Making Waves: Introducing the New Newport Marriott

Landmark Hotel Re-Opens Following $35M Remake, Primes to Welcome Newport's Next Generation Traveler


NEWPORT, RI--(Marketwired - May 5, 2015) - The proverbial sails recently unfurled to reveal an entirely new, reimagined Newport Marriott. The hotel emerges this spring after a $35 million transformative renovation to welcome guests for an all-new, authentic Newport experience. A gateway downtown location and vessel for exploring the culture-rich seaside destination, this revitalized Newport, RI, hotel offers something to suit every traveler's passion.

The largest hotel in Newport, this complete transformation of all 320 rooms and suites, common areas and second floor function space, represents the highest commitment to excellence by the hotel's ownership group, Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers, LLC. The hotel worked with Edge of Architecture EoA, Inc.| Malcolm Berg on the architecture and interiors so they reflected Newport's fun, lively and classic coastal setting.

As guests enter the hotel, a chandelier sparkles like sunlight on water, with dozens of crystal decanters, some sand-tumbled, as sea glass would be. The new Greatroom lobby is a lively and inviting place for guests to work, socialize and relax in a setting that feels decidedly coastal -- the 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 is a relaxing welcome that leads to the striking focal point -- a remarkable 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, evoking the environs of a fine yacht. Completely connected yet discreetly wired, the rooms have all the technology must-haves from bedside outlets and USB ports to Wi-Fi and 55inch, wall-mounted HDTVs and thoughtful reading lights on the headboards.

A new restaurant, Mainsail, and two bars provide a perfect 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 yet familiar small plates are available at two bars: a 58-seat restaurant bar, The Skiff, with spectacular water views that extends to a 57-seat new outdoor bar terrace (which will open in late May) overlooking 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.

"We're a brand new hotel for a brand new traveler," said Walter Andrews, General Manager for Newport Marriott. "Our guests will be Instagramming the sunset on Newport Harbor while slurping oysters and toasting to summer with good company on the new outdoor bar terrace of The Skiff. They are reconnecting with multiple generations of family for a summer vacation, or grabbing a friend for a spontaneous spa weekend escape. Our newly transformed hotel encourages and embraces the adventurous spirit of the destination and of our guests."

Hotel renovations also included the entirety of the second 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 Newport, RI spa. 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, state-of-the-art fitness room and seasonal roof deck. 

Known as the sailing capital of the world, the April 10 completion date was purposeful for the May 5 through 17 around-the-world Volvo Ocean Race sailing event that will put Newport in the global, multi-media spotlight. The first time in Newport, and the only North America stopover on the 2015 tour, Newport Marriott will celebrate the event with Happy Hour cocktail classics like the Even KEEL and Salty Dog. In addition, highlights of the spring and summer season include "Daffodil Days at Blithewold," featuring a spectacular display of more than 50,000 daffodils at this thirty-three acre estate on Narragansett Bay through April 26 and in the peak of summer the Newport Music Festival and Jazz Fest in July and August are not to be missed.

Newport Marriott reopens with fun, thoughtful amenities and partnerships that embrace the local, independent and creative spirit, which makes the destination a special gem along the New England coastline. A destination wedding mecca year-round, the hotel is partnered with Lemon & Line, a Newport owned and operated nautical accessories shop, for clever bridal party and special celebrations packages. In addition, guests can up the ante on their social media photography skills with complimentary Smartphone photo lens kits from the concierge desk. Capture everything special about your stay from Newport's little discoveries to the big ocean vistas and share them with the hotel's new Instagram page.

For guests whose hearts lie in architecture, design, and history, Newport Marriott is a central location to the mansions, museums, many restored sea captains' homes and a number of walking tours that uncover the Colonial charm of the city. The vast Fort Adams state park has a beach, sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding opportunities via Sail Newport. The park is also part of a "Bay Walk" route and a great place to fish, fly kites, ride bikes and watch the boating activities.

(Editorial note: total square footage of meeting space is 24,400. Renovated meeting space is only on the second floor, all mid-sized meeting rooms, totaling just over 3,400 square feet. The Spa at Newport Marriott opened in 2009 and not part of this 2015 renovation.)

Property Details at a glance:
Newport Marriott
25 America's Cup Avenue
Newport, RI 02840
Phone: 401-849-1000
www.NewportMarriott.com
Follow us on Facebook
Guest rooms: 312
Suites: 8
Number of meeting rooms: 16
Total square feet of Meeting Space: 24,400
Total square feet of largest meeting space: 7,600 (Grand Ballroom)
Maximum theater style: 840
Maximum rounds: 600
Maximum school room: 520

ABOUT NEWPORT MARRIOTT
Newport Marriott unveiled its completely renovated Newport, RI, accommodations, Greatroom lobby and new restaurant and bars on April 10. This downtown Newport hotel is the gateway for guests to explore all the destinations Newport has to offer, from discovering unique shops, bistros and bars along Thames Street, to the classic landmarks of the International Tennis Hall of Fame and famous Gilded Age mansions. The largest hotel in Newport, the property offers exciting and versatile venues for weddings, meetings and local social gatherings with over 24,400 square feet of function space. The Spa at Newport Marriott is the largest full-service spa in Newport and features an indoor saline pool, Whirlpool, sauna, fitness center, racquetball court, sundeck and more.

For more information, to make a reservation or to submit a request for proposal, call 401-849-1000 or visit www.NewportMarriott.com. Also follow the hotel on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

ABOUT NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND
Newport, Rhode Island is considered by many to be a shining gem in the coastal crown of New England. This City by the Sea is home to awe-inspiring coastal landscape, quaint colonial and New England architecture, a thriving waterfront with restaurants, bistros, art galleries and boutiques and welcoming hospitality. Newport is conveniently located within driving distance of Boston (60 miles), Hartford (70 miles), and New York (150 miles). In addition, the destination is just 27 miles from T.F. Green Airport and within 40 miles of two Amtrak train stations (Providence & Kingston), making Newport easily accessible by car, plane, or train. For more information, visit www.GoNewport.com.

New day for Newport Marriott: hotel executives celebrate re-opening and officially reveal stunning transformation. Pictured L to R: Ben Matanga, VP of Hotel Asset Management, Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers; Michael Canini, Director of Hotel Operations; Ryan Yalanis, Director of Sales; Walter Andrews, General Manager; Dace Stewart, Director of Finance.
Full circle check in: General Manager Walter Andrews welcomes guests to the new Newport Marriott on April 10. When the hotel first opened in 1988, Andrews worked as the Front Office Manager.