News for the Hospitality Executive |
Mankato,
Minnesota –
September 19, 2012 – Courtyard by Marriott is rolling out its
innovative lobby
and room design in Mankato, Minnesota. This is the first Courtyard in
the area
featuring the Refreshing Business lobby environment, where guests can
enjoy an
open and flexible space. Along with media pods, Wi-Fi and a variety of
seating
zones, the redefined space is ideal for everything from pop-up meetings
to
social gatherings.
The hotel will be the first LEED certified hotel in Minnesota. LEED or “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design” promotes sustainable design that makes a positive impact on public health and the environment. The hotel will feature over 190 made-in-Minnesota solar panels and incorporates a number of cutting edge, sustainable design features. The hotel will also have significant event space with a large ballroom, an enhanced outdoor courtyard, and the capacity to host events, meetings and weddings of up to 400 attendees. Scheduled to open on Tuesday, October 2, 2012, the 93-room Courtyard Mankato also offers a refreshing and stylish room design that helps guests stay connected, productive and comfortable. Thoughtfully planned, each room features plush bedding, a functional work space, spacious bathrooms, a separate seating area and complimentary in-room high-speed Internet. Located at 901 Raintree Road, the hotel will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by Raintree Hospitality, LLC. Five minutes from downtown and 10 minutes from the Mankato Regional Airport, the Courtyard Mankato offers guests convenient access to the Verizon Wireless Center and Minnesota State University. Courtyard by Marriott understands business travelers, and through extensive research, the brand continues to evolve to meet guests’ changing needs. Combining innovative technology with style and comfort, the adaptable lobby space offers options so guests can make the most of their time on the road. “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 and 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. The Courtyard lobby invites guests to get out of their rooms to work, socialize or be entertained, whether traveling alone or with colleagues.” The open, bright and contemporary 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 and allow staff 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. Dining has also 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, cocktails, wine and beer so guests can unwind. Coffee lovers can also enjoy freshly brewed Starbucks coffee. The MarketTM, a 24/7 shop for snacks, beverages and sundries, is always open for late-night cravings or the toothpaste guests may have forgotten to pack. A key component of the Courtyard lobby is the newly enhanced GoBoard® 4.0, which presents local information, maps, weather, and headline news on a 55-inch LCD touch screen. Designed with today’s busy traveler in mind, the award-winning GoBoard® features mobile integration, enabling guests to send directions from the GoBoard® directly to their smart phones. Guests can also touch the screen for immediate access to detailed flight information for local airports, popular entertainment and local event information, as well as walking directions. Throughout the hotel, guests can connect to free Wi-Fi, and there are ample electrical outlets in the lobby to power digital devices. The business library features several complimentary computer terminals, along with a free printer and separate computer stations dedicated solely to printing airline boarding passes and checking flight status. 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 are conveniently located by side exits. The three-story hotel features an evening bar, an indoor swimming pool with whirlpool spa, fitness center, an enhanced outdoor courtyard with fire pit and guest laundry. For more information or reservations, call the Courtyard Mankato hotel directly at 507-388-1234, call the Courtyard toll-free number at 800-321-2211 or visit www.courtyardmankato.com. 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 more than 900 locations in 38 countries and territories, 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, go to www.courtyard.com. Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) for company information. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. |
Contact: Nina Herrera-Davila Marriott International (301) 380-2691 [email protected] Preston Lougheed General Manager Courtyard Mankato 507-388-1234 |