Waterside Weekends: Norfolk Marriott Waterside Hosted Two October Familiarization Festivals

[Norfolk, VA – November, 2007] – It would be an understatement to say that the Norfolk Marriott Waterside was simply busy last month. With two autumn weekend Familiarization Festivals under their belt, they don’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.

The first Familiarization Weekend was on October 4-7, 2007. The Norfolk hotel hosted 20 families for a weekend-long Children’s Festival. They invited meeting planners and their children to come to Norfolk, many for the first time, for a weekend of planned activities. Kicking off the festivities on Friday night, Marriott hosted a spectacular dinner event that included a bouncy castle, musical chairs, face-painting, and mask art for the children. The décor was animal-themed, and the menu was geared towards the young at heart.

Saturday started with the families heading down to Town Point Park for a fun-filled kids breakfast. The children got to meet Curious George, Clifford, Arthur, Beatrix Potter, The Three Little Pigs, and several safari-costumed characters. The day was left open for the numerous activities at the park, and families were able to spend quality time together that night as well. Many families enjoyed the Waterside Hotel’s indoor pool as well as took advantage of Mac Arthur’s shopping. The success of this event has spurred the commitment to turn this event into an annual tradition at Norfolk Waterside Marriott.

The other Familiarization Weekend hosted by the hotel was a wine festival event. The Norfolk Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), the Marriott, and a neighboring hotel hosted 14 meeting planners and four travel writers over October 19-21, 2007. Attendees enjoyed luxurious Norfolk, Virginia accommodations and deluxe amenities provided by Marriott for the weekend. The hotel also catered a delicious luncheon in Town Point Park on Saturday afternoon. Guests enjoyed oyster shooters, beef tenderloin on pumpkin and cranberry biscuits, all out on the waterfront in a specially decorated Marriott tent.

Norfolk Marriott Waterside also hosted a wine tasting in which Virginia wines were perfectly paired with Virginia cheeses. The Wine Festival is a 20 year old event in the park that annually attracts over 1,000 people in a two-day period. Guests delighted in sipping wine and tasting cheeses in the crisp autumn atmosphere. It was an interesting intermingling of culture and conversation which displayed the sophistication and style of Norfolk to a tee.

“We are extremely proud of the success of these events,” states Cathy Grieve, Director of Sales and Marketing at Norfolk Marriott Waterside. “We are excited for the future and the opportunity for others to experience all that Norfolk has to offer. The Norfolk Marriott Waterside has always been involved in the community, and these Familiarization Weekends are a great way to showcase that involvement with our guests.”

About Norfolk Marriott Waterside
Immerse yourself in comfortable luxury at the beautifully stunning Norfolk Marriott Waterside Hotel. Set in the heart of the historic district, this award-winning downtown Norfolk hotel is just steps from the vibrant, revitalized waterfront, as well as an abundance of entertainment options, such as world-class shopping, delectable dining, and unforgettable museums. Detailed with beautiful antiques, marble accents, and eclectic artwork, this Norfolk, VA hotel offers plush accommodations that expertly blend traditional charm with modern conveniences. Dine at the incredible Shula's 347 Steakhouse, boasting the best Certified Angus Beef® money can buy. Connected to the Waterside Convention Center, this hotel in Norfolk, Virginia provides an unparalleled choice for successful business engagements with 45 conference rooms and 60,000 square feet of enhanced meeting space. Experience an extraordinary hotel in Norfolk, VA providing spectacular views of the sparkling waterfront at the Norfolk Marriott Waterside Hotel. For more information or to make a reservation call 757-627-4200 or visit http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/orfws-norfolk-marriott-waterside/.

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