NEW DESIGN WOW’s GUESTS, FEATURES HIGH TECH GoBoardTM, FLEXIBLE WORK AND SOCIAL SPACES AND 24/7 FOOD AND BEVERAGE
Bethesda, Md. – February 15, 2010 – Courtyard by Marriott is rolling out its new lobby and room design in Shreveport, LA. This is the first Courtyard in the area featuring the “refreshing business” makeover. The 90-room Shreveport Courtyard by Marriott located at 6001 Financial Plaza is owned by LJ Hotels, LLC and operated as an InterMountain Management, LLC managed hotel.
Courtyard by Marriott was the first lodging brand exclusively designed for business travel by business travelers. And now it has completely redefined the hotel lobby experience. This Marriott International (NYSE:MAR) “power brand” is fast-tracking its lobby makeover. The rest of the world is also getting a chance to experience the new lobby by visiting www.gocourtyard.com – a highly interactive website.
“From day one, Courtyard has prided itself as a brand that listens to what business travelers want from a hotel,” said Brian King, vice president, Global Brand Manager, Courtyard by Marriott. “Guests want more control and choice with services and amenities that create a healthy balance between working and relaxing. We redefined the Courtyard lobby so it invites guests to get out of their rooms to work, socialize or for entertainment, whether traveling alone or with colleagues.”
The open, bright and contemporary new Courtyard hotel lobby welcomes guests with vivid contrasting colors, including blue, green, orange and red. The traditional front desk is replaced with separate welcome podiums to create more personal and private interactions when guests check in. Flexible seating options range from a communal table in the middle of the action, to more private media booths with high-definition televisions, to a more intimate, semi-enclosed lounge area.
A signature element of the new lobby is the exclusive Courtyard GoBoardTM, a 57-inch LCD touch screen packed with local information, maps, weather, and news, business and sports headlines. Guests can navigate using the touch screen to find restaurants, local attractions and directions.
Guests can connect to free WiFi and there are ample electrical outlets throughout the lobby to power digital devices. The enlarged business library features several complimentary computer terminals along with a free printer and separate computer stations dedicated to printing airline boarding passes and checking flight status.
Dining has been completely redesigned with casual, flexible seating; easier access to food and higher quality, healthier menu options for breakfast; and light evening fare, including snacks, wine and beer so guests can unwind. The MarketTM, a 24/7 shop for snacks, beverages and sundries, is always open for late night cravings or the toothpaste you forgot to pack.
Guests looking to take their minds off work can grab a snack, their favorite beverage and take a seat in front of the large high-definition television located in the lounge to watch a variety of programming, including top news, business, sports and entertainment channels. They’ve added a welcoming outdoor element integrated into the lobby design that encourages guests to grab a beverage and get a breath of fresh air at the end of the day. Adding to the lobby ambiance, the new Courtyard soundtrack will change throughout the day from upbeat in the morning to more casual in the evening.
Guests walking into the lobby will immediately notice individual welcome podiums designed to create more personal interactions between staff and guests when checking in. Courtyard staff will be able to move about to show guests the lobby features and provide assistance.
Green has been Courtyard’s signature color since Marriott launched the brand more than 25 years ago. Now it is even greener with the introduction of a guest recycling program for the environment. Receptacles for paper, glass, plastic and metal will be conveniently located by side exits.
The Courtyard Shreveport Airport is one of the first of the new lobby redesigns. To take a video tour of our first lobby redesign click on the link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mB05QhrG2s. For reservations or additional information, please visit their website at www.Marriott.com/SHVCY or call the hotel directly at 1-318-686-0880.
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Our statements about the number of, and particular hotels at which, we expect the new lobby to be introduced are "forward looking statements" within the meaning of federal securities laws. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those described in Marriott International, Inc.'s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which could cause the new lobby introduction dates or locations to be different than we anticipate.
About InterMountain Management, LLCAs one of North America’s leading hotel management and development companies, InterMountain Management, LLC specializes in the select service and extended stay hotel segments. Over the last 25 years, InterMountain Management’s dedication to success is proven in the results as a hotel owner, management company, and hotel developer. Their managed hotel owners have benefited from the development and management knowledge and experience gained from owning and operating our own hotel portfolio. They currently own and/or manage over 65 premium branded hotels nationwide within Marriott and other leading hotel brand portfolios. For more information or to view hotel locations across the U.S., please visit their website at www.intermtn.biz.
About Courtyard by Marriott
Courtyard by Marriott offers a refreshing environment that helps guests stay connected, productive and balanced. Intuitive services and design accommodate guests’ needs for choice and control. With more than 860 locations in 30 countries, Courtyard is Marriott’s largest brand; 200 additional Courtyard by Marriott hotels will open around the world over the next three years. All Courtyard by Marriott hotels participate in the award-winning Marriott Rewards frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information go to www.courtyard.com
About Marriott International, Inc.
MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. (NYSE:MAR) is a leading lodging company with about 3,000 lodging properties in the United States and 67 other countries and territories. Marriott International operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites and Bulgari brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club, Horizons, The Ritz-Carlton Club and Grand Residences by Marriott brands; operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division; and operates conference centers. The company is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and had approximately 151,000 employees at 2007 year-end. It is ranked as the lodging industry’s most admired company and one of the best places to work by FORTUNE®. The company is also a 2006 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ENERGY STAR® Partner. In fiscal year 2007, Marriott International, Inc. reported sales from continuing operations of $13 billion. For more information or reservations, please visit our Web site at www.marriott.com.