Sunstone Hotel Investors and Marriott Hotels have opened the new Marriott Long Beach (Calif.) Downtown, a conversion of the former Renaissance Long Beach Hotel. The hotel is close to the Aquarium of the Pacific, Shoreline Aquatic Park and the Queen Mary.
The 12-story hotel has 376 guestrooms and suites, a rooftop pool and deck, a central greatroom lobby with a market, an exercise facility, meeting space and an all-day restaurant.
Design
Much of Southern California's Long Beach was constructed in the aftermath of a 1933 earthquake—an era when "streamline modern" architecture was in its heyday. Derived from the area's beach-oriented local culture, the hotel's reimagined design was spearheaded by Looney & Associates, who blended nautical and natural influences of the Long Beach locale with a contemporary aesthetic. These include geometric accents, decorative millwork, curved lines, layered textures and patterns and streamlined forms. An intricate backlit metal art piece is at the entry drive while geometric planters and benches throughout the porte cochère provide visual interest. With a high glow, the curb check-in desk recalls the forms of marina ship hulls, while an oversized decorative screen provides natural light.
The greatroom lobby evokes the Art Deco era with warm wood and gold details, punctuated by curvilinear furnishings, bold colors, geometric patterns and subtle textures all against a backdrop of layered symmetry. The space has clusters of lounge furniture and a central bar.
Large windows allow for natural light in the guestrooms. Outfitted with platform beds, crisp white window coverings and metallic accents, the accommodations have a bright and airy palette incorporating colors of the sea and sky including blues, soft whites, browns and greys. Bathrooms have a curved vanity for a modern beachfront motif.
Dining
Local Current is the onsite restaurant overseen by Executive Chef Leo De Leon. The menu uses ingredients sourced from local farms and fishermen.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the restaurant offers a breakfast buffet, all-day brunch, a raw bar and vegetarian options. A full bar serves craft beer, California wines, seasonal margaritas and mocktails.
The Market is a 24-hour space for grab-and-go meals and snacks in the lobby across from the reception area.
The M Club is a brand signature available at select Marriott Hotels globally for Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite, Titanium Elite and Ambassador Elite members (as well as paying guests). The Club serves complimentary food and beverage options including a hot breakfast, evening drinks, hors d'oeuvres and premium beverages.
Meetings and Events
The hotel has more than 21,000 square feet of meeting space, 14 event rooms and 18 breakout rooms. The meeting areas were designed in muted whites, greys and bright blues with bold geometric accents, bright white wood millwork, oversized crystal light fixtures and plush patterned carpeting in abstract designs. All meeting areas have wireless connectivity, videoconferencing, docking stations and smart whiteboards.