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SITE REVIEW #1 MIAMI MARRIOTT BISCAYNE BAY COMPLETES A $31 MILLION RENOVATION By EDITH BILLUPS A fter two years and $31 million, Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay, Miami’s only marina front hotel, has officially unveiled an entirely new look and feel,mak- ing it an all new destination formeetings and business and leisure travel toMiami. Located directly on the harbor, between the bustling Miami Arts and Design District and downtown Miami, the 600-room property features a reinvented Marriott Hotels & Resorts lobby, boasting conversation enhancing pod seating with LCD televi- sions, nooks for working and socializing and an updated experience, which included a stay at the hotel and a taste of some of the most fun things to do in the city. Conveniently located, the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay is within walking distance to the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts and minutes from Downtown Miami, South Beach, the Port of Miami, Bayside Marketplace and American Airlines Arena, home of the Miami Heat. I arrived on a Friday and checked out the newly ren- ovated property where 90% of the guest rooms have panoramic views of Biscayne Bay. From the bright and soaring lobby with its water themes, to the new fitness center and pool which is open 24 hours a day, the Miami Marriot Biscayne Bay offers modern style and the latest in in-room technology. According to hotel General Manager Barbara Readey, “Our guests are thrilled with the renovation. From the moment they walk into the stylish, sophisti- cated lobby, to the beautifully appointed guest rooms, spectacular views, al fresco dining and the redesigned and expanded meeting facilities, the hotel is getting rave reviews.” indoor/outdoor Espressamente Illy café. The enhancement proj- ect also includes updates to CatchGrill&Bar, an indoor/outdoor restaurant on the bay with spectacular views of theMiami Beach skyline; renovated guest rooms on 31 floors,and a new2,500-sq. ft. Bayview Ballroom. I recently packedmy bags for a three day “EverythingMiami” 14 During my visit, I received a personal tour from Senior Sales Manager Martha Arellano; Director of Event Planning & Operations Vanessa S. Wehner; and Certified Catering Sales Manager Bertha M. Galindo-Crucet. The three staffers pointed out that 10 years ago, Miami didn’t have a strong arts pro- Black Meetings & Tourism July/August 2011: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com