Marriott Marquis (New York)

Marriott Marquis (New York)
Name	Marriott Marquis (New York)
Location	Times Square, Manhattan, New York City
Opened	1985
Architect	John C. Portman Jr.
Floors	48
Operator	Marriott International
Owner	Vornado Realty Trust

Marriott Marquis (New York) The Marriott Marquis is a large convention hotel located in Times Square, Manhattan, New York City. It sits amid the theater district near Broadway and Lincoln Center and has served as a focal point for tourism, conventions, and performing arts-related hospitality since its opening in 1985. The hotel’s development intersected with urban renewal projects involving figures and agencies from the administrations of Ed Koch, various New York City mayors, and institutions including the Times Square Alliance and the New York City Economic Development Corporation.

History

The hotel was developed during the 1970s and 1980s amid revitalization efforts that implicated Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, New York City Department of Transportation, and private developers such as Vornado Realty Trust and Marriott International. The site’s transformation displaced historic theaters and connected to preservation debates involving organizations like the New York Landmarks Preservation Commission and advocacy by entities such as the New York Historical Society and Preservation League of New York State. Architectural proposals engaged firms linked to John C. Portman Jr. and projects comparable to Peachtree Center and Hyatt Regency Atlanta. The opening coincided with cultural moments involving Broadway theatre, the Tony Awards, and major events hosted by Madison Square Garden and the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

Architecture and design

Designed by architect John C. Portman Jr., the building’s atrium design echoes precedents like the Hyatt Regency Atlanta and the Westin Peachtree Plaza. The hotel's glass-walled rotating restaurant was intended to rival venues such as Windows on the World and to attract patrons from Times Square, Broadway, and nearby landmarks including Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall. Structural engineering involved firms with experience on projects like JPMorgan Chase Tower and Bank of America Plaza. The façade and massing engaged dialogues with urban planners associated with Jane Jacobs-era critiques and redevelopment efforts championed by officials allied with Mayor Ed Koch and later Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Facilities and amenities

The hotel offers thousands of guest rooms across dozens of floors, conference and ballroom spaces comparable to facilities at Javits Center and event venues such as Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. Dining venues have included a rotating restaurant reminiscent of Top of the Hub and lobby outlets paralleling offerings at The Plaza Hotel and The Pierre. Recreational amenities reference services found at hospitality brands like Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, while meeting technology aligns with standards used by CES and New York Comic Con organizers. The property’s concierge and hospitality operations cooperate with performance venues including New Amsterdam Theatre and Gershwin Theatre for audience logistics.

Events and functions

The hotel hosts corporate conventions, award-related events tied to organizations like the Tony Awards and gatherings linked to entities such as Disney Theatrical Group, Paramount Pictures, and broadcasting companies including NBC and CBS. Political fundraisers and diplomatic receptions have involved participants connected to United Nations delegations and delegations from international bodies like the European Union and Organization of American States. Entertainment industry launches have featured talent represented by agencies like CAA and WME. The venue has accommodated banquets following premieres at Broadway theatres and afterparties for film festivals akin to Tribeca Film Festival.

Reception and criticism

Criticism of the project referenced debates similar to those surrounding Penn Station and mobilized critics aligned with Jane Jacobs-style urbanism, as well as preservationists from Landmarks Preservation Commission and cultural commentators writing in outlets such as The New York Times and The New Yorker. Supporters cited economic impact studies associated with New York City Economic Development Corporation and tourism analyses by NYC & Company and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Architectural critics compared the atrium to works by I.M. Pei and Philip Johnson while urbanists contrasted its scale with projects like Times Square redevelopment and the pedestrianization efforts inspired by global case studies such as Covent Garden and Pike Place Market.

Transportation and location

Located in the heart of Times Square near the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue, the hotel is adjacent to transit hubs including the Times Square–42nd Street station, the Port Authority Bus Terminal, and regional rail links serving Grand Central Terminal and Penn Station (New York City). It sits within walking distance of cultural landmarks such as Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, and Columbus Circle. Access is facilitated by municipal services coordinated with agencies such as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and intercity carriers like Amtrak and NJ Transit.

Category:Hotels in Manhattan Category:Times Square Category:John C. Portman Jr. buildings Category:Marriott International hotels