Live well. The new branding and sentiment underpinning the expansive renovations happening at the Marriott Coronado Island Resort says it all.
For many of us, the new year presents an occasion for self-improvement. Promises to ourselves of a better diet, more exercise, greater quality time with our families and friends, mindfulness. But unlike the resolutions that statistically we will abandon before Valentine’s Day, we can rely on the health, wellness, and leisure industry to be there whenever we seek it out. Luckily for us, the new renovations underway at the Marriott Coronado are likely to present a wellness invitation too great to resist.
General Manager Nusrat Mirza, who recently celebrated his 40th Anniversary with Marriott, explains that updates to the bayfront hotel (which has been in Coronado since 1989) are intended as a reinvention rather than a refresh. “It is really important for us to reinvent ourselves so that we may be responsive to our guests and members. Coronado is a really special place; we want the property and guest experience to reflect that.”
Responsiveness to the community is not only evidenced by the warm and familiar greetings Nusrat receives throughout his tour of the 16-acre property — but also in the first round of renovations which took place in 2015. Inspired by the 300-strong membership base, initial design plans were shifted to include pickleball courts as a means to meet the demands of local residents who pay membership dues to use the facilities at the Coronado Marriott. According to Nusrat, the pickleball courts have become so popular that four more are intended as part of the 2019 project.
The new pickleball courts turned out to be just a hint of the renovations still to come. Adorned with a hardhat, Nusrat leads me through the main building and to the new restaurant pool area where my jaw promptly dropped.
Although currently in full construction mode, the overall property footprint and views across the bay to the bridge and downtown remain simply breathtaking.
“We want to make the most of the view and unique vantage point on the bay by improving the indoor-outdoor flow,” says Nusrat. “The new restaurant will open directly onto the patio. We have kept the existing firepit and are adding two more, as well as replacing all the furniture to feel coastal and fresh. Around the pool, we have enlarged the deck area and made the hot tub bigger. Can you imagine sitting in the hot tub looking across the bay there?”
Yes, Nusrat. I can absolutely imagine that. Sign me up.
The next stop on the tour is the standard guest room, which is anything but ‘standard.’ Guest rooms were updated in the last round of renovations to reflect fresh and modern décor, exquisite textiles and bed linens, and discreet but convenient technology upgrades like multiple USB and power points and a giant Smart TV. The bathroom features a massive soaking tub and spacious separate shower. But perhaps the most impressive feature of the non-standard, standard room was the 100 sq ft patio looking out over the bay.
Still more improvements as part of the reinvention include a lobby upgrade and a total overhaul of the ballroom and other meeting and event spaces. Nusrat explains that despite the upgrades to meeting and event spaces the intent is not to attract more business travelers. “This hotel is primarily for vacationers. We have a broad and loyal international client base that are reliable travelers year-round. But as a full-service resort property, we also need to make sure we offer a venue that can accommodate a lot of guests and a range of needs.”
Having managed hotels in New York, the Middle East, and the Caribbean, Nusrat is no stranger to large-scale renovations. However, he says that the Coronado Marriott, his 13th hotel, is his favorite. “This is by far the best assignment in my career,” says Nusrat. “I’ve built some great friendships here. Coronado really is a very special community.”
The Marriott Coronado is located at 2000 2nd Street. The property features 300 guest rooms, 28 cottages, and 7 executive suites; as well as three swimming pools, a variety of dining options, a two-story wellness center, and a full-service spa. There will also be a kids’ club available once renovations are complete in March 2019. For reservations, visit mariott.com. To inquire about memberships, please contact the Coronado Marriott directly at (619)-435-3000.
