THE NEW NORTH CHARLESTON MARRIOTT POISED TO BE ECONOMIC DRIVER FOR THE CITY’S ONGOING GROWTH JHM Hotels Invests in Total Hotel Transformation Sure to Increase Tourism in the City

In 1996 the Charleston Navy Base closed after 95 years of being the economic generator for North Charleston. The city and its Mayor, Keith Summey, were faced with a choice: let the closure stifle this city, or use this as an impetus to spark a new era of growth. Now, twenty years later Mayor Summey’s vision of fostering business relationships with national companies as well as local, small businesses has helped to revitalize the area into the 3rd largest city in South Carolina, and a leading economic driver in the state.

 

The area surrounding East Montague Avenue, which includes the Park Circle community, is one of the great success stories. When Navy jobs left, the outlook for this retail and recreational hub was gloomy. However, Park Circle is now a quaint, walkable downtown with locally-owned shops, restaurants and breweries. The City of North Charleston’s Director of Tourism, Amy Heath, describes the city’s growth by saying, “We’re having fun and we’re just getting started!”

 

In Fall 2016, the completely renovated North Charleston Marriott will add another dimension to the area’s success. This 291 room hotel has undergone a complete reinvention of the original building. Every detail has been redesigned from the guest rooms to the outdoor pool to the lobby and meeting/banquet space. JHM Hotels, the new hotel operator, has invested heavily in the project as they believe in the business growth in the North Charleston area.

 

As part of the Marriott Hotels brand transformation that includes Redesigned Marriott guest rooms, the North Charleston Marriott answers the needs of today’s travelers by creating memorable experiences from check in to check out. This hotel is poised to become a gathering place for people from all over the world, where they can experience the unique tastes and personality of the local area.

 

As soon as guests walk in, they’re met with warm tones of wood and stone that create a stylish, comfortable and flexible space that offers productivity and community. Fresh, tailored, progressive, and comfortable are just a few words to describe the interior design vibe. The design team strived to move the needle forward, and create a wow factor. The design reflects the new vibrancy of Charleston, but at the same time embodies the warmth of its history and hospitality.  The hotel’s guestrooms reflect a sophisticated simplicity of design with innovative touches including luxury vinyl tile in a hardwood finish, multi-functional furnishings, and sleek guest baths.  The overall design upstairs embraces an industrial, urban-chic feel.

 

As the industry leader in hosting meetings, Marriott recently introduced new concepts designed for the mobile worker including a Meeting Services App (Red Coat Direct), allowing meeting planners to text their requests to hotel associates, Workspace on Demand, a website to book meetings on demand as easily as booking a room, and MeetingsImagined.com, a visual portal where meeting planners look for inspiration regarding food, beverage, technology and décor.

 

With almost 12,000 square feet of innovative, functional, high tech meeting space, the North Charleston Marriott will be able to bring large groups and conventions into town, who may then venture out to experience the shopping, dining and recreation of the local area. All of this means more business for North Charleston. Whether it’s a brewery tour, a visit to the H.L. Hunley or just a night of casual dining, North Charleston has the ingredients to become a destination in itself, and the North Charleston Marriott is pleased to be part of this growth.