Party Around The World With Courtyard by Marriott

BETHESDA, Md., Oct. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Courtyard, the brand that forever changed the hotel industry by pioneering the upper moderate tier of the hospitality industry in 1983, celebrates turning 30, with nearly 1,000 hotels in 38 countries and more than 30,000 associates.  The largest brand by number of hotels in the Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) portfolio, Courtyard is embracing its leadership role and celebrating its heritage with guests and customers across the world at five spectacular events in Hong Kong, Doha, Berlin, Mexico City and Atlanta.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131015/PH97044LOGO )

"Launching the Courtyard brand was our biggest risk and also our biggest reward," said Bill Marriott, Marriott International's Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board.  "I'm so proud of what Courtyard has become but even more proud of where it is taking our industry."

Courtyard's continued growth and success is attributed to its understanding of business travelers. Through three decades, it has responded to the evolving needs of this important group of guests and continues to do so with its Courtyard Refreshing Business repositioning and its newly introduced Cynergy room design.

"Thirty years ago, our hotels catered to guests who were all about work and more work. We have innovated steadily to meet our guests' changing needs and their desire for more options and flexibility during their stay. The response has been significant," he added.

Courtyard's entrepreneurial spirit has kept it at the forefront of innovation through the last three decades. It was the first brand to launch a digital lobby concierge, namely the GoBoards® as well as the first in the hospitality industry to offer calorie counts in its Bistro. Global expansion has led the brand to develop international prototype rooms and design directions in four regions. This has allowed the brand to maintain its relevancy as well as to ensure efficient business models for its owners.

"Courtyard continues to lead and define the segment year after year. We understood what our guests wanted 30 years ago and we understand them now," said Janis Milham, senior vice president, Marriott Modern Essentials and Extended Stay Brands. "We are committed to being the segment leader for the future and continue to break new ground to meet the needs of the next generation of guests."

According to Milham, significant growth for Courtyard lies abroad, and the brand will continue to design and operate hotels that appeal culturally to regional guests. Courtyard recently opened in Riyadh, Mexico City and Aberdeen and expects its first hotel in Brazil to open in 2014 and in Africa in 2015. 

To mark the milestone occasion, Courtyard is hosting a rolling global anniversary party, with major guest and customer events in Hong Kong, Doha, Berlin, Mexico City and Atlanta, the location of the first Courtyard. In addition, at more than 800 hotels in North America, the first 30 guests checking in at a Courtyard will receive commemorative Courtyard t-shirts.  In social media, those who celebrate the same birthday as Courtyard will also receive a surprise gift. During this momentous occasion for the brand, more than 30,000 associates will also be celebrating internally with cakes, balloons and other festivities. Follow hashtag #Courtyard30 to join in the global event.

The Courtyard by Marriott brand features hotels with a refreshing environment that helps guests stay connected, productive and balanced while traveling.  Intuitive services and design accommodate guests' desire for choice and control and allow them to use the public space and guest rooms to meet all of their needs while on the road. With nearly 1,000 locations in 38 countries, Courtyard has more locations than any other Marriott International brand. For more information about the brand, visit www.courtyard.com.

Click here for Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) company information.

NOTE: The statements about the number and opening dates for Courtyard hotels abroad are "forward looking statements" within the meaning of federal securities laws, not historical facts, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including supply and demand changes for hotel rooms; competitive conditions in the lodging industry; relationships with clients and property owners; the availability of capital to finance hotel growth; and other risk factors identified in Marriott International, Inc.'s most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q; any of which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by our statements. These statements are made as of the date of this press release, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.