Marriott International, Inc. has announced that the 146-room Courtyard by Marriott located at 1815 Front St. near Duke University and Duke Medical Center in Durham, NC has completed a major renovation. The hotel now features the brand’s new Refreshing Business lobby concept, designed to give travellers the flexibility to work and socialise however they choose while on the road, plus a new Fitness Center and updated meeting space.The open, bright and contemporary new Courtyard hotel lobby welcomes guests with vivid contrasting colours, including blue, green, orange and red. The traditional front desk is replaced with separate welcome pedestals to create more personal and private interactions when guests check in. This will allow staff to move about to show guests the lobby features and provide assistance. Flexible seating options range from a communal table in the middle of the action, to more private media booths with high-definition televisions, to a more intimate, semi-enclosed lounge area.
A signature element of the new lobby is the exclusive GoBoard® technology, a 52-inch LCD touch screen packed with local information, maps, weather and news, business and sports headlines. Guests can navigate using the touch screen to find restaurants, local attractions and directions.
Guests can connect to free WiFi and there are ample electrical outlets throughout the lobby to power digital devices. The enlarged business library features several complimentary computer terminals along with a free printer and separate computer stations dedicated to printing airline boarding passes and checking flight status.
In addition, dining has been completely redesigned with The Bistro – Eat. Drink. Connect.; offering casual, flexible seating; easier access to food and higher quality, healthier menu options for breakfast; and light evening fare, including snacks, wine and beer so guests can unwind. The MarketTM, a 24/7 shop for snacks, beverages and sundries, is always open for late-night cravings or the toothpaste you forgot to pack.
The hotel also features updated meeting space with two spacious meeting rooms plus an outdoor sitting area. A new Fitness Center with high tech cardio equipment, outdoor pool and whirlpool are available. There is complimentary transportation to and from Duke University and Duke Medical Center hourly, Monday through Friday.
