Courtyard by Marriott this week celebrated an important milestone in the roll-out of its new Refreshing Business lobby concept. The new lobby design is now in place at 100 hotels in North America and is expected in nearly 300 by the end of the year.

Additional information about the new lobby, including photos and guest-guided video tours, can be found at www.gocourtyard.com, as well as the latest brand news and travel tips on the GoCourtyard Blog at www.gocourtyard.com/buzz. Photos are available on the brand’s Flickr site at http://bit.ly/apzW24.

Courtyard hotels that feature the new lobby concept have seen significant increases in guest satisfaction scores above the brand average. Guests describe the new lobby as “upscale” and “innovative.”

“The response we’ve received from our guests and owners has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Janis Milham, vice president and global brand manager, Courtyard by Marriott. “We based our design on extensive customer feedback and enlisted the San Francisco-based design firm, IDEO, to create a totally new lobby experience that makes it easy to work, plug-in, socialize and relax. We have been extremely pleased with both the customer response and financial performance of these hotels, and hope to ‘fast track’ even more in the coming months.”

The lobby’s contemporary and sophisticated new design features vivid contrasting colors including blue, green, orange and red. The traditional front desk has been replaced with separate welcome pedestals to create more personal and private interactions when guests check in. Flexible seating options range from a communal table for larger group interactions, to more private media booths with high-definition televisions, as well as a more intimate, semi-enclosed lounge area.

An element of the new lobby that is very popular with guests is the exclusive, highly interactive GoBoard Technology, a 55-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 print directions to their destination with a single touch.

Dining in Courtyard hotels has also 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, cocktails, wine and beer so guests can unwind. Coffee lovers can also enjoy freshly brewed Starbucks coffee. 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.

Guests can connect to free WiFi and there are ample electrical outlets throughout the lobby to power digital devices. The business library features several complimentary computer terminals, along with a free printer and separate computer stations dedicated solely to printing airline boarding passes and checking flight status.

There are currently more than 860 Courtyard by Marriott hotels in more than 30 countries worldwide. All Courtyard 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. To make reservations, visit www.courtyard.com, call the Courtyard toll-free number at 1-800-321-2211 or contact a travel professional.

Our statements about the number of, and particular hotels at which, we expect the new lobby to be introduced are “forward looking statements” within the meaning of federal securities laws. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those described in Marriott International, Inc.‘s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which could cause the new lobby introduction dates or locations to be different than we anticipate.

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; 200 additional Courtyard by Marriott hotels will open around the world over the next three years. 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 go to www.courtyard.com