PROPERTY PROFILE

by Victoria Head

BURBANK AIRPORT MARRIOTT HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTER AN ACCOMMODATING PROPERTY FOR CALIFORNIA TRAVELERS

On my recent press trip to Burbank, California, I had the distinct pleasure of staying at the Burbank Airport Marriott Hotel & Convention Center. Situated in the heart of Southern California's entertainment capital, this landmark hotel is located 15.5 miles West of Pasadena, 17 miles north of downtown Los Angeles and 28.4 miles north of Los Angeles International Airport and is directly adjacent to Burbank Airport (Bob Hope Airport). The hotel has recently undergone a stylish $30 million dollar renovation encompassing a complete re-design of the facility.

Upon approaching the hotel entrance one is warmly greeted by the impressive and stunning symmetrical limestone and steel façade of their outdoor lobby. You can't help but take a calming breath of ease from your travels as you note the impeccable landscaping at the hotel's entrance, composed of a stunning mosaic of native plants and ornamental flowers. As you enter the lobby and registration area, you're enveloped by a dramatic fusion of the edgy urban ambiance of hip Hollywood with clever touches of the classic elements of historic Hollywood of the 1920s. Just off of the main lobby is the signature M.I. Greatroom. I found the Greatroom to be an ingenious idea for today's business minded guests; it's wired with WiFi features and has an adjacent 46-seat Day/Night Bar, communal tables, alcoves and a water wall. The design truly transforms the lobby into an interactive and attractive space to work, relax and socialize.

Burbank Marriott's inspired new look features 488 guest rooms of which 79 are one-bedroom suites. All guestrooms are "Wired for Business" to assist the business travelers with efficient Internet connectivity. Each features Marriott's new Revive bedding, luxurious comforters, custom duvets, fluffy pillows and rich cotton linen, Bath & Body Works guest soaps, hair care products and lotions, 32" flat screen LCD TV with high definition capabilities, and one-touch "At Your Service" concierge level upgraded amenities. Two newly renovated outdoor pools with cabanas and fire pits offer a relaxing retreat from the day's business activities, as does the fitness center, with state-of-the-art cardio and weight equipment.

The hotel has the largest function space in San Fernando Valley with 46,000 sq. ft. of meeting and banquet space, as well as the 15,000-sq. ft. Academy Ballroom, with adjacent outdoor function space, ideal for conferences or social events. There are 22 meeting rooms perfectly suited to break out and training sessions, including four new boardrooms which are all ideal venues for high-powered meetings and social events. Each conference venue is well equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual capabilities, teleconferencing, video conferencing, 24-hour-business center, customized menu planning and meeting coordination assistance. The diversity of the space makes it a popular meeting choice for Hollywood's entertainment elite and international dignitaries.

During my stay at the Burbank Marriott, I dined at the hotel's Daily Grill Restaurant and Bar. The Daily Grill is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is known for serving hearty portions of classic American Cuisine. The restaurant has also been upgraded and features comfortable, intimate booths and a friendly accommodating staff. The restaurant is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and boasts a wonderful Breakfast Buffet until 10 a.m. each morning; the buffet includes a pastry bar, omelet station and selected breakfast entrees.

Nearby attractions include Dodger Stadium, Empire Shopping Center, Hollywood Bowl, Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum, Griffith Park, Los Angeles Zoo, Staples Center, Universal Citywalk and Universal Studios Hollywood. I got a chance to spend an exciting day at Universal Studios Hollywood. I highly recommend purchasing the "Front of the Line Pass, which allows you to go through a special entrance, getting the best seats in the house at all rides, shows and attractions; it includes all day admission. Universal Studios and Universal Citywalk are located in Universal City; only 15 minutes from Burbank Marriot Airport Hotel & Convention Center.

To obtain information or for reservations, visit Burbank Marriott Airport Hotel & Convention Center at 2500 North Hollywood Way in Burbank, California, contact the hotel at (818) 843-6000, (888) 236-2424 (reservations), or visit www.marriott.com/BURAP.