WHAT ’ S HOT : DESIGN
WHAT ’ S HOT : DESIGN
College Park Marriott Hotel and Conference Center features four formal art galleries often used for events .
Amsterdam Marriott Hotel was among the first properties last fall to debut Marriott Hotels ’ new style of meeting spaces , which feature wireless connection technology , smart whiteboards or whiteboard walls , projection walls and more while emphasizing natural light and a residential ambience .
MEETING SPACE
MAKEOVER
Work environments are changing rapidly , so hotel meeting spaces need to follow suit .
Marriott International ’ s Marriott Hotels brand last August announced it taking a more holistic approach to meetings that integrates service , technology and design . Amsterdam Marriott Hotel was among the first properties last fall to debut the new style
W Los Angeles – Westwood ’ s Strategy , billed as a modern take on a traditional boardroom , incorporates decorative details such as a feature wall mural highlighting gold texture paint in addition to the latest technological advances .
of spaces , which feature wireless connection technology , video conferencing , smart whiteboards or whiteboard walls , projection walls , docking stations and touchscreen controls . Meeting rooms also emphasize natural light and a residential ambience .
“ The way people work is changing , but the way meetings are hosted at hotels has not kept pace ,” says Paul Cahill , senior vice president , brand management , Marriott Hotels . ” We are introducing spaces that promote collaborative work environments for more productive and meaningful outcomes .”
W Los Angeles – Westwood this past winter also introduced renovated meeting spaces including Strategy , a modern take on a traditional boardroom . Mister Important Design incorporated details such as a landscapeinspired carpet pattern and light fixtures as well as a feature wall mural highlighting gold texture paint , while the space also boasts the latest technological advances . “ Anyone can host a meeting ,
but Strategy elevates that experience ,” says General Manager Mark Eberwein . “ With the permanent technology built into the room , you can plug and go , from interactive presentations to global video conferencing , without the need for additional setup .”
Art is appearing in redesigned meeting spaces too . College Park Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Hyattsville , Maryland , features more than 500 original works of art from the University of Maryland University College ( UMUC ), which owns the hotel . In addition to four formal art galleries often used for events , the property ’ s meeting wings and lobby showcase pieces such as the Doris Patz Collection of Maryland Artists and Asian Art Collection .
“ Art is inspiring and educational — it really changes the atmosphere of meeting space ,” says Eric Key , director of UMUC ’ s Arts Program . “ We want to not only expose people to art , but also cultivate an environment that will spearhead creative thinking and a positive attitude .”
38 HOTELS June 2014 www . hotelsmag . com