Hotels

Marriott International, Inc. today announced the commencement of construction on the Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center (the “Gaylord Pacific”). A ceremony was held this morning on the 500+ acre Chula Vista Bayfront, site of the anticipated 1.8 million-square-foot Gaylord Pacific. The event was attended by the Gaylord Pacific’s developers RIDA Development Corporation (“RIDA Development”) and Ares Management (“Ares”), finance partners, officials from the City of Chula Vista, Port of San Diego, and State of California, Marriott executives, group customers, and other project supporters.

“We are thrilled to announce the growth of the Gaylord Hotels brand with the addition of the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center,” said Anthony Capuano, CEO, Marriott International. “Adding a West Coast group destination of this scale and quality to Marriott’s portfolio will provide our customers the exceptional meetings and events service and design that the Gaylord Hotels brand is known for in a highly desired, premier Southern California location.”

Marriott International will manage the resort and convention center under a long-term management agreement. Russ Mitchell, most recently Director of Sales and Marketing at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, will serve as the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Gaylord Pacific and will lead a team with the goal of pre-booking more than 1.5 million room nights prior to opening.

The Gaylord Pacific is anticipated to have 1,600 hotel rooms, including 89 spacious suites with 12 Presidential suites. The project is expected to welcome its first guests in the summer of 2025 and to serve as a key component of the Chula Vista Bayfront, located in Chula Vista and within close proximity to San Diego. The resort will offer 360-degree views with San Diego Bay to the west and Chula Vista Marina to the south providing unobstructed views across the bay and on to the Pacific Ocean.

Master of Ceremonies for the event, Ira Mitzner, CEO of RIDA Development Corp, stated, “The closing of the Gaylord construction loan and the commencement of construction will bring over 10,000 construction jobs and over 4,000 direct and indirect permanent jobs to the state of California. This $1.275 billion project represents the finest of public-private partnership and will create a strong and unique economic engine for the City of Chula Vista, Port of San Diego, and State of California for many decades to come.”

“We are excited to celebrate the groundbreaking for the Gaylord Pacific and the further expansion of our collaboration with RIDA Development and Marriott,” said Andrew Holm, Partner in Ares Real Estate. “We are pleased to have the support from the City of Chula Vista, Port of San Diego, and the State of California, and we look forward to working closely with them to realize the potential benefits for stakeholders in the community.”

Marriott, together with the owner and development led by RIDA Development and a Real Estate fund managed by Ares Management, announced the closing on a $685 million construction loan from Wells Fargo Bank as co-lead arranger for a nine-bank consortium, including co-lead arranger Bank of America, documentation agents: Fifth Third Bank, Scotia Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, and participants: Frost Bank, Goldman Sachs, MidFirst Bank, and Taiwan Business Bank.

A construction loan from JPMorgan Chase Bank as sole lead arranger in the amount of $383 million was secured by the City and Port to support the public investment in the project.

Gaylord Pacific is expected to offer nine signature dining options with more than 418,746 square feet of indoor and outdoor convention center space, inclusive of a flexible 143,553-square-feet, carpeted exhibit hall, up to 62 technologically advanced breakout and conference rooms, five outdoor event lawns and terraces. Plans for the hotel include an expansive, glass lobby atrium with spectacular views of the San Diego Bay along with nine restaurants and bars, full-service Relâche signature spa and salon, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. The resort is also slated to feature a premium outdoor waterpark complex with water slides, a full wave pool, adult and kid’s pools, and a lazy river as well as ample pool seating and cabanas.“

Chula Vista deserves the best economic opportunities, and we have always believed our city is worthy of a world-class bayfront. Many years of effort have brought us to this point and I am overjoyed this day has finally come,” said Chula Vista Mayor Mary Casillas Salas. “The economic impacts of this investment will reverberate throughout our city and region with the temporary construction jobs but also the 4,000 direct and indirect permanent jobs that will be created.” Located in sunny Southern California, the Chula Vista Bayfront is a waterfront site located seven miles south of downtown San Diego. The Chula Vista Bayfront will serve as a mixed-use development, to be built in phases over several years. The potential economic impact of the project is estimated at more than $14 billion of economic activity for the State of California. “We celebrate our partnership with RIDA Chula Vista, LLC on this historic day, as we break ground on the Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center on the Chula Vista Bayfront,” said Port of San Diego Chairman Dan Malcolm. “As a public-private partnership, this is a model of how government agencies and the private sector can work together. This world-class project will fulfill the great potential of this waterfront site — attracting visitors from throughout the State of California and beyond and creating massive economic impact for our region.”

“The Chula Vista Bayfront in Southern California provides unmatched waterfront views, and a unique blend of urban amenities and coastal access. As the largest undeveloped waterfront site on the West Coast, and with proximity to San Diego and the U.S.-Mexico border, our bayfront is attracting national attention as we continue executing a fully approved, shovel-ready master plan,” said Port of San Diego Commissioner Ann Moore, who represents Chula Vista on the seven-member board. “Our selected partner, RIDA Chula Vista, LLC, is developing the bayfront’s most high-profile and desirable site – a defining project for this cherished destination. Our region warmly welcomes the construction of the Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center, and we look forward to seeing it take shape along our bayfront skyline.”

Luke Charlton, Chief Operating Officer of RIDA Development Corporation, summarized today’s event as follows: “Today’s groundbreaking is the culmination of decades of planning that the City of Chula Vista and the Port of San Diego led with tremendous foresight; knowing the potential that the Bayfront held could only be realized when this complex public private partnership was completed and the catalyst project, Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center was under construction. We are grateful for the partnership and support of Ares, Marriott, the Port, the City, and our lenders as we build the future of the Bayfront and are proud to bring this world class convention resort to Southern California.”

Marriott International currently operates five Gaylord Hotels across Nashville, Tennessee; Kissimmee, Florida; Grapevine, Texas; National Harbor, Maryland; and Aurora, Colorado.

About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 8,000 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 139 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy^®, its highly awarded travel program. For more information, please visit www.marriott.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

About Gaylord Hotels Gaylord Hotels, part of the Marriott portfolio of brands, offers extraordinary environments with everything in one place—diverse dining options, full-service spas, pools, top-notch entertainment, shopping and more. Locations include Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, Tennessee; Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee, Florida; Gaylord Texan on Lake Grapevine, Texas; Gaylord National on the Potomac in National Harbor, Maryland; and Gaylord Rockies in Aurora, CO. About RIDA Development Corporation RIDA Development Corporation has achieved an international reputation for creating innovative, high-quality, and successful real estate ventures. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, and founded in 1974 by David Mitzner, RIDA operates major divisions in California, Texas, Florida, and Europe. RIDA is currently managing and developing retail, office, distribution, residential, hotel and mixed-use land developments with a value in excess of $7 billion. As one of the nation’s most active conference hotel developers, RIDA’s projects have earned it a reputation as one of the industry’s leading development organizations. For more information, please visit www.ridadev.com.

About Ares Management Corporation
Ares Management Corporation (NYSE: ARES) is a leading global alternative investment manager offering clients complementary primary and secondary investment solutions across the credit, private equity, real estate, and infrastructure asset classes. We seek to provide flexible capital to support businesses and create value for our stakeholders and within our communities. By collaborating across our investment groups, we aim to generate consistent and attractive investment returns throughout market cycles. As of March 31, 2022, Ares Management Corporation’s global platform had approximately $325 billion of assets under management, with over 2,100 employees operating across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East. For more information, please visit www.aresmgmt.com.

Media Contact
Elynsey Price
elynsey.price@marriott.com

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

The Ritz-Carlton, part of Marriott Bonvoy^®’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today announced the opening of The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad, debuting a new oasis of modern luxury in the heart of Manhattan. Soaring 50 stories above the dynamic North of Madison Square Park neighborhood, the newly constructed hotel and residences developed by New York-based Flag Luxury Group brings the brand’s unparalleled service and refined elegance to one of the city’s most vibrant and emerging districts.

“The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad represents a milestone moment in the evolution of The Ritz-Carlton brand,” said Donna McNamara, Vice President and Global Brand Leader for The Ritz-Carlton. “With an exquisite design that blends the best of the brand and the destination, combined with the finest amenities, culinary offerings, and highly personalized service, The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad delivers an experience tailored to today’s luxury guest. I know that travelers and locals alike will enjoy settling into Nubeluz, our rooftop bar, for spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline.”

Rising 500 feet above New York’s streets, the hotel takes its place within the city skyline as one of the tallest buildings in NoMad, the birthplace of American popular music at Tin Pan Alley and today a nexus of art, entertainment, fashion, and technology. World-renowned design teams, including Rafael Viñoly Architects, Rockwell Group, Lazaro Rosa-Violan Studio, Martin Brudnizki, and SUSSURUS International, deliver a bold, contemporary design that pays homage to the hotel’s location in the city’s vibrant Flower District. An impressive art collection by art curator, Culture Corps and Founding Partner Yvonne Force Villareal includes local artists Pat Steir, Ross Bleckner, and Donald Baechler. Seasonal floral installations throughout the hotel create a unique welcome experience for guests visiting the blossoming neighborhood.

“For our fifth hotel under The Ritz-Carlton brand, we were inspired by the brand’s rich history and legacy of unwavering commitment to excellence. We married the genuine refined service that The Ritz-Carlton is known for with the kitchen of humanitarian and Michelin-starred Chef José Andrés for the next generation of a hotel luxury experience,” said Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, President of Flag Luxury Group.

The hotel’s 250 guestrooms include 19 suites, with an additional 16 one- and two-bedroom penthouse residences. The guestrooms and public spaces all showcase elegant floral expressions such as natural elements and textures, that reflect the soft curvature of petals alongside sleek accents and lines, which echo New York City’s verticality and city grid. Inspired by residential-style living, guestrooms feature bespoke furnishings and a neutral color palette that allow the expansive, light-filled living spaces and stunning city views to take center stage. The 2,100-square-foot Ritz-Carlton Suite, located on the hotel’s 37^th floor, features breathtaking views of Manhattan, a private wellness room complete with a Peloton^® bike, separate living and dining areas, media room and 194-square-foot walk-in closet, and service entrance. All guestrooms include bathroom amenities by Diptyque, featuring the scent Philosykos – an ode to the fig tree.

The hotel’s food and beverage partnership is truly unique, with all culinary venues and in-room dining helmed by Michelin-starred chef and global citizen José Andrés. Situated on the ground floor of the hotel, Zaytinya, a play on the Turkish word for olive oil, offers an innovative mezze menu and creative cocktails inspired by Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese cuisines. Designed by Rockwell Group, the 140-seat restaurant is saturated with a palette of bronze metals and white oak wood, with distinctive pops of blue and soft curves to channel the natural beauty of the Mediterranean.

An exciting addition to New York’s nightlife scene, Nubeluz is located on the hotel’s rooftop. It offers sweeping 270 degree views across Manhattan, complemented by an expansive menu of classic and signature cocktails, light bites, and an array of Tablas, where guests can build boards of jamon, queso, and embutidos hailing from Andrés’ native Spain. Designed by Martin Brudnizki, the space acts as a glittering jewel box, with interiors that are a modern age reinterpretation of New York’s glamorous past, including a combination of reflective surfaces, indulgent textiles, and modern materiality.

Located on the first floor of The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad, The Lobby Lounge and Bar is an oasis where guests can enjoy a morning pastry and coffee, an afternoon glass of champagne, or nightcap in the evening.

The Bazaar by José Andrés will make its New York debut in late 2022. This high-end avant-garde dining destination is a wild sensory adventure born of Andrés’ Spanish roots where sophisticated cuisine, artful service, and playful theatrics come together. Each location has its own vision and promises both an inspiring both its culinary experience and dynamic aesthetic. The Bazaar, designed by Barcelona-based studio Lázaro Rosa-Viola, uses painted and natural wood, texturized glass, ceramic tiling, and drapery to create an atmosphere that is warm and distinct.

The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad offers a wide range of thoughtfully curated amenities designed to complement a highly personalized guest experience. Guests staying on the Club Level can enjoy access to the signature Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge, where they can relax or work while experiencing dedicated concierge service and a variety of culinary offerings throughout the day. The hotel also features a 6,800-square-foot signature Ritz-Carlton Spa and Fitness Center, including eight treatment rooms as well as separate sauna and steam rooms. Luxury skincare brand Augustinus Bader is bringing its signature facial, The Method, to The Ritz-Carlton Spa, offering a bespoke interpretation with the use of exclusive scents and oils inspired by the New York Flower District. For intimate gatherings, celebrations, or corporate functions, The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad also features 10,000 square feet of meeting space, including a vast, private outdoor terrace, with all banquet and catering culinary offerings also overseen by Andrés.

“I am honored to be leading a talented team of Ladies & Gentlemen as we open our doors to guests and locals alike in this everchanging and dynamic community,” said Bastian Germer, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad. “We are excited to bring Manhattan a quintessential, yet freshly re-imagined, New York experience.”

For further information and bookings, please visit www.ritzcarlton.com/nomad

About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC currently operates more than 100 hotels in 34 countries and territories. For more information or reservations, visit the company website at www.ritzcarlton.com and to join the live conversation, use #RCMemories and follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR). The Ritz-Carlton is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits, including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

About Marriott Bonvoy^®
Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world, with 30 brands that are tailored to every type of journey. From The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis to W Hotels and more, Marriott Bonvoy has more luxury offerings than any other travel program. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, and through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 8,000 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 139 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy^®, its highly awarded travel program. For more information, please visit www.marriott.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

Media Contacts
Katie Donald, The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad
Katie.donald@ritzcarlton.com

Alexis Chernoff, Magrino PR
Alexis.chernoff@magrinopr.com

Bailey Outerbridge, Magrino PR
Bailey.outerbridge@magrinopr.com

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Today, Marriott Bonvoy^®, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program, and American Express^® (NYSE: AXP) unveiled changes to the Marriott Bonvoy Business^® American Express^® Card, designed to help small business owners turn their business expenses into meaningful travel rewards. Effective today, the Card now provides new and existing Card Members with a 7% Room Rate Discount on eligible bookings at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®, 4X Marriott Bonvoy^® points at restaurants, now worldwide, and complimentary Gold Elite status, in addition to all the Card’s existing benefits.

“The rich, new benefits will help Card Members owning and working for small businesses stretch their travel dollars much further and reward them for being a part of the engine that drives the U.S. economy,” said David Flueck, Senior Vice President, Global Loyalty, Marriott International. “Hard working Small Business Card Members who spend many nights traveling for business can now earn points toward vacations and getaways with family and friends even faster when staying at participating Marriott Bonvoy^® hotels and using their Card for everyday expenses.”

“Small business owners have weathered many challenges over the past few years, pivoted their strategies, and are now looking to get back on track with how they run their business,” said Courtney Kelso, Executive Vice President & General Manager of Global Commercial Card, American Express. “This includes hitting the road again for client meetings, networking, new business pitches and more. Now, these Card Members can make the most of their business and leisure travel with our enhanced Marriott Bonvoy^® Business Card and the ability to earn even more valuable points and rewards.”

According to new data from an American Express survey¹, 82% of small business leaders surveyed say that discounted room rates are an important decision factor when booking travel, while 78% say they would extend their trip if they had a discount on rooms.

The survey also found that nearly three-fourths (73%) of respondents agree that having status with a hospitality brand impacts where they book overnight accommodations when traveling for business. In addition, a majority (67%) of small business leaders have plans to travel for work in the next one to three months, and 77% agree that they are mixing work and pleasure, wanting to extend their next business trip to also get in some personal vacation time.

New and Enhanced Benefits for Small Business Owners
The Marriott Bonvoy^® Business American Express^® Card will maintain the same $125 annual fee², while providing Card Members with even more value with new and enhanced benefits including:

• 7% Marriott Bonvoy^® Room Rate Discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy³ when booked directly. Terms apply.
• 4X Marriott Bonvoy^® points at restaurants worldwide
• Complimentary Gold Elite status

Continue to Enjoy Existing Card Benefits
In addition to the new benefits, Marriott Bonvoy^® Business American Express Card Members can also continue to enjoy these existing benefits:

• Annual Free Night Award – Receive one Free Night Award every year after Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award spending $60,000 in purchases on the Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
• 15 Elite Night Credits – Each calendar year Card Members can receive 15 Elite Night Credits towards the next level of Marriott Bonvoy^® Elite status – Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy^® member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express^®. Terms apply.
• No foreign transaction fees².
• Opportunity to earn:
  • 6X Marriott Bonvoy^® points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®.
  • 4X Marriott Bonvoy^® points on U.S. gas station purchases, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, and U.S. shipping purchases
  • 2X Marriott Bonvoy^® points on all other eligible purchases

The enhanced Card benefits described above will also be enjoyed by cardmembers who have the Marriott Bonvoy^® Premier Plus Business Credit Card from Chase, which is no longer available to new applicants.

New, Valuable Welcome Offer
To celebrate the refreshed Card benefits, eligible new Card Members who apply and are approved for the Marriott Bonvoy^® Business American Express^® Card can earn 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® points after they spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on the Card in the first three months. The offer is available through August 31, 2022. Terms and conditions apply. To learn more about the new benefits and welcome offer for new Card Members, please visit the Marriott Bonvoy^® American Express^® Cards .

¹ Methodology: This Morning Consult poll was conducted between June 17-June 19, 2022, among a national sample of 500 small business owners and financial decision makers who plan to travel for business in the near future. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or minus four percentage points.

² For more information on rates and fees, visit the American Express^® Business Cards website.

³ Exclusions include: Design Hotels^TM, Marriott Executive Apartments^®, Marriott Vacation Club^®, Marriott Grand Residence Club^®, Vistana Signature Network^TM, Vistana Residence Network, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club^®, All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy^®, and Homes & Villas by Marriott International^®.

About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 8,000 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 139 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy^®, its highly awarded travel program. For more information, please visit www.marriott.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

About Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott Bonvoy^®, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program and marketplace, gives members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe. Marriott Bonvoy’s^® portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, as well as through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences, including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy^® Moments, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy^® Boutiques. With the Marriott Bonvoy^® app, members enjoy a level of personalization and contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy^®, visit marriottbonvoy.com. To download the Marriott app, visit www.mobile-app.marriott.com. Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy^® on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About American Express
American Express is a globally integrated payments company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at www.americanexpress.com and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.

Key links to products, services and corporate responsibility information: personal cards, business cards, travel services, gift cards, prepaid cards, merchant services, Accertify, Kabbage, Resy, corporate card, business travel, diversity and inclusion, corporate responsibility and Environmental, Social, and Governance reports.

About Chase
Chase is the U.S. consumer and commercial banking business of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM), a leading financial services firm based in the United States with assets of $3.8 trillion and operations worldwide. Chase serves more than 66 million American households and 5 million small businesses with a broad range of financial services, including personal banking, credit cards, mortgages, auto financing, investment advice, small business loans and payment processing. Customers can choose how and where they want to bank: More than 4,700 branches in 48 states and the District of Columbia, 16,000 ATMs, mobile, online and by phone. For more information, go to www.chase.com.

Media Contact
John Wolf
Marriott International
John.Wolf@marriott.com

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Sound on. W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today announces the opening of W Toronto. Rising 11 stories in the vibrant, creatively charged neighborhood of Yorkville, the hotel is a celebration of Toronto’s storied art scene, diversity of culture, and legacy of non-conformity. Destined to bring a new energy and sophistication to the city’s luxury lifestyle hospitality scene, W Toronto gives locals a new playground and travelers an authentic, socially charged retreat.

“From its street art scene and ongoing musical legacy, Toronto is a natural fit for W Hotels,” says Benoit Racle, Vice President, Brand Management, W Hotels Worldwide. “Our unassuming, playful interpretation of luxury is poised to make W Toronto a regular stop for those living and working in Toronto as well as the perfect place for an out-of-town guest to revel in the city like a local.”

A Culture Clash of Design
Designed by global creative agency Sid Lee, W Toronto is a juxtaposition of the city’s biophilia, man-made city grid and brutalist architecture. The contrast begins with the exterior, where the brutalist façade has been transformed through warm, LED lighting that illuminates the night sky, including a glowing, opaque orange lift to take guests to the rooftop bar and restaurant. The journey begins on the 6th Floor, where the Welcome Desk and Living Room (the W brand’s signature lobby/lounge) drips in jewel tones of ruby, amethyst, and topaz – with curved lines and velvet furniture reminiscent of Toronto’s late 60s and early 70s counterculture movement. Other highlights of the 5,000 square foot space include a communal “fire” pit, a circular destination bar featuring cascading amber lighting, and access to The Yard, an outdoor terrace surrounded by a three-story atrium of guest room windows – creating a voyeuristic tension between public and private.

W Toronto features 254 guest rooms – including 30 suites – two of which are Extreme Wow (Presidential) Suites. Drawing inspiration from Toronto’s illustrious theater district, guest room beds are flanked by stage-inspired pendant lights and situated in front of a sapphire velvet curtain that can be automatically drawn open or shut. Design touches include curved banquettes, dressing-room style vanity mirrors, “record-like” tables in honor of Toronto’s musical legacy and nods to nature, like the abstract floral wallpaper and mushroom-shaped accent lights. As a playful wink to personal artistic interpretation, Double Queen Rooms are adorned with wall art that reads “Not everything has to mean something. Some things just are.” by Canadian writer and musician Charles de Lint.

Art + Soul: The Art Collection and Sound Suite of W Toronto
Music and creative artistry take centerstage at W Toronto, boasting Canada’s first W Sound Suite, the brand’s signature recording studio experience. Situated off the Living Room, behind a nondescript, one-way, tinted window, W Toronto’s W Sound Suite is outfitted with professional equipment where accomplished and novice musicians, podcasters, and other creatives can draw inspiration from the city and hotel scene.

From the psychedelic rock of the 60s and the hip hop of today, to the street art of Graffiti Alley, Toronto is known for its multidisciplinary artistic legacy. W Toronto honors and adds to this cannon with a collection of original work beginning with the W Monument on Bloor Street. Created by Sid Lee, it reflects biophilia and hippie culture through the use of natural crystal rock patterns and the bold palette of psychedelia. The journey continues with three murals by Dutch-born artist Mikael B. At the driveway is “Below The Surface,” a mesmerizing interpretation of undersea volcanic eruptions; “Hidden Gem” – located at Lift Level G – inspired by Salvador Dalí, Jackson Pollock and Peter Saul with an array of colors and geometric shapes; and “Clear Vision,” an abstract experimentation of color in the meeting and event space.

Coffee. Cocktail. Cuisine Scene.
Leading the creative culinary charge at W Toronto is Executive Chef Keith Pears, who is well-known to culinary enthusiasts. His enviable resume – B.C. Chef of the Year, Gold Metal Plates, Bocuse d’Or National Selection, and appearing on Chopped Canada – brings star quality to W Toronto’s three distinct beverage and food venues, taking guests on a progressive journey from morning to late night. It begins with PUBLIC SCHOOL, the rebellious, ground floor coffee house, kitchen and bar driven by barista culture by day and new school tonics, elixirs and low or no alcohol beverages by night. The playful, unpretentious, plant-forward menu is served across two sweeping levels, accentuated by inviting, late 60s/early 70s seating in a palette of soothing earth tones as well as “Toronto Gush,” an original mural by Costa Rican-born artist Alan Ganev, inspired by Toronto’s Graffiti Alley.

Ideal for a solo coffee, casual working lunch, after-work cocktail or late-night revelry, the Living Room pays homage to Toronto’s standing as the most multicultural city in the world. Featuring “Toronto Tapas” – light, shareable bites representing the city’s diverse neighborhoods – the menu includes: Barbacoa Tacos (Kensington Market); Jerk Chicken Skewers (Little Jamaica); and Fogo Island Cod Cheeks (Little India). “Sparkling” is the theme of the Living Room beverage program, with Champagne, rare bottles and a Perlini corking system allowing for unique flight experiences, bubbly by the glass as well as sparkling cocktails, such as the Celery Sour and the Green Goddess Bloody Mary.

As the sun sets, SKYLIGHT, the hotel’s rooftop bar and restaurant, casts a spell on the city’s late-night scene with alluring curated cocktails and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. The indoor-outdoor boho oasis overlooks Toronto’s iconic Bloor Street, celebrating the provocative and artistic spirit of the 60s Yorkville hippie revolution. In addition to the bazaar-inspired main room – with its nightly DJ booth and performance stage – SKYLIGHT features The Loft (for semi-private events); The Den (an intimate seating, people-watching nook); and The Terrace (with birdcage-style seating). The menu includes familial-style mezze, salatas, and freshly made maneesh served with tagines as well as an over-the-top Seafood Tower with oysters, clams, shrimp cocktail, escabeche, tuna and scallop crudos, king crab legs, lobster, and caviar. SKYLIGHT’s cocktail program is Vermouth and Amaro-centric with a selection of upscale curated cocktails, seasonal spritzes, and adult slushes.

Business is a Pleasure
With five event spaces encompassing 4,679 square feet, W Toronto is the ideal location for conducting business or celebrating a milestone. Industry, at 1,980 square feet, features botanical-inspired wallpaper decorated with elliptical lighting, reminiscent of floral seedlings, and can be divided into three intimate spaces. Studios 1 and 2, off the Living Room, as well as Strategy 1 and 2, offer more casual working session settings. Prior to that big presentation or wedding day, W Toronto’s 3,300 square foot FIT gym is the perfect place for guests to focus and recharge.

“W Toronto is a microcosm of the people, culture, and history of this incredible city,” says Craig Reaume, General Manager, W Toronto. “From the intentional design of each guest room and the authentically diverse menus to the music and vibe of each public space, W Toronto offers a long overdue alternative to the luxury hotel scene. We cannot wait to welcome guests time and again.”

About W Hotels Worldwide
Born from the bold, 24/7 culture of New York City, W Hotels has redefined hospitality for over two decades, breaking the norms of traditional luxury wherever the iconic W sign lands. With nearly 60 hotels around the globe, the detail-driven design, iconic Whatever/Whenever service and buzzing, signature Living Rooms create an experience that is often imitated but never matched. Dynamic and invigorating, the brand celebrates each traveler’s desire to uncover the destination through a lens that is distinctly W. For more information on W Hotels, visit www.whotels.com/theangle or follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. W Hotels Worldwide is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy^®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit www.marriottbonvoy.com.

About Marriott Bonvoy^®
Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program and marketplace, gives members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe. Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, as well as through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences, including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com. To download the Marriott app, visit www.mobile-app.marriott.com. Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Media Contact
Derek Kokinda
Manager, Global Communications, Luxury Brands
Marriott International
Derek.Kokinda@marriottluxurybrands.com

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Marriott International’s annual association and corporate customer conference, THE EXCHANGE, marked an optimistic milestone for the return of in-person meetings and events, one of the hardest hit segments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Held from July 13 -16, 2022, in the heart of New York City’s Times Square at the recently renovated New York Marriott Marquis, THE EXCHANGE brought together (approximately) 1,072 customers, hoteliers and industry leaders to engage and rally around new approaches to doing business; discuss topics of importance to today’s customers such as sustainability, diversity, equity, and inclusion, technology innovation, and the state of the industry; and reinforce the importance and value of in-person connections and coming together again.

THE EXCHANGE offered ample opportunity for customers to rejuvenate connections with hotel leaders and sales professionals, showcasing property openings, renovations and updates that have happened over the last two years across Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands in the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean. Customers also participated in New York City hotel immersion experiences designed to highlight the unique moments that pay tribute to various brands within the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio. These included holistic well-being sessions at the Lily Kwong-designed JW Garden at JW Marriott Essex House New York, complete with an immersion into the installation and a lesson on the mindfulness benefits of handwritten notes of gratitude that Marriott founder J. Willard Marriott knew so well; “Au Soleil Rose cocktail hour” on the hotel rooftop overlooking Central Park at Le Meridien New York, Central Park, inclusive of classic games, rosé and petit plates; and the opportunity to take part in a rich celebration of St. Regis history with a Champagne sabering and afternoon tea at The St. Regis New York.

Anthony Capuano, Marriott International’s Chief Executive Officer, said, “We consistently hear from our association and corporate clients how important face-to-face connections are to doing business – and how difficult those connections are to replicate virtually. The collaboration, innovation, and energy our customers and hoteliers experienced at this year’s EXCHANGE, while addressing some of today’s most important issues for meeting planners, was as inspiring as it was productive. Working together, we are continuing to refine and shape what tomorrow’s meetings and events will look like.”

The three-day event showcased Marriott’s innovative approaches to food and beverage, event design, and how to quickly implement various levels of well-being protocols into face-to-face environments. This year’s event also introduced short, 18-minute EXCHANGE TALKS designed to educate, inform, and inspire. Marriott speakers included Anthony Capuano, Chief Executive Officer; Liam Brown, Group President, U.S. & Canada; Erika Alexander, Chief Global Officer, Global Operations; Drew Pinto, Global Officer, Global Sales, Distribution and Revenue Management; Julius Robinson, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, U.S. & Canada; Tammy Routh, Senior Vice President, Global Sales Organization; Denise Naguib, Vice President, Sustainability and Supplier Diversity; and Brian Gilligan, Senior Vice President Sales & Distribution, U.S. & Canada.

Tammy Routh, Senior Vice President, Global Sales Organization, said, “We are passionate about providing resources, creative solutions and innovative practices to help meeting professionals navigate a successful return to in-person meetings and events. The meetings and events industry is resilient, and this was a large-scale demonstration of the inventive solutions and experiences that can come from being together. With well-being remaining front and center, THE EXCHANGE marked a pivotal moment for the industry – and we’re optimistic for what’s ahead.”

“Marriott works with me to understand my needs when it comes to planning an event, with direct access to senior leaders and property management to help determine how to pivot if needed,” said Pamela Prince-Easton, President & CEO of Women’s Business Enterprise National Council. “It’s my job to ensure the decisions we make will benefit our attendees and, over the last few years, Marriott has been by our side every step of the way to revise and adjust where necessary. For us, It’s imperative that we partner with a company that listens to the challenges we face and provide detail-oriented solutions.”

Marriott customers can continue to leverage best practices and resources through Marriott Bonvoy^® Events, which provides solutions aimed at educating and empowering meetings professionals to host successful meetings in today’s environment.

About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 8,000 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 139 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy^®, its highly awarded travel program. For more information, please visit www.marriott.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

Media Contact
Kimberly Mannino
Kimberly.A.Mannino@marriott.com

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News