Oxford, Alabama – January 4, 2012 – Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) announced that the 92-room Courtyard by Marriott located at 289 Colonial Drive in Oxford, Alabama has completed a major renovation of its lobby. The hotel now features the brand’s new Refreshing Business lobby concept, designed to give travelers the flexibility to work and socialize however they choose while on the road. The hotel operates as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by Purohit Hotel Group.
 
Whether traveling for business or pleasure, the Courtyard Anniston Oxford offers guests convenient access to Talladega Superspeedway, Cheaha State Park and Silver Lakes – a Robert Trent Jones Golf Course.

“From day one, Courtyard has prided itself as a brand that listens to what 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.  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 52-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 that proudly brews StarbucksÒ beverages, an indoor swimming pool with whirlpool spa, fitness center, guest laundry, business center and The MarketTM, a 24/7 shop for snacks and beverages.  The hotel also offers three meeting rooms with a combined 1,210 square feet of meeting space to accommodate small meetings and functions of up to 80 people.
 
For more information or reservations, call the Courtyard Anniston Oxford hotel directly at 256-831-7995, call the Courtyard toll-free number at 800-321-2211 or visit the web site www.marriott.com/bhmaa.

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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