Above: a rendering of an upgraded room

By the Caribbean Journal staff

The San Juan Marriott Resort has begun an $8 million renovation, the hotel announced.

The project will cover all of the hotel’s 525 guestrooms and balconies, aiming to “bring the look and feel of the rooms in line with the ongoing modernization of the rest of the resort,” the hotel said.

“As travel becomes a more accessible and acceptable part of life, blending the line between business and leisure has become increasingly important,” said Hans-Georg Roehrbrien, the property’s general manager, in a release. “We’ve found that though guests are spending less time in rooms and more time in public spaces, when they are in-room they expect a design that is luxurious, but with comfort and function as key.”

In the past three years, the property has seen renovations to its casino, meeting spaces, lobby and food and beverage outlets.

In 2007, the hotel underwent a $35 million project to upgrade its rooms. Most recently, a $2.2 million project involved an upgrade to the lobby and the introduction of the “Red Coral Lounge” last year.

“The living space must support the public space as today’s travelers tend to connect in all areas of the hotel,” Roehrbein said.  “The $8 million renovation is the latest answer to meeting the needs of today and tomorrow’s guests and is crucial to staying relevant and viable in such a competitive market.”

Another Puerto Rico Marriott property, the Courtyard By Marriott Isla Verde, announced the launching of a $32 million renovation earlier this month.