SAN DIEGO, Calif.—Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, owned by Host Hotels & Resorts, is currently working on a groundbreaking expansion. Set to transform the face of Downtown San Diego’s waterfront just in time for summer, the 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 design. The soon-to-be completed renovation will present guests and planners with the ultimate experience in one of America’s most coveted cities.
Following an extensive multi-million makeover of the resort’s guestrooms and public areas in 2011, 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.
“It’s such an exciting time to plan an event at Marriott Marquis as we greatly expand our options,” says Tuni Kyi, Marriott’s general manager. “This summer we’ll be unveiling a truly fresh and innovative product, answering to the tremendous demand we receive here at the hotel.”
Already an unparalleled destination for conventions and in close proximity to the best of San Diego, the new construction will increase the meeting, indoor, and outdoor event space to 280,000 square feet. The renovation’s showpiece consists of two spectacular 36,000-square-foot ballrooms (Marriott Grand Ballroom and 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 square feet, offering options to extend the space.
The new building, which complements the hotel’s existing towers, is uniquely positioned on the waterfront and has a blue glass design, which makes use of the natural light. Inspired by Southern California, the color scheme evokes the glimmering sand and sea. Stylistic and functional, each space with its clean lines is carefully curated with a contemporary and casual look and feel, as envisioned by tvsdesign, who have thoughtfully addressed scale, form, function, and materials to create a memorable experience for visitors. 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’ pre-function space.
Patricia Richey, lead designer and principal with tvsdesign, adds, “We drew inspiration from the host community with its iconic coastline, which we incorporated into the design, capturing a sense of fluidity and movement throughout.”
Set against the spectacular backdrop of the city, the customizable space will have an elliptical glass curtain, offering 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. In addition, Marriott features a team of professional planners, trained to create a seamless event and bring the hosts’ visions to life. Menus are also available and feature creative cuisine and cocktail pairings.
As part of the expansion, the hotel is also completing Marina Terrace, 27,000 square feet of paved outdoor event space overlooking their marina. Ideally situated between downtown San Diego and the bay, Marina Terrace is perfect for special celebrations and seasonal city attractions, accommodating 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 public art, decorative paving, and sweeping views of the waterfront. The 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.
