Bethesda, Md. – July 5, 2012 – Courtyard by Marriott is rolling out its new lobby and room design in Houston, Texas.  This is the latest Courtyard in the area featuring the “refreshing business” makeover.  The 124-room Courtyard Houston NASA/Nassau Bay is scheduled to open on Tuesday, July 17, 2012.  Located at 18100 Saturn Lane, the hotel will operate as a Marriott franchise, managed by LBA Hospitality of Dothan, AL.

Located across from NASA’s Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston and 16 miles from the William P. Hobby Airport, the Courtyard Houston NASA/Nassau Bay offers guests convenient access to Nassau Bay Town Square, Nassau Bay City Hall and the Clear Lake recreation area, which is the third largest pleasure boat basin in the United States.  The Kemah Boardwalk, Galveston Bay, San Jacinto Monument and Battleship Texas are other top attractions in close proximity to the hotel as well.

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.

Courtyard guest rooms feature either a king-size bed or two queen-size beds, a seating area with sofa bed and a large, well-lit work desk.  The Courtyard Houston NASA/Nassau Bay features nine in-line suites and two extended suites with a king-size bed, refrigerator and microwave oven.  Other in-room amenities include coffee maker, hair dryer and iron with ironing board.

The four-story hotel features The Bistro restaurant serving breakfast and dinner, an outdoor swimming pool and splash pad, fitness center, guest laundry and business center.  The hotel also has The MarketTM, a 24/7 shop for snacks, beverages and sundries and 6,000 square feet of meeting space to accommodate meetings and functions of up to 100 people.

For more information or reservations, call the Courtyard Houston NASA/Nassau Bay hotel directly at 281-333-0220, the Courtyard toll-free number at 800-321-2211 or visit www.marriott.com/houcs.

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 910 locations in 38 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, and the brand’s Facebook page and Twitter feed.

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