Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort is in the homestretch of a $187 million renovation, the largest capital investment of any Marriott property.  Spanning three years, the massive nine-figure project encompasses virtually every inch of the world class beach-front resort.  Many aspects of this transformation were done with meeting planners and the group market in mind, as this comprises 60 percent of the resort’s business.  Highlights of the $187 million investment include the addition of the 10,000-square-foot Palms Ballroom, two refurbished ballrooms, the new 24,000-square-foot Spa at Marco Island, and a complete redesign of The Rookery at Marco golf course including the brand new Clubhouse.  The $187 million renewal will be substantially completed by early 2007.

“The astounding enhancements made to the property have raised the bar on each and every aspect of the resort and the group experience,” said Rick Medwedeff, general manager.  “With the $187 million upgrades, we offer the perfect venue for groups of all sizes, with superior meeting space and activities to please every attendee, from golfers to spa enthusiasts.”   

With staggering investments of $90 million in 2004, $20 million in 2005 and the final $77 million in 2006, the monumental makeover at Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort began with the addition of the state-of-the-art Palms Ballroom, adding almost 10,000 square feet of meeting space.  The 55,000 square feet of pre-existing meeting space, including the Capri and Island Ballrooms, were also refurbished.  >From small meetings to 2,000-attendee conventions, the hotel’s facilities can easily be transformed into the ideal setting for a variety of indoor and outdoor functions.  The transformation continued with the 24,000-square-foot, Balinese-influenced spa.  The Spa at Marco Island features 24 luxurious treatment rooms and six seaside terraces.

Offering a private golf experience, The Rookery at Marco was redesigned by the acclaimed Robert Cupp, Jr.  The 18-hole course, outfitted with GPS-enabled golf carts which give golfers exact yardage and an overview of the hole, also features the Nick Faldo Golf School and the $8 million Clubhouse.  As an Audubon-endorsed golf course, The Rookery at Marco is committed to conserving the ecosystem of Marco Island, focusing on birds, sea turtles and their natural habitats on the island.

Robert Cupp, Jr. also served as the creative force behind a complete remodel of the property’s 15 penthouses.  In addition to these luxurious accommodations, the 30 Lanai Suites overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and Quinn’s Pool were refurbished at a cost of $250,000 per suite.

Adding to the resort experience, the hotel’s two pools received overhauls.  Quinn’s Pool was transformed into a free-form fantasy pool boasting two Jacuzzis and was relocated closer to the beach to offer guests a superior view of the Gulf of Mexico.  Six private cabanas now circle the edge offering guests additional privacy while fully-equipped with plasma televisions and butler service.  The Tiki Pool was also revamped with majestic waterfalls added.  With this extensive renovation, the overall outdoor function space has increased by over 30 percent with ample room for tropical-themed parties at the resort’s Sunset Terrace.  Using this space, the resort will host a weekly fire and water feature, a tribute to its Balinese history.

For enhanced dining options, Kurrents restaurant added two private VIP dining rooms, while Quinn’s on the Beach and Tropiks restaurants were updated with new menu options and improved interiors.  The South Tower was outfitted with 400 Pazzi’s, an indoor/outdoor brick-oven pizzeria featuring café-style seating overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, while the new Café San Marco, offering a menu of light refreshments, is located in the lobby.  In addition, the brand new Clubhouse at The Rookery at Marco features the chic Rookery Steakhouse and a richly decorated banquet space for group functions.

Guestroom balconies were refreshed with new store fronts, tinted glass windows, framework, railings and tile flooring.  The interior of the accommodations received a facelift as well, boasting new high-definition plasma televisions and incorporating the new Marriott Bedding Package: a washable duvet with 300-thread count, triple-sheeted linens, topped with a decorative bed scarf.

A new sense of arrival was created with enhancements made to the entrance including a million-dollar waterfall and lobby decor including granite, rich marble and dark wood furnishings.  The entire resort received elegant lighting throughout.  The renovation also included the introduction of upscale retail outlets including a ladies’ boutique, men’s clothier, a surf-to-sand shop and a gourmet-to-go store.

Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort’s expansive renovation even extended outside the resort with the Collier Boulevard “Beautification Project” to widen streets and sidewalks, place telephone and power lines underground and line the median with palm trees and flora to mirror the resort’s return to its Balinese roots.

Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort epitomizes the culture and history of Marco Island and is the perfect island within an island escape.  “Marco Island itself is infused with Balinese flavor and the hotel was originally designed with this theme in mind,” said Medwedeff.  “The resort has been revamped to elaborate on this theme and to make use of the Balinese sense of harmony, balance and hospitality, offering a sanctuary of relaxation, rejuvenation, discovery and play.”