Bethesda, Md. – September 14, 2011– Courtyard by Marriott is rolling out its new lobby and room design in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  This is the first Courtyard in the area featuring the “refreshing business” makeover and the first Courtyard hotel in the Milwaukee Airport area.  The 120-room Courtyard Milwaukee Airport is scheduled to open in December.  Located at 4620 South Fifth Street, the hotel will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by GMF Hotel LLC and managed by Hospitality Specialists Inc. of Jacksonville, Illinois.

Located less than one mile from the General Mitchell International Airport and 10 minutes from downtown Milwaukee, the Courtyard Milwaukee Airport offers guests convenient access to the Summer Fest Grounds, Miller Park, the Bradley Center and the Harley Davidson Museum.  Rates begin at $149 per night.

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.courtyard.com

“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.

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.

The four-story hotel features The Bistro restaurant serving breakfast, dinner and proudly brews StarbucksÒ beverages all day, an indoor swimming pool with whirlpool spa, an outdoor patio with fire pit, fitness center, guest laundry, business center and The MarketTM, a 24/7 shop for snacks, beverages and sundries.  The hotel also offers 1,000 square feet of meeting space to accommodate small meetings and functions of up to 100 people.

For more information call the Courtyard Milwaukee Airport hotel directly at 414-747-4405, visit the hotel’s Facebook page or contact the General Manager at [email protected], for reservations call the Courtyard toll-free number at 800-847-5075, contact a travel agent or visit the web site at www.courtyard.com/mkecy.

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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