ODESSA, TX—Courtyard by Marriott is rolling out its new lobby and room design here. This is the latest Courtyard featuring the Refreshing Business lobby environment, which features an open and flexible space. Along with media pods, WiFi and a variety of seating zones, the redefined space is designed for such things as pop-up meetings or social gatherings.
Scheduled to open next week, the 100-room Courtyard Odessa also offers a room design that helps guests stay connected, productive and comfortable with features such as plush bedding, a functional work space, spacious bathrooms, a separate seating area and complimentary in-room high-speed Internet, according to the brand.
Located at 7241 Tres Hermanas Blvd., the hotel will operate as a Marriott franchise, developed by Western International and owned and managed by MCR Development, LLC. The Courtyard Odessa offers guests access to University of Texas of the Permian Basin, Ector County Coliseum and Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center.
“From day one, Courtyard has prided itself as a brand that listens to what business travelers want from a hotel,” stated Janis Milham, VP and global brand manager, Courtyard. “Guests want more control and choice with services and amenities that create a healthy balance between working and relaxing. The Courtyard lobby invites guests to get out of their rooms to work, socialize or be entertained, whether traveling alone or with colleagues.”
The open and contemporary lobby features vivid, contrasting colors, including blue, green, orange and red. The traditional front desk is replaced with separate welcome pedestals designed to create more personal and private interactions when guests check in and allow staff 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.
Dining has also 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, cocktails, wine and beer. Freshly brewed Starbucks coffee is also offered. The Market is a 24/7 shop for snacks, beverages and sundries.
A key component of the Courtyard lobby is the newly enhanced GoBoard, which presents local information, maps, weather, and headline news on a 55-in. LCD touch screen. Designed with today’s busy traveler in mind, the GoBoard features mobile integration, enabling guests to send directions from the GoBoard directly to their smartphones. Guests can also touch the screen for immediate access to detailed flight information for local airports, popular entertainment and local event information, as well as walking directions.
Throughout the hotel, guests can connect to complimentary WiFi, and there are many electrical outlets in the lobby to power digital devices. The business library features several computer terminals, along with a printer and separate computer stations dedicated solely to printing airline boarding passes and checking flight status.
Additionally, Courtyard has introduced a guest recycling program. Receptacles for paper, glass, plastic and metal are located by side exits.
The three-story hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, an outdoor fireplace with sitting area, a fitness center featuring Precor equipment with cardio theater televisions and guest laundry, and offers 770 sq. ft. of meeting space to accommodate functions of up to 100 people.