As Brooklyn, New York, has evolved into a dynamic international business and social hub, the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge knew it had to keep pace and embarked on a US$43 million renovation and repositioning to transform it both physically and in the way it serves guests.
The first phase of the renovation — including The Bar, front desk and exclusive new M Club Lounge — was unveiled in May. Upcoming phases will see the redo of its ballroom, meeting rooms and guestrooms.
The hotel’s new décor bridges the gap between the past and present. When the hotel opened in 1998, it was the first newly built, branded hotel in Brooklyn in more than 60 years. In the mid-2000s, a newly constructed south tower was added, increasing the rooms to a total of 667.
“My grandfather started Muss Development in Brooklyn back in 1906,” said Joshua Muss, owner of Muss Development and co-owner of the hotel. “This hotel’s transformation represents another personal and business milestone in our ongoing commitment to Brooklyn and to New York City.”
Mindful of the way today’s travelers blend work and play, the Brooklyn Marriott’s overall design will incorporate locally inspired elements chosen for their inherent beauty and comfort, intended to make work convenient no matter where guests are in the hotel.
Part of the first phase of the renovation, The Bar, located just off of the hotel’s entrance, is the hub around which all buzz is created. Local industrial chic is the style here, with materials evoking an urban edge: glass, metal, subway tiles and white marble tops. The design team has worked closely with select Brooklyn-inspired artists and artisans to curate original works to highlight the space.
Tableside, guests can enjoy food and drinks sourced locally from Brooklyn, such as craft beers, coffee from Brooklyn Roasting Co. and other culinary delights. Think Brooklyn Beer Batter Cod Bites and Lemon and Rosemary Grilled Wings, to name a few.
For guests on the go, the Brooklyn Pantry offers light bites.
The M Club Lounge, adjacent to the Great Room Lobby, is entered via a welcoming wooden “gate.” The spacious, light-filled lounge boasts a modern interpretation of the Brooklyn narrative in various design elements. Natural materials such as wood, rope and knots divide the spaces, which are reflective of the nearby Brooklyn Navy Yard. A relaxed formality permeates throughout, with casual menu offerings that can be enjoyed at any time of day. A large communal table invites guests to the heart of the room — where the mood changes from day to night, and guests can unwind with a glass of wine from Brooklyn Winery.
The front desk is no longer a long and wide barrier between the hotel guest and the hotel staff; it has been recreated as three reception pods to allow for more intimate interaction. The new Brooklyn vibe is in play here — less literal, more thoughtful and inviting.
The concierge team, in partnership with the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, is fluent in Brooklyn culture and events and displays the ExploreBK.com website digitally to guests. A dramatic focal point during the check-in experience is a large abstract mural based on a photograph of the Brooklyn Bridge, which sets the progressive, artsy tone.
The renovation of the hotel’s ballroom and meeting rooms, one of the largest and most versatile such venues in the entire city, will be completed in September. All guestroom renovations will be completed in 2016.