Feb. 20 marked a special day for the Marriott Sacramento Rancho Cordova, as city leaders, residents and business officials gathered for a ribbon cutting celebrating the hotel’s $33 million, top-to-bottom renovation. Photo by Rick Sloan

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Flappers, fedoras and a flash of scissors marked a new chapter Feb. 20 for the Marriott Sacramento Rancho Cordova, as city leaders and business officials gathered for a 2 p.m. ribbon cutting celebrating the hotel’s $33 million, top-to-bottom renovation.

The grand reopening at 11211 Point East Drive drew Rancho Cordova Mayor Garrett Gatewood, Rancho Cordova Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Diann Rogers, representatives for U.S. Representative Ami Bera, State Senator Roger Niello, Assemblyman Josh Hoover and county Supervisor Pat Hume, along with civic leaders, residents and community partners.

The city’s only full-service branded hotel unveiled a floor-to-ceiling transformation of all 265 guest rooms and suites, more than 12,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space, refreshed common areas and a redesigned open-concept lobby. The overhaul also introduced a new dining concept at Formaggio Restaurant & Bar, a 24-hour fitness center and an updated porte cochere.

Mayor Gatewood presented the hotel with a proclamation recognizing its role in the city’s economic development and tourism growth. From left are Robbie Garcia, general manager of the Marriott Sacramento Rancho Cordova and Rancho Cordova Mayor Garrett Gatewood. Photo by Rick Sloan

Mayor Gatewood presented the hotel with a proclamation recognizing its role in the city’s economic development and tourism growth. Congressional and state representatives delivered certificates of recognition during the ceremony.

“Robbie is amazing. She is such an amazing part of our community, and the fact that she runs the Sacramento Marriott is just a bonus,” Gatewood said, referring to General Manager Robbie Garcia. “This proclamation is a recognition of the Marriott Sacramento Rancho Cordova, which has long served as the cornerstone of hospitality in Rancho, welcoming visitors from across the Sacramento region.”

Gatewood said the recent $33 million reinvestment signals the hotel’s long-term commitment to the city and strengthens Rancho Cordova’s ability to host regional meetings, tournaments and community events.

“The transformation of this hotel, guest rooms, event space, restaurants and common areas, strengthens Rancho Cordova’s appeal as a destination,” Gatewood said.

The Feb. 20 grand reopening drew Rancho Cordova Mayor Garrett Gatewood, Rancho Cordova Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Diann Rogers, representatives for U.S. Representative Ami Bera, State Senator Roger Niello, Assemblyman Josh Hoover and Supervisor Pat Hume. Photo by Rick Sloan

Rogers called the renovation an exciting milestone for the business community.

“We are so pleased to have everyone here,” Rogers said. “I can’t tell you how exciting it is to see what has been done here.”

Josh Gumacal, representing Rep. Bera, congratulated the ownership and staff.

“On behalf of Congressman Ami Bera, we wish you all the best, and I am excited to present this certificate of congressional recognition,” Gumacal said.

Mika Klinsmann, representing Sen. Niello, praised the updated property.

“The food is amazing, the inside looks amazing, and we are glad you are in our district,” Klinsmann said while presenting a certificate.

Kendra Johnson, field representative for County Supervisor Pat Hume, described the hotel as “a landmark to Rancho Cordova.”

Staff dressed in period attire as guests explored the renovated spaces through a scavenger hunt that led from the lobby to meeting rooms and dining areas. Photo by Rick Sloan

Garcia thanked attendees and reflected on the two-year renovation process, which began in 2023 after pandemic-related delays.

“We’re proud to have completed the $33 million renovation, a full refresh of our guest rooms, public space and meeting venues, to better serve travelers, groups and our community,” Garcia said. “It was not a small renovation. We went back to the studs in all of our guest rooms. There was lots of dust and lots of dirt.”

The property’s ownership purchased the hotel in 1993 and has continued to invest locally, Garcia said, adding that the company sees the hotel as a long-term partner in Rancho Cordova’s growth as an emerging tech hub.

“When people come to the hotel, we want them to feel like they can gather,” Garcia said. “We want them to feel like it’s a social space where they can do business, meet with friends, colleagues or family. Seeing this today warms my heart.”

Attendees enjoyed custom caricatures by Caricature by Sue at the grand reopening of the Sacramento Marriott Rancho Cordova. Photo by Rick Sloan

Following the formal ceremony, the celebration shifted into full Roaring ’20s flair. Staff dressed in period attire as guests explored the renovated spaces through a scavenger hunt that led from the lobby to meeting rooms and dining areas. A password-protected speakeasy, casino-style games and themed décor gave attendees a playful glimpse of the Jazz Age.

Guests who completed the scavenger hunt were entered into raffles for prizes that included an overnight stay with breakfast for two, dinner for two at Formaggio Restaurant & Bar, a movie-themed gift basket and a chance to win 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Garcia said the Gatsby-inspired theme was driven largely by staff enthusiasm.

“The theme was something the staff wanted to do. We started with a little idea and it turned into what it is today,” Garcia said. “It was a long two years, and to see it come to this is very, very rewarding.”