Bethesda, Md. – February 23, 2011– Courtyard by Marriott is rolling out its new lobby and room design in York, Pennsylvania.  This is the first Courtyard in the area featuring the “refreshing business” makeover and the first Marriott property in York.  The 103-room Courtyard York is scheduled to open this March.  Located at 2799 Concord Road, the hotel will operate as a Marriott franchise, managed by Keystone Hotel Management.

Whether traveling for business or pleasure, the Courtyard York offers guests convenient access to the Wolfgang Candy Factory, Harley Davidson Factory, Hollywood Casinos, Ski Roundtop, State Capital, Gettysburg and York Revolution Baseball.

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 four-story hotel features The Bistro restaurant offering breakfast and dinner menu, an indoor swimming pool with whirlpool spa, fitness center, guest laundry, business center and The MarketÔ, a 24/7 shop for snacks and beverages.  The hotel also offers 924 square feet of meeting space with audiovisual service available.

For more information or reservations, call the Courtyard York hotel directly at 717-840-7840, call the Courtyard toll-free number at 800-321-2211 or visit the web site www.marriott.com/haryk.

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 nearly 900 locations in 34 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 about the new lobby and the latest brand news, visit www.courtyard.com, the Courtyard Connections blog, the brand’s Facebook page, Courtyard’s Twitter feed.

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