NEW ORLEANS— A $38-million renovation at the New Orleans Marriott is expected to be completed in the late summer. The refurbishment began in 2005 and includes significant enhancements to all aspects of the hotel, including suites, the lobby, the restaurant, the concierge lounge, meeting space and technology upgrades. The New Orleans Marriott has 1,290 guestrooms and more than 80,000 square feet of meeting space, including the largest hotel ballroom in Louisiana at 27,500 square feet. The lobby’s renovation will include a heightened sense of arrival with a new lobby lounge, a revamped front desk configuration with self check-in kiosks, enhanced “guest-friendly” bell and concierge stands, additional floor space, improved sightlines and modernized décor. The changes will also include a Starbucks Coffee store and a FedEx/Kinkos store off the lobby. The renovation of the hotel’s dining options will create updated interiors, expanded seating, a separate room for private functions and a revamped menu. The guestroom renovations began in 2005 and were followed by the refurbishment of all 54 suites this year. Other changes include a renovated Concierge Lounge with multiple private work stations, complimentary Internet and a new décor. Additionally, the hotel’s function space is now being redone with a complete refurbishment of the grand ballroom, break-out rooms and foyer areas. The fitness facility has also been upgraded with new cardio machines complete with individual TVs. Other improvements include the installation of energy efficient Low E, double insulated glass windows in all rooms and public spaces, a new escalator and elevator system and the restoration of the parking garage.
