Courtyard Offers Guests a Peek Back in Time

BETHESDA, Md., Aug. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Modern furniture, virtual concierge, contemporary media pods and flat screen TVs are hardly a depiction of a historic setting. Guests stepping into the newly renovated lobbies of the Courtyard properties in downtown Atlanta, Philadelphia, Omaha and Seattle would at first glance experience a very state of the art hotel lobby - but wait, dig deeper and there's more.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100217/NE56162LOGO-a )

Look a little closer and the unique architecture, from the terra cotta detailing to the marble staircase, reveal a much more exciting visit. All four Courtyard hotels are located in actual historic sites. Filled with stories at every corner, the hotels boast not only a great stay but also an interesting history lesson.

Enhance your vacation and take advantage of a complimentary private half hour tour of any of these historic buildings, led personally by the general managers or one of the hotel's executives. Just ask the front desk and begin your journey back in time.

• The brand new Courtyard Seattle Downtown Pioneer Square hotel is located in the heart of downtown Seattle's historic center with water views of Elliott Bay. A conversion of the historic 1904 Alaska Building, the Courtyard Seattle Downtown Pioneer Square hotel is in close proximity to attractions such as Qwest Field and Safeco Field.

• Courtyard Atlanta Downtown is a boutique hotel located in the historic Carnegie building.  This "flat iron" shaped twelve-story early skyscraper located at the intersection of Carnegie Way and Ellis streets in downtown Atlanta was built in 1925 and features a basement, crawlspace and entrances on all three elevations.  

• Courtyard Philadelphia Downtown was originally erected in 1926 in the stunning Beaux Arts style and is listed on the "National Register of Historic Places". This historic hotel is ideally located in the heart of Center City Philadelphia across from City Hall and within walking distance of the Financial & Historic Districts, Avenue of the Arts and other landmarks.

• Courtyard Omaha Downtown/Old Market Area hotel merges two historic buildings. The Kirschbraun and Sons Creamery building and the Anton Hospe Music Warehouse are connected to create this unique hotel in the heart of Downtown Omaha. The Kirschbraun and Sons Creamery has ornamental terra cotta detailing and an elaborate main entrance with a marble staircase. The Hospe Music Warehouse is a good example of the rectangular commercial style warehouse with its extended roof comb and fixed windows with arched openings.

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 36 countries, 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, the brand's Facebook page, or Courtyard's Twitter feed.

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SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.