Lobby evolution: the new style at Courtyard by Marriott

Connectivity: an in-airport sample of the Lobby Zone at the Courtyard by Marriott Chicago O’Hare.

By Mark Chesnut

Travel isn’t what it used to be, and neither are hotel lobbies. Among the latest examples of the evolution of lobby design is Courtyard by Marriott, which has introduced a new concept for its public spaces, in what the company says is a reflection of changes in how people want to experience hotels.

The goal, according to Marriott International, is to create a more inviting ambiance that encourages guests to spend time, stay connected and socialize, whether they are traveling for business or pleasure. Among the new features at Courtyard by Marriott are more outlets for laptops as well as a new Bistro that provides casual food and beverage service — a nod to today’s fast-paced travel lifestyle that allows for less time to spend in formal restaurants. According to the company, the changehas resulted in double-digit gains in sales over Courtyard’s previous food and beverage options.

Courtyard has also introduced GoBoard 4.0, a “virtual concierge” — actually a giant touch-screen TV — that allows travelers to look up information about flights, local attractions, weather and news.

In November, Courtyard by Marriott unveiled a new prototype for its European design model, along with plans to grow the brand across that continent. To keep with local design and architectural preferences, the European model is based on a 170-room, six-level hotel prototype with décor featuring lots of deep blue and green tones. The first two hotels to debut the new design will be the 194-room Courtyard by Marriott Aberdeen and the 230-room Courtyard by Marriott Cologne, both of which are scheduled to open in 2013.

Among the brand’s newest hotels is the 204-room Courtyard by Marriott Doha City Center, in Qatar, as part of a trio of new Marriott properties that includes the Renaissance Doha City Center and the Marriott Executive Apartments Doha City Center.

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Mark Chesnut is a travel writer, editor and publisher of LatinFlyer.com, which focuses on travel to Latin America. He loves hotels that have free WiFi.

Tagged: Europe, Hotels, Midwest