Pandamonium Package At Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina Is Peak ‘Zoo-Zen'

Forbes

30-07-2025

The PANDAMONIUM Package is a zen-vibing stay that includes rest/recovery spa amenities and private VIP tour of the San Diego zoo. Tiffany Leigh
The cutest and most zen-inducing stay awaits you in San Diego with the PANDAMONIUM getaway, a one-of-a-kind package at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina hotel— a property most famous for its sweeping seaside location with views overlooking the blue harbor waters. In a desire to celebrate Yun Chuan and Xin Bao at the San Diego Zoo—which are the only giant pandas on the West Coast and the first to enter the United States in 21 years—the hotelier has crafted this unique stay for visitors. It aims to pay homage to these cuddly creatures, all while helping you channel their whimsical yet chill demeanour.
A resident panda (left) permanently stays in the room while the goodies on the bed are take-homes. Tiffany Leigh
Designed by the in-house Marriott team, there is only one exclusive two-queen-bed 'Panda Retreat' room. In a departure from the rest of the hotel's aesthetic (which exudes a more 'Ocean Muse' sentiment)—here, the calm and cuddly ethos is brought to life with panda wallpaper, bamboo accents, and framed portraits of Yun Chuan and Xin Bao on the nightstands to plush rugs and panda cushions.
The cutest and cuddly panda-related amnetieis. Tiffany Leigh
'From the moment guests step into the room, we want them to feel the joy, wonder, and playfulness that makes pandas so special,' explains Dan Shaughnessy, Director of Sales and Marketing at Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina. In partnering with the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, the aim is to foster a supportive ecosystem between the hotelier and the zoo, making the hospitality programming align to the guest who is seeking these curated 'surprise and delight' stays that take it a step beyond a standard visit to the zoo. 'Guests will receive general admission day passes to the San Diego Zoo and Wildlife Adventures 'Inside Look' tour tickets, providing unforgettable behind-the-scenes access to the zoo's conservation efforts,' says Shaughnessy.
You're also gifted panda-themed goodies that include plush toys, branded zoo-themed cookies, and many more keepsakes to take home.
Bonus: 'Early Morning with Pandas' (an add-on to the Pandamonium Package) is a soothing VIP walking tour that allows guests to preview the zoo before it opens to the public. 'Our wildlife experts will lead guests on a guided stroll through the Zoo's rolling hills to see wildlife rising to greet the day,' the San Diego Zoo team explains. At the end, guests will be led to Panda Ridge to get an up-close-and-personal viewing of the Giant Pandas themselves. Wellness/Beauty Amenities
Self-care bundle amenity add-on to your PANDAMONIUM STAY. The hotel aligns with and supports local entrepreneurs such as this company. Dirt Don't Hurt
To enhance your panda-pampering, you can opt for customizable add-ons that include the following: Energize and Thrive package —featuring housemade cold-pressed juices; superfood granola bars; and a trio of snacks (marcona almonds, dark chocolate almonds, and savoury-crispy mix). While primarily a business-facing property, Dan notes that he is incredibly proud of their award-winning pastry team (they even created their own whimsical Buddy Valestro- inspired vending machine, stockpiling a wealth of healthy and indulgent eats daily).
—featuring housemade cold-pressed juices; superfood granola bars; and a trio of snacks (marcona almonds, dark chocolate almonds, and savoury-crispy mix). While primarily a business-facing property, Dan notes that he is incredibly proud of their award-winning pastry team (they even created their own whimsical Buddy Valestro- inspired vending machine, stockpiling a wealth of healthy and indulgent eats daily). Mini Detox Set by Dirt Don't Hurt—one of their curated partnerships the hotel seeks out to spotlight local entrepreneurs. This brand is founded by a San Diego-based, black-owned, and female-founded trio that creates clean, pure, beauty products formulated with earth + plant based ingredients. This set includes Coco Soap, Detox Bath Soak & Scrub, and Glow Body Oil. They're best known for their use of activated charcoal, earth clays, essential oils, and herbs.
by Dirt Don't Hurt—one of their curated partnerships the hotel seeks out to spotlight local entrepreneurs. This brand is founded by a San Diego-based, black-owned, and female-founded trio that creates clean, pure, beauty products formulated with earth + plant based ingredients. This set includes Coco Soap, Detox Bath Soak & Scrub, and Glow Body Oil. They're best known for their use of activated charcoal, earth clays, essential oils, and herbs. Sleep and Recovery Set — a locally curated kit that includes a satin pillow (to reduce friction on hair and promote hydrated skin); Calm Sleep Gummies, Rejuvenating Eye Gels, Hydrating Electrolyte mix, Immune Support, and Energy Focus mints; and more. Additional highlights Marina Kitchen Restaurant
Marina Kitchen is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
The award-winning Marina Kitchen restaurant offers a host of American favorites, done with a twist. There are prime opportunities here to channel the 'stems, shoots, and leaves' diets of pandas via creations like their roast beet salad; cacio e pepe cauliflower; and roasted tri-color carrots. Otherwise, if you're more of a carnivore and less of the vegan/vegetarian diet ethos, they do have their famous grilled spanish octopus with spicy peanut sauce, manchego cheese, salsa verde, and pork belly; and short-rib ragu pappardelle on offer. Rest and Recovery
The pool facilities are the largest in downtown San Diego. Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
The hotel's other claim-to-fame is having the largest pool deck in downtown San Diego, two whirlpools, private cabanas, and 446-slip marina.
They also offer complimentary fitness classes (yoga, cardio, spin, meditation) in-person via their schedule; or on-demand virtually via your in-room television.
Lastly, there is currently a Casamigos pop-up available (featuring Amigos margaritas)—it's an oasis tucked away from the primary pool deck areas where you can nestle in a hot tub and then settle into your own private retreat that includes a push sofa and lounge chairs.
The Pandamonium Package is available starting at $499USD for two guests. Booking is available now. Visit the website to book your stay.