News Summary
The New York Marriott Marquis recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, highlighting its vital role in transforming Times Square. This architectural marvel has evolved from its challenging beginnings to become a top-tier hotel destination, featuring extensive renovations and an impressive guest experience, including a revolving restaurant and breathtaking views. Serving millions of visitors, the hotel continues to adapt and thrive in the ever-changing urban landscape.
New York City – The New York Marriott Marquis celebrated its 40th anniversary on September 3, 2025. This iconic hotel, located at the intersection of Broadway and West 45th Street, has played a pivotal role in the transformation of Times Square into a vibrant destination, attracting millions of visitors every year.
Opened after significant delays and budget escalations, the Marriott Marquis was a groundbreaking project that marked a new era for Times Square. Originally projected to cost $75 million in 1972 (equivalent to approximately $580 million today), the final expenses soared to $400 million (around $1.6 billion today) due to various funding challenges and community opposition. This ambitious endeavor, led by Mayor John Lindsay and architect-developer John Portman, required nearly 15 years to reach completion, culminating in a project that would encompass 1.8 million square feet and 50 stories designed in a Brutalist architectural style.
The hotel’s construction replaced five historic theaters, including the notable Morosco and Helen Hayes, which faced decline during the 1960s. Despite protests from actors and theater enthusiasts regarding the demolition, the absence of landmark protections led to the theaters being dismantled in 1982. Subsequently, the Urban Development Corp., under Mayor Ed Koch’s leadership in the late 1970s, revived plans for the hotel amid New York City’s broader revitalization efforts.
When it opened, the Marriott Marquis housed 1,971 guest rooms, many of which offer stunning views of Times Square and the Statue of Liberty. The hotel features an atrium, a spacious ballroom, and a unique revolving top-floor restaurant, alongside 12 glass elevators that enhance guest experiences.
The Marriott Marquis has undergone several significant renovations since its inception, with the most recent remodel wrapping up in 2022 at a cost of $146 million. This extensive updating included revamped guest rooms and amenities designed to better cater to leisure travelers, with enhancements like larger televisions and upgraded shower facilities. As a result, the hotel now enjoys occupancy rates in the high 80% to low 90% range, and its cheapest room rate begins at $573 per night, reflecting its position as a premium establishment.
Since its opening in 1985, the Marriott Marquis has played an essential role in the revitalization of Times Square, evolving from a hub of adult entertainment to a welcoming, family-friendly environment. Visitor numbers to New York City surged from 20 million in 1985 to nearly 50 million in 2010, a significant uptick coinciding with the hotel’s establishment and growth.
In addition to its accommodations, the hotel has developed a robust restaurant and entertainment program that features live music events and partnerships with local artists. Notably, it is among a select group of hotels in Times Square that hosts exclusive New Year’s Eve celebrations for guests, enhancing its reputation as a premier destination for both tourists and locals alike.
In 1993, Marriott acquired Portman’s interests, gaining full ownership of the hotel by 2013. More recently, in 2012, Vornado Realty Trust erected the world’s largest LED billboard on the property, further transforming the hotel’s presence on one of the most famous intersections in the world.
As the New York Marriott Marquis enters a new chapter after four decades, it remains a critical fixture in Times Square, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in a constantly evolving urban landscape while providing exemplary service to its diverse clientele.
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Additional Resources
- Crain’s New York: Marriott Marquis Turns 40
- Wikipedia: New York City
- PIX11: Free Movie Nights at Marriott Marquis
- Google Search: Marriott Marquis New York
- CIT World: Marriott Marquis Midtown Review
- Encyclopedia Britannica: New York City
- Ticketmaster Blog: Marquis Theatre
- Google News: Marriott Marquis Times Square
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.
