Marriott Courtyard Opens In Wichita Falls, Texas

BETHESDA, MD - DECEMBER 18, 2009 -Courtyard by Marriott is rolling out its new lobby and room design in Wichita Falls, Texas. This is the first Courtyard in the area featuring the "refreshing business" makeover. The 93-room Courtyard Wichita Falls is scheduled to open this Friday, December 18, 2009. Located at 3800 Tarry Street, the hotel will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by Image Hospitality, LLC.

Located nine miles from the Wichita Falls Municipal Airport, the Courtyard Wichita Falls offers guests convenient access to Midwestern State University, Castaway Cove Waterpark, Lake Arrowhead State Park and the Wichita Falls Museum & Arts Center.

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" has 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 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 Courtyard GoBoardTM, 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 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.

The Courtyard Wichita Falls 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

The four-story hotel features the Bistro restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, a swimming pool with whirlpool spa, 2,067 square feet of meeting space, fitness center, guest laundry and business center.