Marriott Marquis to undergo $7 million marina renovation

Parimal M. Rohit

SAN DIEGO — Marriott Hotel formally announced its plans last month to renovate and upgrade the marina portion of one of its San Diego waterfront properties.

The hotel chain will invest $7 million to renovate the marina portion of the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina. Waterside construction is expected to begin at during this year’s fourth quarter, hotel staff announced. 

“This project is the most extensive renovation in the 30-year history of the marina,” Steve Pagano, manager of Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, said. “We’re confident that this overhaul will result in a marina that our customers and the community at large are extremely proud of.” 

The hotel will be updating concrete and wood structures, cleats, power panels and rub rails within the 446-slip marina, according to information released by Marriott. Existing marina structures will be replaced and the waterfront venue is expected to feature a new coin operated laundry facility and restroom.

“The renovation will be completed one dock at a time, and vessels that are displaced during the overhaul will be temporarily relocated to other areas in the marina or to other local marinas,” Marriott staff announced.

Landside upgrades will include the Marina Grand Terrace and Marina Walk, which would collectively offer outdoor meeting space and public access to art and marina views.

Marina guests are offered special access to Marriott Marquis, which is located in Downtown San Diego near the Convention Center, Gaslamp Quarter, Petco Park, Seaport Village and Tuna Harbor Dockside Market. Perks include access to the hotel’s fitness center and swimming pools as well as a 10 percent discount at Marriott Marquis’ five on-site restaurants. Bicycle rental, cabana rental and room service are also offered to boaters.

About 450 boats currently dock at the hotel marina, according to Marriott staff. Short- and long-term slips are available to boaters with 25- to 125-foot vessels.

Marriott announced its plans to upgrade the Marquis location a few years ago in an attempt to remain competitive with nearby hotels, as well as several nearby boutiques.

Marriott Marquis is located at 333 W. Harbor Drive in San Diego and features 1,360 guest rooms. The ballroom and exhibition hall expansion is scheduled to be complete by summer 2016.

For more information about the marina, visit bit.ly/1HqrMeg.