NEWPORT, R.I.
The newly reimagined Newport Marriott reopened after a $35 million transformative renovation that revamped everything from guest rooms to meeting areas.
The largest hotel in Newport’s complete transformation of all 320 rooms and suites, common areas and 2nd floor function space, was overseen by the hotel's ownership group, Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers, LLC. Working with Edge of Architecture EoA, Inc.| Malcolm Berg on the architecture and interiors.
As guests enter the hotel, a chandelier sparkles like sunlight on water, with dozens of crystal decanters, some sand-tumbled like sea glass. The new Marriott Greatroom lobby feels decidedly coastal, and a concentric rope garden creates an intimate seating area while water features lend sound and light to the airy atrium.
In the guest rooms, a seaside color palette of cloud whites, soft sands and ocean blues leads to the striking focal point, a backlit sail that stretches the entire length of the boat decking-inspired headboard wall. Furnishings are precisely crafted, with the best metals and leather finishes, aiming to capture the environs of a fine yacht. The rooms have all the technology must-haves from bedside outlets and USB ports to Wi-Fi and 55" wall-mounted HDTVs and thoughtful reading lights on the headboards.
A new restaurant, Mainsail, and two bars provide a perch for enjoying the Newport scene. The 98-seat restaurant serves a dock-to-table local seafood menu and gives guests a front row harbor view in floor-to-ceiling windows. Creative small plates are available at two bars: a 58-seat restaurant bar, The Skiff, with water views that extends to a 57-seat new outdoor bar terrace (which will open in late May) overlook the yachts and sailboats in Newport Harbor. A second bar in the lobby, The Plank, will include a sculptural reference to those prohibition-era Rhode Islanders who went to extreme lengths to enjoy their libations.
Hotel renovations also included the entirety of the 2nd floor mid-sized meeting rooms and breakout space which now have features like natural light and harbor views. In total the hotel provides over 24,400 square feet of flexible meeting space, including: 16 meeting rooms and the 7,600 square-foot Grand Ballroom. As always, technological support will include wired and wireless high-speed Internet access, a full complement of audio-visual equipment, a private video conferencing unit, and the Marriott Hotels "Red Coat Direct" meeting services app. In addition, the hotel added an M Club lounge, an exclusive space with premiere services where guests can work, enjoy a bite, recharge and connect. M Club access is complimentary for Gold and Platinum Marriott Rewards members or available for guest upgrade.
The 4,500-square-foot Spa at Newport Marriott, which opened in 2009, is the largest in Newport. It offers eight treatment rooms, a private relaxation lounge, as well as a hair and nail salon. Also available is a 10,000 square foot health club, with indoor saline swimming pool, sauna, whirlpool, racquetball courts, fitness room and seasonal roof deck.
