PRNewswire CHICAGO Nov. 13 :
Courtyard(R) by Marriott arrives in style with its newest downtown
location, at 165 E. Ontario St., just one-half block off Chicago`s famed
“Magnificent Mile.” Grand-opening day is slated for Friday, Nov. 21, just
in time for the Festival of Lights weekend. The granite and
contemporary-steel design features an Art Deco-inspired decor with
Chicago-themed artwork and contemporary furnishings. The architecturally
distinctive hotel will feature 306 guestrooms and suites with a variety of
views from its 24 floors, many overlooking Michigan Avenue. The Courtyard
by Marriott Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile is co-owned and developed by
Friedman Properties of Chicago, Ill. and White Lodging Services
Corporation of Merrillville, Ind., and managed by White Lodging Services.

Within steps of the world`s famed Michigan Avenue, the Courtyard by
Marriott Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile is offering introductory rates
starting at $109 per night through Jan. 10, 2004,* just in time for the
holiday season.

Renowned retailers located nearby include: Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus,
Marshall Field`s, Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Ralph Lauren, and Burberry. Fine
restaurants within easy walking distance include Bice, Grand Lux Cafe and
the Capital Grille. Some of Chicago`s most famous and historic attractions
are just blocks away, including the Water Tower, Navy Pier, the John
Hancock Building, and the Museum of Contemporary Art. For business
travelers, the hotel is conveniently located near the offices of major
companies, including: Northwestern Medical Campus, Accenture, Amoco, Aon,
AT&T, Boeing, IBM, KPMG, LexisNexis, Playboy Enterprises, SBC Ameritech,
and Unilever.
“Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, this stylish and
centrally-located hotel offers easy access to most everything Chicago has
to offer—fine dining, tourist attractions and the city`s best
shopping,” said Steve Ransone, general manager of Courtyard by Marriott
Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile. “Our guests will enjoy the hotel`s
contemporary design and refined amenities, as well as the superior service
they have come to expect from Courtyard.”

The polished hotel features an array of quality services and amenities,
including an indoor swimming pool, expansive state-of-the-art fitness
center, 24-hour business center, onsite parking, and Starbucks(R) coffee.
Adjacent to the hotel will be a contemporary American brasserie, Viand,
serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and room service daily, in addition to
professional on-site catering for special events and banquets.

Guestroom amenities include thick, quilted-top mattresses, comforters with
bed skirts, upgraded linens and oversized pillows. The spacious and
well-lit bathrooms have a modern residential look with granite vanities
and full-length mirrors. Console desks offer increased workspace, along
with improved task lighting and extra power outlets conveniently located
at desk level. Other in-room amenities include a coffee maker, hair dryer,
iron with ironing board, cable television with free premium movie
channels, and free high-speed internet access. Thirteen king suites
feature a separate bedroom area, two televisions, microwave and
mini-refrigerator.
The Courtyard by Marriott Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile also offers
3,700 square feet of meeting and banquet space, ideal for small to
mid-sized corporate meetings, special events and after-work functions of
up to 275 people.
Courtyard by Marriott participates in the Marriott Rewards(R) Points
program that allows its members to earn points toward hotel stays,
vacations, frequent flyer miles and more.

For more information or reservations, call the Courtyard by Marriott
Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile hotel directly at (312) 573-0800, call
the Courtyard toll-free number at 800-321-2211, contact a travel agent or
visit the web site at http://www.courtyard.com/CHIMM.

Courtyard by Marriott is the leading select-service hotel brand in the
U.S. Providing guests with a combination of casual comfort and timesaving
services, Courtyard hotels feature large functional guestrooms and are
conveniently situated where people travel. Locations range from airports
and office parks to downtown areas and recreational destinations. Several
locations feature revitalized historical buildings. Courtyard has more
than 600 hotels worldwide, including properties in the U.K., Germany and
China. Courtyard participates in the company`s award-winning Marriott
Rewards(R) frequent guest program. Members earn their choice of points
toward free vacations or frequent flyer mileage for dollars spent at more
than 2,300 Marriott hotels worldwide. * Introductory rate is subject to availability.

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT CHICAGO DOWNTOWN/MAGNIFICENT MILE is co-owned and
developed by Friedman Properties of Chicago, Ill. and White Lodging
Services Corporation of Merrillville, Ind., and will be managed by White
Lodging Services.

Established in 1985, White Lodging Services is a fully integrated hotel
ownership, development and operating company. A four-time Marriott
Partnership Circle Award winner, White Lodging Services` portfolio of more
than 86 hotels throughout the country encompasses representation of the
following Marriott International brands: Marriott; Renaissance; Residence
Inn; Courtyard; Fairfield Inn; and SpringHill Suites.

Founded in 1970, Friedman Properties, Ltd. has become one of Chicago`s
pre-eminent development, preservation, management and full-service real
estate firms. Friedman Properties and its President, Albert Friedman, own
and manage more than 50 properties featuring more than three million
square feet of leasable space. One of the largest property owners in
Chicago`s Downtown Business District, Friedman Properties` centerpiece is
the Courthouse District, one of Chicago`s most vibrant dining,
entertainment, arts, commercial and residential communities.

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. is a leading worldwide hospitality company
with over 2,600 lodging properties in the United States and 68 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 Ramada International brand names; develops and operates
vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club International,
Horizons, The Ritz-Carlton Club and Marriott Grand Residence Club brands;
operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate
housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division; and operates conference
centers. Marriott is also in the synthetic fuel business. The company is
headquartered in Washington, D.C., has approximately 128,000 employees,
and was ranked as the lodging industry`s most admired company and one of
the best places to work for by FORTUNE(R). For more information or
reservations, please visit our web site at http://www.marriott.com/.

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