Bill Marriott, chairman and CEO of Marriott International, praised the use of space at the new Courtyard Newport News (Va.) Airport hotel, which hosted the brand’s 25th anniversary celebration. The hotel showcases the brand's new lobby and exterior design and refreshed guestroom design. Marriott said he never imagined when the first Courtyard opened that there would be 800 hotels to follow.
When asked about the timing of the redesign, Marriott said, “If you need the opportunity to drive rate, this will give it to you.”
Research found that guests would pay a $10-$15 premium for hotels with the new lobby, said Brian King, VP, global brand manager for Courtyard by Marriott. “We've seen a 27 percent lift in intent to recommend and intent to return scores from our customers."
King hopes to have 500 properties with the new lobby or elements of it by 2011. Courtyard worked closely with its franchise advisory board on the new design. “We’re not just going to throw things out there and say, ‘Do it,'” he said. “What makes this manageable is that it is a kit of parts. Regardless of footprint, we can get the concept in there.”
A new interior design package for guestrooms has a global inspiration that aims to be modern, warm and approachable. Tubs have been taken out of plans for most bathrooms in favor of glass showers. Cost per key will remain about $87,000.
Dilip Desai, senior managing partner for LTD Management Co., which owns and operates the Newport News property, said during his seven years on the Courtyard FAC, Marriott and the owners give and take. “That’s what I like about Marriott. We are the owners and they are listening to us,” he said.
Marriott International will open 30,000 rooms this year and has another 30,000 in the pipeline for 2009. The majority of them already are financed, Marriott said. “We’re good through ’09, and hopefully things [with the economy] will start to turn around by then,” he said.
For a Marriott video of the anniversary event, click here.
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