Marriott Courtyards Getting a Makeover

Last week, it was Motel 6. This week: Courtyard by Marriott.

The Marriott chain, aimed at business travelers for the past 25 years, is now courting younger, tech-savvy guests, USA Today reports. Many of the changes are designed to breathe life into Courtyard lobbies, as chains such as Hyatt Place and Wyndham are already attempting.

Among the Courtyard lobby changes: An espresso bar that transforms into a cocktail bar at night. Free Wi-Fi (the article doesn't state if Wi-Fi will be free in all guest rooms). More lobby power outlets. Large, semicircular booths with built-in, flat-screen TVs. Computers reserved for printing airline boarding passes.

The question I have: When you're traveling on business, would you want to hang out in your hotel lobby--especially if it's well equipped with Wi-Fi, power plugs, and cocktails? Or would you rather crash in your room?

And is this a generational thing? Are 20- and 30-somethings more apt to socialize in the hotel lobby--even a Courtyard by Marriott lobby--while the rest of us retreat to our rooms for a little quiet time?

Comments

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I'm 28, and no I don't want to hang in the lobby either. I'd much rather crash in my room 90% of the time.