Atlanta, Georgia – January 28, 2011 – Hotel Equities (www.hotelequities.com) recently celebrated the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for the 102-room Courtyard by Marriott in McDonough, Georgia.  Located at 115 Mill Street, the Courtyard-McDonough will operate as a Marriott franchise, managed by Atlanta-based Hotel Equities.  
 
This four-story hotel is the first Courtyard in the area to boast the “refreshing business” decor featuring the new lobby and room design. Richard Welch heads the staff as the hotel’s General Manager assisted by Casey Robinson as Hotel Manager and Crystal Turnipseed as Director of Sales.
 
Glenn Lewis, Regional Vice President CFRST Franchise Lodging, represented Marriott International at the event and helped to cut the ceremonial ribbon.
 
Hotel Equities welcomed local dignitaries including Roger Nix, Director of Membership, Henry Co. Chamber of Commerce; Billy Copeland, Mayor of McDonough; Fred Auletta, McDonough Commissioner for District 2; and Elizabeth “BJ” Mathis, McDonough Commission Chairman.
 
“We are pleased with the community’s warm reception to open our company’s second Courtyard hotel in Atlanta, our hometown,” said Tamara Markham, Vice President of Operations for Hotel Equities.  “Our experienced management team leads an excellent staff.  They deliver our brand of award-winning hospitality to both business and leisure guests.”
 
Located just south of downtown Atlanta, just west of I-75, and 25 miles from the Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the Courtyard-McDonough offers guests convenient access to the Atlanta Motor Speedway, Heritage Park and the Cubihatcha Outdoor Center.  
 
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.  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 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.  The MarketTM, a 24/7 shop for snacks, beverages and sundries, is 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.
 
In addition to the Bistro, the on-site restaurant and bar, other hotel amenities include an indoor swimming pool with whirlpool spa, roomy fitness center, guest laundry and business center.

About Hotel Equities
Hotel Equities (www.hotelequities.com) is an Atlanta-based full-scale hotel management, development and consulting firm. Frederick W. Cerrone, CHA, serves as President and CEO.  HE presently has 46 properties in its portfolio. For more information, visit www.hotelequities.com