BETHESDA, MD— Marriott International has unveiled a new prototype for its upper select service SpringHill Suites brand intended to compete with such new lodging brands as Aloft and Hyatt Place. SpringHill currently has 155 hotels open in the U.S. and Canada and another 140 in development. Hotels with elements of the new design will open late this year with the first hotel with the complete package opening in 2008. By the end of 2009, 75% of SpringHills distribution should include most or all of the key design features. Those features include expanded fitness areas with a swimming pool, outdoor terraces, guestrooms with flat panel, high-definition televisions, and bathrooms with separate glass-enclosed shower areas.
