Win Two Nights at a Courtyard by Marriott
Courtyard by Marriott has been redesigning their lobbies around the county. I recently got a chance to visit an updated Courtyard, and the changes were very welcoming. The first thing you’ll notice is a large interactive touchscreen where you can learn about the weather, news, and attractions around town. The seating and decor are all updated and inviting. Outlets for my laptop were easy to come by, and a casual fare Bistro had taken over the space previously occupied by the breakfast nook.
I no longer felt the need to just retire to the room as soon as I got back to my hotel!
I wasn’t done with my Marriott experience yet. Flying out of Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental airport (Terminal E), I got to experience Courtyard Marriott’s new Airport Lobby Zone. What they are doing is giving business travelers their new Lobby experience in the middle of a busy terminal. Comfortable seating and a few outlets let me recharge (my body and my laptop) before flying out. Outside of Houston, the Airport Lobby Zones are also in Phoenix and Baltimore through December .
To celebrate the Courtyard Lobby redesign and the Airport Lobby Zones, Marriott is giving away two free nights to any continental U.S. Courtyard! This contest is open just to Smart Women Travelers and our blog (Pearls of Travel Wisdom) readers, and it’s really easy to enter.
- Post a comment below and tell us what you look for most in a hotel lobby.
- “Like” Smart Women Traveler’s on Facebook.
I also came across this interesting video on Marriott’s design process if you’d like to see a little behind the scenes on how they put together the new lobbies.
Courtyard by Marriott has offered these nights for the contest. They’ve invited me back for a complimentary stay, as well. Maybe I’ll see you in the lobby!
To receive a free copy of our ebook, 70 Secrets to Safe Travel — Because Your Life Can Change in a Heartbeat, and for more travel savvy info to help you travel smarter, safer and with more enjoyment, visit SmartWomenTravelers.com and PearlsofTravelWisdom.com. Watch for my new book, Business Travel Success – How to Reduce Stress, Be More Productive and Travel with Confidence, being published by Morgan James in 2011.
In a great hotel lobby:
Accessible, friendly, helpful desk personnel
Comfortable seats for a couple of friends and me hat don’t feel like they’re in the middle of everything or like I’m in a social circle with strangers who take a seat nearby.
A free cup of coffee with real cream.
A place to sit inside that lets me watch for friends arriving outside.
An easy place to plug in my phone
Oh I’m so with you, Noel! Especially with the cup of coffee with real cream!
I like a spot to sit where I don’t feel like I’m in the middle of a sidewalk.
HOT coffee is always a plus
I look for a modern, luxurious design – but still comfortable. I love it when lobbies have a great aroma – like Live Aqua Cancun. I love high ceilings and an easily accessable bar/lounge area. The lighting should soft and somewhat dim, to exude a sense of relaxation.
Do you have to do BOTH 1 & 2 in order to enter? Not everyone does FB.
Clearly marked front desk with helpful personnel.
Place to sit while waiting for friends.
I love a good fireplace.
Thanks, Sharon! I’ve clarified the rules. Now, a comment is mandatory and Facebook is optional. However, liking us on Facebook does give you another chance to win.
Because I’m often working, I look for a work-friendly hotel lobby: comfortable chairs with access to tables (bonus points for proper cubicles or desks) so I’m not sinking into a sofa and dropping my laptop; a quiet space where I can take a conference call if needed; electric outlets; and good, fast, reliable wifi (which is better if it’s free but I’m happy to just be able to bill it to my room if I’ve not checked in yet). Somewhere to grab a coffee or soda or cookie and a place to throw my trash. My first experience with the new Courtyard lobby concept was in New Orleans and I must say, I was quite impressed. Even though there were several couples and groups relaxing and socializing, I was able to work for a solid 3 hours without feeling interrupted or hassled!
I like a hotel lobby with a clear path to check-in, a separate concierge desk, comfortable seating, good lighting and above all – to be immaculately clean. I also enjoy a table with light complimentary refreshments.
I look for free WiFi and a relaxing space to hang out.
Liked you on FB. Great page. Wish I had seen the Delta offer earlier.
Comfy couches, no-password required wi-fi access, plentiful laptop outlets, and a friendly reception desk would make me a happy lobby camper!
i like marriott
In a hotel lobby I wan free WiFi, comfortable seating for people watching, and coffee!
I’d like a welcoming lobby area. This includes adequate space with check-in lines to handle reservations, and a waiting/sofa area for other guests (whether waiting to be checked-in or for transportation needs). Lights should be adequately lit, and the lobby should have a neat and presentable look. Wifi and computer stations are totally optional (not a big deal to me).
I love a nice comfy couch and access to a beverage (coffee, soft drink, alcoholic….anything will do)
Comfortable seating areas, with a bit of privacy. Free wifi. Good coffee.
As a full-time traveler I always look for a comfortable space with outlets for charging the electronics, free wifi, and hot coffee with real cream. I like to be able to put my feet up when working so I look for that option, too. An option for specialty beers or a glass of wine after a long day of traveling are also nice for unwinding.
My favorite are automatic doors, so luggage, bags and comptuer is not a burden. Also love a sunny open lobby , fresh air and a welcoming staff.
Love a place to grab a quick bite to eat, at least a “Pantry” mini store. I second the desire for a good specialty beer!
Mostly I look for attractive decor and plenty of comfortable seating in a hotel lobby
A good lobby must have comfortable seating – that is not in the middle of traffic flow, wifi that actually works, a “store” for snacks, etc and a nice, relaxed, friendly vibe!!
I’m a big fan of a comfortable feeling lobby..one with outlets to charge my phone or laptop..complimentary beverages aren’t necessary, but appreciated
I like a lobby that is large and open with lot of windows, but with distinct areas for 1.) check-in/concierge 2.)social gathering 3.) working. WIFI is a must and plugs for charging accessories and computers are great too. An area to purchase a variety of small food & drink along with complimentary standard coffee and water. Tile for the walkways and carpet in the gathering areas to eliminate some of the noise.
I look for:
-great atmosphere (clean, nice furniture, comfortable, modern decor)
-friendly personnel (they make the first impression after all)
-WiFi
-Food source (maybe a restaurant, snack bar, bar, or coffee shop)
Fun article!
In a lobby I like a quiet area to sit comfortably. So plenty of seating areas is my one thing. I often have to wait for other guests to go out to dinner or to drive to the airport etc so hate having to stand around. I also like to have easy access free wifi in the lobby.
FB fan Sidney Cook
free WiFi and a couch that is NOT facing the front door and a small refreshment area with something besides coffee ( not a coffee/tea drinker)
Free wi fi is key. Soft but modern lighting is also attractive. Overall, just a nice place to gather with old friends or a place to meet new ones
Free Wi Fi .Small desks in a cozy area away from the door. Chairs instead of couches. Plenty of outlets near chairs, and free decaf coffee and regular coffee with 1/2 &1/2, no powder creamer.
I love a large open lobby with comfortable seating where guests are welcome to sit, chat and peoplewatch – a fun hobby! Not all traveling is done for business!
I’m normally scouting for our small group tours when checking out hotels, so top priority then is a cozy, welcoming and classy place to gather… not just two chairs on a landing as in a DC luxury hotel where Kirk and I recently stayed.
For personal stays, free, easily accessed internet (and a plentiful supply of wall outlets to plug in), a comfortable place to sit and talk, a warm and welcoming ambiance.
- Friendly, helpful desk staff
- Fine coffee that’s yes, HOT!
- Outlets easily situated near comfy chairs with clear views of arriving folks.
- Light & airy design & decor
- Sense of happiness & contentment & commitment to service exuded by all staff!
I appreciate automatic doors, an Elite check-in desk, and enough check-in agents so that I don’t have to wait in a long line.
A great lobby would be set up to see easily where the direction of everything is: the elevator, exercise room, cafe/restaurant and other amenities. I would also want to walk into a lobby and feel “at home” .
Lobby – it’s the first opportunity a property has to make me feel welcome. What I look for in a lobby is the overall “feel” it gives me. Any lobby that comes across as well-cared-for makes me feel as if I can expect the same on a personal level. It’s the ability to bring together the basics in a lobby (comfortable seating, coffee, wi-fi, easy-to-access local information) with that added welcoming vibe that makes me feel at home.
A lobby area that’s well lit, easily accessible with free wi-fi, coffee, tea and water.
I like a hotel lobby that is fully staffed so that you don’t have to wait in line to check in. WiFi, coffee, fruit, fireplace and comfy chairs all make the experience pleasant.
To be greeted by friendly & helpful personnel – an open & airy lobby with plenty of comfortable seating & free coffee & tea. I also like to see a lobby decorated with live plants or flowers.
Comfortable, bright seating areas with power ports and access to a cocktail in the evening.
I’ve experienced Courtyard by Marriott’s lobby, and it’s great. I love the “smart board” that you can find local attractions and restaurants on.
They also have nice comfortable furniture, some of which is in line of sight with the door so you can see if the person picking you up is waiting.
In a hotel lobby I loove to see:
*excellent customer service above anything else
*water or other refreshments upon arrival (necessary after traveling!)
*a cozy seating area with books/magazines to relax if there’s a wait
*easily accessible restroom lounges (also necessary after traveling!)
*wifi
* knowledgeable concierge w/brochures for local activities and day trips
Nice. warm lighting and comfy seating. An area for Coffee/tea/water/hot apple cider would be a plus.
I love a hotel lobby with free wi fi and lots of comfy chairs!
Thanks for your entry into the Marriott Courtyard 2-night giveaway. The contest is now ended and a winner will be announced soon.
In a great Lobby, I appreciate…a friendly welcome, someone who opens the door, seeing guests mingling around, wood paneling, clean floors. We stayed at the Marriot Newark Airport on Thanksgiving Night. When we entered, there were two full high school marching bands there, (they had performed in the Macy’s parade). It was loud and bustling but wonderfully alive!