Afiling for bankruptcy this summer and enduring years of financial struggle, the city of Detroit has recently begun to see substantial private investment, support and positive attention from the national press, according to Judy Booth, director of sales and marketing for the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center.
The Marriott property announced plans for a $30 million renovation, and Booth believes the timing is perfect.
“The Cobo Center will wrap up its huge renovation in 2014, ASAE is coming to Detroit in 2015, and with six new hotel openings since 2008, Detroit now offers a very competitive convention package,” she says.
The property’s new design will be unique to the colors and sounds of Detroit’s automobile-centric history.
The 1,329-room hotel will remain open throughout the project, which is expected to conclude in fall 2014. The renovation will update all guest rooms as well as the 100,000 square feet of meeting space, including the 25,000-square-foot ballroom.
“The trend in the hotel’s business matches the growing interest in Detroit,” Booth says. “The property serves a lot of science-related groups, educational associations, pharmaceutical launches and large corporate events due to our size.”