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Mariana Resort eyes expansion
Mariana Resort & Spa, one of the longest standing Japanese-owned hotel resort in the CNMI, is planning to expand its facilities to help with the growing demand.
In his remarks at the resort’s 36th anniversary celebration on April 26, Kan Pacific Saipan president Yoshihiro Kitami said that Mariana Resort is looking to build a new game room, add more than 100 rooms, and set up new banquet facilities.
“We continue to improve and expand our property. Our next milestone will be opening our new game room. We are looking forward that with a new lease we will be building about 100-plus rooms and banquet facilities to help with the growing demand of our tourism economy,” Kitami said.
Mariana Resort general manager Gloria Cavanagh said they still need to put the architectural work together but they’ve already identified the location and a survey has already started.
“It’s time for us to expand and re-look at our master plan and get moving. Of course, one of the reasons is the lease. When you say we’re 36 years in operation that means we only have four years left on the 40-year lease. We’re in the middle of negotiations and hopefully we’ll get a new lease. We’re discussing with [Department of Public Lands] right now and we’re starting on our architectural design on expansion,” Cavanagh said.
Cavanagh noted that due to limited areas for banquets, Mariana Resort had to let go of some of their possible customers.
“The weekends in the restaurants, it’s a favorite for locals, but we usually have to turn them away and it’s usually up to four times a month we had turned down banquets,” Cavanagh said.
When asked where the expansions will happen on the property, Cavanagh said this would be disclosed at a later date.
“We already know where we want to put it. We just don’t want to ‘jump the gun’ of the plan and that the idea and concept are still in planning,” she said.
Kitami also mentioned the hotel’s entry into the electronic gaming scene in his remarks, which Cavanagh echoed.
“We’re looking at holding another grand opening for our e-gaming facility,” Cavanagh said.
