Lodge at Marconi, an upscale coastal retreat managed by Oliver Hospitality, perched atop forested hills overlooking Tomales Bay in Marin County, CA., is now open and after a multi-million-dollar, 17-month-long renovation. Formerly Marconi Conference Center, Lodge at Marconi sits on 62 acres off Highway Route 1 within the Marconi State Historic Park, affording visitors direct access to West Marin County’s unparalleled natural beauty, modern hotel accommodations, refreshed and unique event spaces, and beautified grounds – each with a view of rolling green hills and the seashore.
“We are so proud to unveil the transformed – and transformative – Lodge at Marconi,” said Bryon Parsons, General Manager of Lodge at Marconi. “We look forward to welcoming groups, families, couples, and individuals to unwind and reconnect in this woodland oasis. We took great care to create a top-notch guest experience, with thoughtful and personalized service, a comfortable and welcoming environment, and an assortment of modern amenities and services that cater to today’s travelers, all amidst acres of lush nature overlooking the Bay.”
Ethan Orley, Managing Partner of Oliver Hospitality, also said: “Lodge at Marconi falls perfectly within our sweet spot at Oliver Hospitality. We love this property for its storied history, stunning setting amid nature, and discoverability for a range of travelers from around the world. We hope to make an impact within this region and among the local community and those who visit by honoring this exceptional land and elevating it for generations to come.”
Lodge at Marconi’s 45 new accommodations offer a variety of comfortable guestrooms and suites. Rooms, which are located in a collection of freestanding buildings, range from the Deluxe Double Queen Loft with two queen beds and an upper twin loft room that is ideal for families, groups, or travelers seeking an innovative and functional space, to the King Suite, a haven for discerning travelers with a king bed, twin bed, and ample common space to spread out, and many options in-between. In-room amenities include plush linens, pillow-top mattresses, luxe waffle bathrobes, plant-based Born Bathing bath products, dedicated workspaces, refrigerators, coffee machines, tea, Path Water, and more.
In line with its commitment to providing a tranquil and rejuvenating environment, Lodge at Marconi does not offer televisions. The team encourages guests to fully unwind, immerse themselves in the serene atmosphere, and embrace the opportunity to disconnect from digital distractions.
Representing its first Northern California project, the interior design, spearheaded by New York-based design studio Home Studios, is a master lesson in architectural style Third Bay Tradition. With modern touches inspired by the inventive spirit of Guglielmo Marconi, the studio’s attention to detail and diversity of expression make an impressive impact. Custom furnishings, organic materials, a saturated color scheme, and wall cube art inspired by the style of Stuart Arends – painted in colors pulled from the local landscape and labeled with handwritten Latin plant names and dates, akin to field notes – seek to maintain a natural connection to coastal Northern California’s rugged environment.
Ample natural woods and textiles throughout each room render a cohesive feel, with an overall palette informed by the surrounding nature. Cedar paneling, artful Bay-area made Heath Ceramics tiles, and ample millwork further define this ethos. While the exterior facades of the buildings were refinished as a part of the makeover, the overall modern architecture was untouched to preserve the site’s history and character.
Eight versatile indoor and outdoor venues are primed to host breathtaking events including weddings, conferences, and meetings. Each space is unique and functional, ranging from conference buildings, pre-function spaces, indoor and outdoor breakout areas, and striking open air sites, all immersed in the forested surroundings and boasting spectacular views. Buck Hall (capacity 106) McCargo Cottage, Pine and Cypress Halls (capacity 45 each) are currently in final renovation stages and will be debuted in early 2024.
Lodge at Marconi is also home to the Tower Hill, a hilltop outdoor meeting and activities space situated at the highest point of Marconi State Historic Park, and an outdoor amphitheater tucked into a magnificent grove of towering Monterey Pine. Event bookings are being accepted for winter 2023 and beyond.
The central hub of Lodge at Marconi is an outdoor courtyard featuring a gas fire pit and custom lounge seating, benches, and natural boulders for guests to gather and socialize. This, along with the thoughtful landscaping throughout the property, was conceived and designed by landscape architect Anooshey Rahim, Principal of Bay Area-based Dune Hai. The landscape serves as the connection between the various buildings. The Dune Hai team was inspired to honor the historic landscape and maintain as much of the existing vegetation as possible, while creating more of a cohesive language, emphasizing the unique rugged location, and creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for guests. All plantings are native to the region and focus on seasonality.
Lodge at Marconi has a rich history as a landmark of the destination; the property was originally built in 1914 as a radio receiving station by Guglielmo Marconi, often credited as the “inventor of radio.” In the early 1960s, a rehabilitation facility known as Synanon took over the site, eventually becoming an infamous “alternative lifestyle community” that eventually dissolved. In 1972, renowned architect Ellis Kaplan designed several distinctive structures as timeless spaces that integrated with the natural surroundings. In recent years, it primarily served as a site for corporate retreats, conferences, and weddings.
Many additional accommodations, facilities, and amenities will roll out in the coming months as a part of Lodge at Marconi’s next phases. This includes an elevated spa and wellness center including in-room treatment offerings, and the renovation and reopening of the site’s historic cottages.
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Photos Courtesy of Oliver Hospitality