With its gigantic 16-screen video wall system and distinctive design details such as a unique Swarovski crystal ceiling installation, the new space blends cutting-edge technology with sophisticated, inspired design.
The 1,360-room Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina is undergoing an approximate $107 million investment into its meeting and event offerings. Upon completion of the significant expansion this summer, the hotel will offer premium indoor and outdoor venues with increased connectivity between downtown and the bay.
The new construction will increase the property’s meeting, indoor and outdoor event space to 280,000 sf. The renovation’s showpiece consists of two 36,000-sf ballrooms — the Marriott Grand Ballroom and the Pacific Ballroom — each capable of accommodating up to 3,700 guests. Set to be the largest ballrooms on the West Coast, both have grand foyers reaching up to 25,000 sf, offering options to extend the space.
The new building, which complements the hotel’s existing towers, is uniquely positioned on the waterfront and boasts a striking blue glass design, which makes use of the natural light. Inspired by the beauty of Southern California, the color scheme evokes the allure of the glimmering sand and sea. Distinct design details include undulating wave patterns adorning the ceilings and “Tidal,” a one-of-a-kind Swarovski crystal ceiling installation, located in the ballrooms’ prefunction space, which will mesmerize guests, attendees and art lovers alike.
Set against the spectacular backdrop of the city, the customizable space will boast an elliptical glass curtain, offering breathtaking and unobstructed views. State-of-the-art amenities promise to take galas and conferences to the next level with a grand 16-screen video wall system, which is exclusive to the hotel and offers the highest level of videography, sound and production capabilities to create a truly personalized experience. In addition, Marriott features a remarkable team of professional planners, trained to create a seamless event and bring the hosts’ visions to life. Inspiring menus also are available and feature creative cuisine and cocktail pairings.
The hotel also is completing Marina Terrace, 27,000 sf of paved outdoor event space overlooking their idyllic marina. Ideally situated between downtown San Diego and the bay, Marina Terrace accommodates up to 4,000 guests with ample seating areas to relax or mingle.
A final piece of the renovation will be Marriott Marquis’ Marina Walk, a landscaped walkway where visitors will enjoy beautiful public art, decorative paving and sweeping views of the waterfront. The Marina Walk will feature two public artworks by Los Angeles-based art collective, “After Architecture,” which are “Tide,” an exterior sculpture comprised of a series of LED-illuminated waves, and “Kelp,” an installation constructed of painted steel strips and symbolic of sunlight kelp on the ocean floor. With full wheelchair accessibility and public facilities, Marina Walk’s finishing touches include bike racks and benches.