Marriott Opens Courtyard in Tyler, Texas

BETHESDA, MD. - June 29, 2010- Courtyard by Marriott is rolling out its new lobby and room design in Tyler, Texas.  This is the first Courtyard in the area featuring the "refreshing business" makeover. The 121-room Courtyard Tyler is scheduled to open this Thursday, July 1, 2010. Located at 7424 South Broadway Avenue, the hotel will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by Image Hospitality, LLC.

Whether traveling for business or pleasure, the Courtyard Tyler offers guests convenient access to the Tyler Rose Garden, historical Azalea District, Tyler Junior College, the University of Texas at Tyler, the Caldwell Zoo and downtown Tyler.

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 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 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 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.

The four-story hotel features the Bistro restaurant, serving breakfast and dinner, Starbuck's coffee, an indoor swimming pool with whirlpool spa, five meeting rooms, fitness center, guest laundry and business center.

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 www.gocourtyard.com.  For reservations, go to www.courtyard.com or contact a travel professional.

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