SYRACUSE — The general manager of Marriott Syracuse Downtown, the former Hotel Syracuse, called 2019, so far, “definitely an active year” for the hotel. “Anybody who’s grown up in Syracuse has been to this hotel for an event at some point in their life, whether it be a social event, a wedding, a graduation,” says […]
SYRACUSE — The general manager of Marriott Syracuse Downtown, the former Hotel Syracuse, called 2019, so far, “definitely an active year” for the hotel.
“Anybody who’s grown up in Syracuse has been to this hotel for an event at some point in their life, whether it be a social event, a wedding, a graduation,” says Todd Plouffe, the hotel’s GM. He spoke with CNYBJ on Aug. 8.
The hotel is located at 100 E. Onondaga St. in Syracuse. It reopened to the public in August 2016 following an extensive renovation project.
The Marriott Syracuse Downtown in June served as the host hotel for the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs, which held its annual conference and fire expo in Syracuse.
The hotel also has also hosted proms and weddings.
The Marriott Syracuse Downtown had a “great draw” for its brunches on both Easter and Mother’s Day, he adds.
Plouffe has been the hotel’s general manager since December 2017. He succeeded Paul McNeil, who vacated the role in June 2017.
Plouffe, who grew up in the Rochester area, previously served as general manager of a 400-room Marriott hotel outside Chicago.
“[I] was looking to move back. This opportunity was available and thought it was a great fit,” says Plouffe, who spoke with CNYBJ on Aug. 8.
He declined to share any details on revenue at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown.
Besides proms, weddings, and conferences, the Marriott Syracuse Downtown also hosts additional public functions. It closes down South Warren Street three hours prior to home football games for a tailgating and pre-game event that includes food trucks.
“We’ll continue to do that again this year,” says Plouffe.
It also held a “Rock the Block,” a six-event summer concert series on South Warren Street, a series that concluded Aug. 6.
It will also host a Black Friday tree-lighting event, says Melissa Oliver, director of sales & marketing for the Marriott Syracuse Downtown.
“The day that they light the tree [in Clinton Square], we do a huge community event here. It’s free to the public,” says Oliver, who joined Plouffe for the Aug. 8 CNYBJ interview.
The event includes dancers, cookies, and a visit from Santa Claus before those attending walk up to Clinton Square for the tree lighting.
It’s also the time when the hotel staff is preparing for holiday and year-end gatherings, including New Year’s Eve, according to Oliver.