A WALK to Block Alpha, in Kingston, Georgetown, will make known to disbelievers that whatever the mind can conceive, it can really achieve.

Well over a decade ago, there was a dream to build a hotel in Guyana worthy of receiving a “Five-Star” rating, a hotel with the internationally recognised insignia, ‘M.’
The first- ever Marriott Hotel at home has literally transformed the “Welcome to Guyana” experience for those fortunate enough to grace these shores through the mouth of the Demerara River.
A gentle stroll along Water Street towards the Atlantic Ocean will mesmerize anyone familiar with the landscape, as the imposing edifice that is the Marriott Hotel truly represents a change of an era in Georgetown’s structural aesthetics.

By sea, any ocean-going vessel entering Guyana’s shores will instantly recognise the transformed Georgetown shoreline.
The vintage red and white lighthouse and its world-famous beacon are no longer visible from the ocean.
In its stead, however, a life-saving 21st Century visual aid, guiding tiresome sailors to loved ones waiting for them at safe harbour, sits atop a regal 10-storey structure, emblazoned with the world famous ‘M’.
OPTICAL ILLUSION
Perfectly blended into the serene background that is Guyana’s tropical turquoise-blue skyline dotted with puffs of white, floating cotton cumulus, visitors and guests are greeted at the entrance of this edifice with a palm-lined driveway leading from the welcoming Marriott signage.
The inviting Atlantic breeze gives way to an enthralling spacious lobby where concierge service will be at the ready.
But even before making your way to check-in, a bit of advice—take a look up for a moment and gaze at an optical illusion that invokes an awe-inspiring sense of national pride while at the same time transfixing visitors.
The Victoria Regia Lily is Guyana’s national flower and as one makes his/her way through the glass ingress at the entrance of the building, looking up, one would be greeted by a lake of lilies defying the laws of gravity, nature and logic to protrude out of the ceiling, as if looking back at guests to say welcome.
Golden rotund rigs float on the ceiling of the lobby hovering above the uncontaminated pearl-white petals that seem to make their virtual ascension downwards to their life- preserving translucent

visitors.
At nights, the petals are illuminated to provide a sublime, nocturnal terrestrial ambience.
TROPICAL OASIS
With the Atlantic Ocean roaring gently in the background, the hotel’s range of services will be at the ready.
A huge international bar beckons in plain view. Promising drinks of a higher quality and flair from around the world, the commodious tropical oasis promises to also soothe the listening ear with a regular savouring of primeval Guyanese pulse, rhythms and hypnotic vocal suggestions.
Those who would have visited Marriott Hotels in other countries would be all too familiar with the signature long- tail piano.
The Georgetown Marriott however, is looking to the future, so punctuating the primeval Guyanese pulses will be the upbeat, yet sophisticated acoustic allure for the modern traveller.
Checking-in would probably be a good idea at some point though.
GRAND TOUR
I visited the Marriott Hotel this past week and the place was a hive of activity. Workers from both Marriott and the Construction Contractor Shanghai Construction Group are working feverishly with a parallel, yet similar objective: the grand opening scheduled for next month.
I was afforded an interview with the Hotel’s General Manager, Mr. Roberto Grissi, who graciously facilitated a grand tour.
He undoubtedly is a busy man, so after a quick, yet informative interview Ms. Denisse Olivo, the Marriott’s Marketing Director, acted as a tour guide.
As we chatted, I learnt that there will be a heavy Guyanese theme permeating the hotel’s ambience primarily through art and culture.
The hotel is yet to open its doors and already some exquisitely locally crafted pieces adorn the lobby.

Having already marvelled at the lobby area, it was up to the first floor where the massive conference rooms are currently being used to train the crème de la crème out of the crop of more than 3,500 that applied to provide service at what is positioned to be Guyana’s first five star, internationally branded Hotel.
The Marriott, I am told, will be targeting primarily the business clientele and as such the entire first floor is dedicated to just that business.
Three guest elevators are at the ready on the ground floor, but the transcending view of the Atlantic Ocean through the transparent walls holding back the West Indian Trade Winds may very well be worth the while ascending to the first floor, using the treaders on the stairwell that winds its way to a massive confluence overlooking the lobby and bar.
With its carpeted crop circle- like murals streaming across the floor, this area meant as a social hub, is flanked by the largest most modern conference rooms in Guyana.
AN APP FOR THAT
Technology, I was told, plays an integral role in the operations of the hotel. Key cards for hotels and digital orders may be a common feature of hotels across the world, but when The Marriott opens its doors in Guyana checking in, checking out and ordering most any service available, could be made using your cell phone. Yes, there is an app for that too.
The building indeed has some unique features to its design, but the one that stumped me was its ability to suppress a fire.
Based on the detailed and extensive education one can only garner from the movies, I knew Hollywood was able to do this in submarines. Military and other organisations around the world really do have submarines that can contain fires to isolated quarters and extinguish it. Who would have thought that we would have built a Marriott capable of isolating and suppressing fires?
MARRIOTT EXPERIENCE
Having checked in to the hotel, a quick ride up any of the three guest elevators would take a guest to his respective floors to relax in any of the 197 rooms.
Each room offers its own perspective on the Garden City, the Demerara River and the mighty Atlantic Ocean.
There are family suites, standard rooms and of course the high rollers’ Presidential Suite.
So Padna, it’s officially on the bucket list, a Guyanese Marriott experience.

Having checked into one of the deluxe rooms, we can head down to the restaurant for an evening dinner, one that sets the mood that would rival the plot of a steamy Jackie Collins novel.
The restaurant overlooking the Atlantic Ocean promises a range of dishes incorporating local cuisine into its international array that promises to tempt the palate.
We can always retreat to any of the two private dining rooms, if maybe it’s a family affair, but if not maybe a twirl or two in the Ballroom would loosen up the muscles with a merengue drowned out only by placid rhythms infused with the Atlantic siren.
My personal preference would be for a room with a view of the Atlantic. Recoiled shades in the morning would invite the rays of a new day. Basking in such an ambience at the dawn of day can only lead to an even more engaging Marriott experience that must of course, include some time in the pool.
If no ballroom dancing in the evening, then the world- class entertainment complex it is.

I haven’t even mentioned the Casino as yet, nor the numerous list of activities the team from Marriott assures, will be available for the satisfaction of Guyanese and visitors alike.
One thing is sure however, all that has been said about the Georgetown Marriott Hotel, it truly is for many, a decade- long Guyanese dream come true.

Photos by Vishwanauth Narine