News Summary
The New York Marriott Marquis, a pivotal establishment in Times Square, has marked its 40th anniversary. Since its inception, the hotel has undergone numerous renovations and has played a significant role in the city’s tourism renaissance. Originally catering to business travelers, it has adapted to the growing leisure tourism sector. The hotel features a rotating restaurant and boasts modern amenities, showcasing its commitment to evolving with the needs of guests. With an impressive occupancy rate, the Marriott Marquis continues to thrive as a cornerstone of New York’s vibrant hospitality landscape.
New York City – The New York Marriott Marquis, a landmark in Times Square, celebrated 40 years of operation and transformation this September. Opening its doors on September 3, 1985, the hotel has played an essential role in shaping the area into a vibrant tourist destination.
The hotel, which replaced five Broadway theaters, is credited with initiating a tourism boom in New York City. It has significantly contributed to the city’s appeal to investors, setting a precedent for future developments in the region. The New York Marriott Marquis features 12 glass elevators and houses a revolving top-floor restaurant named the View, which recently reopened after an extensive remodeling.
Upon its opening, the hotel included meeting spaces and a 30,000-square-foot ballroom; however, the full availability of its 1,966 guest rooms took place later that month. Initially catering to business travelers, the hotel gradually shifted its focus toward leisure tourism. In 1985, the city welcomed approximately 20 million tourists, a number that surged to around 50 million by 2010.
Construction of the Marriott Marquis faced multiple obstacles over a prolonged period. The original proposal for a hotel in Times Square, known as the “Portman Hotel,” was announced by Mayor John Lindsay in 1972. Unfortunately, the project stalled by 1975 due to economic downturns. It wasn’t until the late 1970s that then-Mayor Ed Koch, with assistance from the Urban Development Corporation, revived the project, overcoming challenges such as funding issues and public opposition.
Protests from prominent actors like Christopher Reeve and Susan Sarandon aimed to preserve the Morosco and Helen Hayes theaters located on the site. Ultimately, the theaters were bulldozed in 1982 since they were not designated landmarks. Nonetheless, historic protection was achieved for the remaining theaters in the area.
The final cost of constructing the hotel escalated to $400 million, approximately equivalent to $1.6 billion today. Marriott International acquired Portman’s share of the hotel in 1993 and gained ownership of the land beneath it in 2013 for $19.9 million. In 2012, Host Hotels & Resorts leased storefronts on the premises to Vornado Realty Trust, which subsequently constructed a large LED billboard.
In 2018, Vornado invested $442 million in the purchase of the billboard and surrounding properties. Over the years, the hotel has undergone a $146 million renovation to adapt to changing tourist demographics. Guest rooms have been updated with practical amenities such as modern shower stalls and refrigerators, aimed at attracting leisure travelers to its accommodations.
The View restaurant, an iconic feature of the hotel, has been redesigned by architect David Rockwell and is currently operated by the Union Square Hospitality Group. It offers a menu inspired by classic American comfort food while incorporating themes from New York City’s Theater District.
The Marriott Marquis is thriving, maintaining an occupancy rate in the high 80s to low 90s. Recent reports indicate that the cheapest room rate averages around $573 per night for a standard 392-square-foot space.
Overall, the New York Marriott Marquis stands as a testament to the evolution of Times Square and the resilience of New York City, continually adapting to the needs of its guests and the demands of a bustling tourism industry.
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Additional Resources
- Crain’s New York: Times Square’s Marriott Marquis Hotel Turns 40
- Wikipedia: New York Marriott Marquis
- CIT World: Marriott Marquis Midtown Review
- Google Search: Marriott Marquis Midtown
- PIX11: Free Movie Nights at New York Marriott Marquis
- Google News: New York Marriott Marquis
- Hospitality Design: The View Restaurant Times Square
- Google Scholar: New York Marriott Marquis
- The New Yorker: The View, New York’s Revolving Restaurant
- Encyclopedia Britannica: The View Restaurant
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
