Courtyard in Metairie, LA Completes a Major Lobby Renovation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Troy Rauch
General Manager, Courtyard New Orleans Metairie
(504) 838-3800
Troy.rauch@marriott.com     

COURTYARD IN METAIRIE, LA COMPLETES A MAJOR LOBBY RENOVATION
New Design Features High Tech GoBoard^®, Flexible Work and Social Spaces and a 24/7 Food and Beverage Market

METAIRIE, LOUSIANA - August 12, 2011 - Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) announced that the 153-room Courtyard by Marriott located at 2 Galleria Boulevard in Metairie, Louisiana has completed a major renovation of its lobby. The hotel now features the brand's new Refreshing Business lobby concept, designed to give travelers the flexibility to work and socialize however they choose while on the road.

"From day one, Courtyard has prided itself as a brand that listens to what travelers want from a hotel," said Janis Milham, 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 pedestals to create more personal and private interactions when guests check in.  This will allow staff to move about to show guests the lobby features and provide assistance.  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 GoBoard^® technology, a 52-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 The Bistro - Eat. Drink. Connect.; offering 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 Market^TM, a 24/7 shop for snacks, beverages and sundries, is always open for late-night cravings or the toothpaste you forgot to pack.

Green has been Courtyard's signature color since Marriott launched the brand 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.

_________________________________________________________________

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.  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, including guest guided video tours of the new lobby and the latest brand information, visit http://www.gocourtyard.com/.  For reservations, go to http://www.courtyard.com/ or contact a travel professional

Click here for Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) company information.

For daily company news and information, visit http://www.marriottnewscenter.com/.

###