Forty never looked and felt so good as the New York Marriott Marquis (NYMM) celebrates its 40th anniversary in lavish style this year.
One of these fans is power couple Gloria and Emilio Estefan, both of who have an over 40+ year career span. The duo are both award-winning musicians and style icons. They first discovered the property back in 2015 through their broadway show: “sometimes life gives you wonderful surprises…when we did ‘On Your Feet’, at the New York Marriott Marquis’ theater, we decided to stay at the hotel. Although it’s such a huge property, it still felt like a boutique hotel thanks to the incredible staff. They always treated us with so much love and respect—it was truly an unforgettable experience, and we love the team,” Gloria told Forbes.
The couple have since returned to support the property when they’re back in New York, such as when Emilio organized the Latin Ignition Fashion Show at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in 2023.
A closer look at the legacy and history of The New York Marriott Marquis
Since its opening in 1985 and situated in the heart of Times Square in New York City, the Marquis has spearheaded this sentiment of excitement and dynamism. It’s not only beloved by A-List celebrities, but it has also become a go-to for business related conventions, a must-visit for tourists and even locals—thereby understanding its vast demographic and the respective needs of these individuals.
The hotel has 49 floors, 1971 guestrooms, and over 100,000 square feet of event space. Splashly elements include The View, the city’s only revolving restaurant—along with additional dining options such as Broadway Lounge, Revel & Rye Bar & Restaurant, and Perch Outdoor Terrace. With the renovation done by Stonehill Taylor to offer a youthful refresh,“each area evokes a blend of elegance, playfulness, and interactivity—while honoring its legacy as the backdrop to New Year’s Eve, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, spontaneous celebrity moments, and legendary soirées on its 8th Floor,” explains the team.
Ties to Celebrity & Beyond
Gloria is one of the celebrities who was happy to lend her name to supporting the NYMM hotel but overall, in respect to their privacy, the property is otherwise tight-lipped about who it hosts and has a dedicated staffer named George Ntim (Market Director of Diplomatic & Community Relations) who handles all VIP relations that span from celebrities and athletes to US politicians and foreign dignitaries.
Stylish Accommodations with Sweeping Views
Unlike many of the shoebox style properties in the city, the hotel rooms here (standard, connecting rooms, all the way to executive suites) can accommodate everyone from solo business traverse to extended family units. Spaces start at about 385 sq.ft. to over 800 sq.ft. sq.ft. offering comfort in sleek surroundings—enhanced by views of the bustling streets of Times Square below. Designed by Sawyer & Company, the team says the inspiration was drawn from elements of Times Square, incorporating a calm neutral palette accented by bright colors that represent the color and complexity of the lively city.
Membership Perks
M Club
This is a travel perk for those who have Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite, Titanium Elite, and Ambassador Elite status. The facility can be accessed by these members (whose rewards program is free to sign up) and enjoy complimentary with every stay. As Manhattan’s largest M Club Lounge–it is perfect for working, unwinding, or gathering with friends. Benefits include a complimentary breakfast buffet, along with snacks and drinks throughout the day. Located on the 8th floor.
Dining In Style
The View Restaurant, Bar and Lounge
Inspired by Gloria, guests can visit here and opt for her favorites: a mojito or cosmopolitan cocktail while lapping up the 360-degree skyline views of the city. As the only revolving restaurant and bar in the city, the aesthetic has recently been given a sumptuous refresh, thanks to Rockwell Group’s design: “we wanted to honor the hotel’s 1985 origins and Broadway setting. The reimagined space evokes the glamor of American supper clubs and classic chophouses,” says the team. The dining room is on the 47th floor and the cocktail lounge is on the 48th floor. As a successful cookbook author and restaurateur herself, inspired by Gloria’s favorite foods, top menu recommendations from the staff include Lobster Sphagetti ‘Alla Chitarra’; and signature slow-roasted Prime Rib.
Broadway Lounge
The is one of the most coveted venues during New Year’s Eve (as it overlooks The Ball Drop at Times Square), the electric space along with the connected public areas has also been recently redesigned with an overarching sentiment of vibrancy that is conductive to convivial dining, lounging, and spectating— thanks to floor to ceiling windows. Fun fact: you can opt for Personalized Billboard Messages here—and celebrate big moments with a special note on their restaurant billboard, which is considered Times Square’s largest indoor screen.
It’s not uncommon to see people dressed in formal and black-tie attire on non-holiday occasions because broadway shows are just steps away from the hotel. The hotel still has its storied Marquis Theatre situated on the 3rd floor of the property. Currently, it is home to the production of Stranger Things: The First Shadow.
Perch Outdoor Terraces
During the warmer seasons, take advantage of a sleek, cool aesthetic and thrilling views from the 8th floor overlooking Times Square, with the hotel’s outdoor terrace.
Revel & Rye Bar and Restaurant
The sociable and spacious restaurant is understated in its sophistication. American cuisine with flourishes of international inspiration are offered. Emilio and Gloria say that they always try something new any time they visit and best recommendations include ‘Ryan’s spicy chicken’—a fried chicken breast that is finished with gochujang sauce and ranch; and Americana on a plate—a 14 oz Bone-In NY Strip, paired with Yukon Gold Mash, Onion Rings, and Charred Broccolini.
A Stylish Itinerary Inspired by Gloria and Emilio
The concierge team whipped up an incredible ‘Inspired By Gloria & Emilio’ itinerary to channel their spirit, support of New York, and effortlessly style:
Arts & Entertainment
Broadway
Gloria’s foray into live theatre started at age 17 in Miami (where she still resides). In her youth, she told her now husband (Emilio) that if they ever made it to NYC, a Broadway show was non-negotiable. Not only did she do that but she performed on the big stage—Marquis Theater—with the aforementioned ‘On Your Feet’ which ran from 2015 to 2017. She since returned on numerous occasions such as during the Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony in 2023 and the Great Sports Legends Dinner in 2023.
Shopping
Dolce and Gabbana
Gloria thanks her husband, Emilio, for her sartorial savvy. She loves to incorporate a mixture of high-low brands that speak her to bold personality and Cuban heritage. For instance, she’s a big supporter of Dolce and Gabbana (including hosting a party for the couturier in Miami). Guests looking to emulate her look can visit the NYC flagship.
Shopping: Hudson Yards
This modernist complex is rife in shopping and dining options. There are over 100 shops to peruse with coveted names that line the space that include Cartier, Dior, Fendi, and Louis Vuitton. Take advantage of their personal style and shopping services on site.
Beautiful Blooms: Ariston Floral Boutique
Gloria Estefan has been known for incorporating florals into her signature style in an homage to her popular songs like La Flor Y Tu Amor. Those who wish to channel such visual and scent-inspired beauty into their lives should visit the Ariston Floral Boutique in Midtown. Gather fresh blooms while sipping on artisan Devoción coffee.
Fitness: SoulCycle
Gloria is a big proponent of self-care and taking care of her body—her fitness routine includes daily cycling classes. For fellow ‘roadie’ enthusiasts making a trip to the Big Apple, Soulcycle in Bryant Park (110 W. 41st St.) is a quick eight-minute walk from the hotel.
Wellness & Beauty
ILA Only Spa
Gloria’s skincare ritual is second to none—she’s previously stated that no matter how long the day, she never skips a thorough cleanse before bedtime. In fact, she and Emilio Estefan own the Costa D’Este Beach Resort in Vero Beach, Florida—whose spa offering pampering that includes everything from massages, body treatments, facials, hair removal & tinting services to manicures and pedicures. To channel the spa bliss in NYC, head to Ila Only Spa—a sanctuary with unique treatments such as their gold facial; hyperbaric oxygen therapy; and electromagnetic field sessions. Services are extensive and include robotic massages to Blue Zone Immersive (overnight) retreats.
Allure Day Spa & Hair Design
Gloria’s natural locks and her embracing its curly texture have inspired countless women to own their own beauty. Allure Day Spa exercises the same ethos—they not only offer classic treatments, massages, facials and body therapies—but also an extensive roster of salon/hair care services such as their Japanese head spa (scalp care/maintenance) to hair extensions and color treatments.