*Paid Feature Article*
Editor’s note: I hope to continue to share my writing, though most of my time/energy is spent at Kingstonist. As such, I will be publishing some of my articles here after some time has elapsed from the original publication date. This piece was paid for by the business (Arcadis) and was published on Kingstonist in September 2025.
Those who spend time in downtown Kingston may have noticed a striking refresh of the hotel on the corner of King Street East and Clarence Street.
The beautifully reimagined hotel has undergone a timeless transformation, repositioning itself as the Kingston Marriott.
Previously known as the Four Points by Sheraton, then briefly branded as Market Square Hotel during the renovation period in 2024, the new Marriott branding was finalized in December 2024, when the hotel reopened to welcome guests.
According to Arcadis, the firm responsible for the redesign of the downtown hotel, the transformation catered to flexible business and leisure travellers, while weaving Kingston’s rich heritage into the design.
“The design inspiration pairs modern depictions of local culture, hints of colour and materiality from parliamentary architecture, and gestures of movement referencing surrounding waters. The design embraces a harmonious balance of Kingston’s rich historical charm and timeless sophistication,” said Heidi Rose, Associate Principal, Living Studio Manager, Arcadis.
Arcadis worked closely with Easton’s Group of Hotels to bring their design vision to life. Dr. Steve Gupta, Founder & Executive Chairman of Easton’s Group of Hotels, commented on the design ethos, “It was important for us for the natural landscape to influence the colour scheme and atmosphere with the aim of bringing a sense of tranquillity to the guest experience.”
This is most notably reflected in the hotel’s Great Room, which includes shades of blue that mirror the ebb and flow of Lake Ontario’s shoreline. This fluid, nature-inspired aesthetic is complemented by limestone architectural accents, enhancing the space with depth and dimension.
The Great Room underwent the largest transformation, now extending into a former retail space along King Street. This enhancement not only increased the hotel’s visibility, but also integrated the property more deeply into Kingston’s vibrant streetscape.
Academy Food and Drink is an open-concept restaurant in the hotel’s lobby offering “a culinary journey,” according to its website. The restaurant serves as the perfect venue for everything from relaxed meals to vibrant social gatherings and intimate private events, all thoughtfully crafted to leave a lasting impression.
The Kingston Marriott blends rich historical charm with timeless sophistication to create a hub that reconnects guests and locals alike to the city’s architectural heritage, waterfront, and downtown core.
Stop by the hotel at 285 King St. E. and see the changes for yourself.
Learn more about Arcadis’ hospitality work on the organization’s website.
This article is sponsored by Arcadis. Interested in a Business Feature on Kingstonist? Contact jessica.foley@kingstonist.com
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