Marriott’s bid to get into the lifestyle boutique hotel game is about to come to fruition. Word is that the first Edition, a hotel brand created in partnership with the father of the boutique brand, Ian Schrager, will debut in October in Waikiki Beach. A second Edition in Istanbul will open, too, later this year. Says Marriott, “It will be the first truly global branded lifestyle hotel on a large scale.”
Looking forwward, other Editions are scheduled in cities such as Mexico City, Barcelona and Bangkok. The gist of Edition is “individualized, customized, one-of-a-kind hotels that is the antithesis of an institutional ‘hotel chain.’” Yes, basically the complete opposite of how Marriott International built its reputation.
Waikiki Edition, designed by Yabu/Pushelberg, will have a Morimoto restaurant (think Iron Chef); Crazybox nightclub; a Sunrise Pool with landscaped gardens; an exclusive Private Sunset Beach with its own lagoon and imported sand from the neighboring Hawaiian islands; a Lobby Bar hidden behind a secret passage; and custom and individually designed Surf and Bikini Boot Camps with custom vegetarian and organic spa menus.
Meanwhile, Istanbul Edition will have 77 guest rooms and suites with Rosewood or Soaped-Oak walls, ceilings and floors, each like a wood jewel box. With regard to design and decor, think custom materials, exotic finishes, silk area rugs and marble guest bathrooms with floor-to-ceiling glass enclosed rain showers. There were also be a Cipriani Restaurant; a double-height ceiling lobby with gold and silver leaf mosaic detailing and travertine floor and walls; private check-in; a Lobby Bar with private garden terrace; exclusive private event space; Penthouse floor Ballroom and a private sky club. Top Digs: A 2,400-square-foot Penthouse. Also of note will be the 20,000-square-foot spa by ESPA.
