Travel Contest – Win Two Nights at the Courtyard by Marriott

I started to sign-off my emails with “stay adventurous” when I was working as global management consultant. I had selected that profession because it afforded me the opportunity to travel and work in the world’s most dynamic cities. With those adventures, I spent many, many nights in hotels.

After ten years I knew hotel brands, developed favorites, and became a loyalty member for perks. One brand, the Courtyard by Marriott offered a reassuring tag-line at the time, ” designed by business travelers for business travelers.”  Being a business traveler, I often chose to stay there.

the new lobby

Now the Courtyard by Marriott brand is changing, improving and to raise awareness, they are offering YOU a chance for you to win 2 free nights anywhere in the Continental US (the lower 48).

What are the changes to the Courtyard by Marriott? 

The lobby. A more  modern atmosphere is emerging and providing more space to relax and unwind. Here, travelers can congregate and converse. It’s social. Also, guests will have more laptop friendly stations, loads of outlets and a giant touchscreen TV. The flat screen will enable guests to look up weather, news, and local attractions to help them plan their stay whether for business or pleasure.

the bistro

A Bistro. A new bistro serving fast casual fare provides an opportunity to obtain a made-to-order snack or meal.

I enjoyed all of  these upgrades when I stayed in a newly remodeled Courtyard earlier this year.

Where else can I see the changes?

The renovation is already in progress at many Courtyards, but if you want to sample the changes from the road, you can also view the lobby layouts in the Baltimore, Houston, and Phoenix airports. The exhibits will be open through December 16th.

the airport

Alternatively, you can check out the Courtyard by Marriott travel site.

Ok, So how can I win two nights at the Courtyard by Marriott?

Simple. Do two things to be eligible:

1) Just enter a comment below and list what you love and /or look for in a hotel lobby. Any hotel lobby.

2) And also, “like” Stay Adventurous on Facebook.

That’s Easy, How will I know if I’ve won?

The one winner will be selected at 3 pm EST on November 21st using the website www.random.org. Then he or she will be notified through Facebook.

Good Luck & Stay adventurous,

Craig

This contest is sponsored by Courtyard by Marriott through Soho Square PR.  The winner will receive 2 free nights at a Courtyard by Marriott in the Continental United States. On November 21st, I will contact the winner via email with instructions and announce it on my Facebook page. Additionally, for assisting Marriott and Soho Square, I will receive a complimentary stay and chose the Florida Keys Courtyard by Marriott in February. 

 

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  • http://www.teresajshaw.com/blog Teresa

    I look for a Starbucks or other coffee shop in a hotel lobby.

  • http://www.teresajshaw.com/blog Teresa

    I “liked” Stay Adventurous on Facebook.

    • http://www.stayadventurous.com Craig Zabransky

      thanks Teresa, don’t worry, you followed the instructions, you are entered and have a chance to win. :-) stay adventurous, Craig

  • http://WanderlustandtheGirl.com LAbackpackerChick

    I traveled all around the US for work and stayed at over a hundred different hotels. A spacious, clean lobby with a seating area is a big plus.

    The most important thing to me when I checked into a hotel, however, was the staff.

    It makes you feel good as a customer if the staff smiles and makes you feel welcome, not like a burden. Looks and design can go a long way but a smile goes even further.

  • Stacey B.

    It has to be kid friendly. Having a lounge area to go to other then your room is great. Keeps the kids happy…and mommy too.

  • Jen F.

    I look for a snack bar! Usually when I’m staying at a hotel I’m gone long hours and always need a snack when returning to my room.

  • http://gomexicoguide.com Laura

    The bistro sounds like a nice touch. I also wouldn’t mind a seating area or even a nice bar and lounge area and of course, free wifi. 😉 Enjoy your stay in Florida!

  • http://www.keppiecareers.com Miriam Salpeter, Keppie Careers

    While I have “my own” now, I like to have free wifi in the lobby. Comfortable places to sit, and a friendly staff nearby to answer questions are all useful, too!

  • http://www.1000fights.com Mike

    C By M has really comfy beds! Great place for biz travelers!

  • Barbara

    I like the lobby to be warm, open, inviting, with places to sit. A fireplace is great. I like the receptionists to be smiling! My favorite Courtyard always has cookies and apples.

  • The Chairman

    The staff has to be upbeat and happy to make you feel comfortable. I love a bowl of fruit in the reception area too. I’m always dying for something to make me feel healthy on the road.

  • http://www.eliasenvironmental.com Larry E

    Comfortable beds, clean rooms, nice TV is good, but most impotant is a friendly and attentive staff.

  • http://myviewfromthemiddleseat.com Christina S.

    I love the new, warm lobby look with comfy seating. I really value a lobby where I can take my laptop, order a cup of coffee and get some work done.

    Haven’t stayed at a C by M in years – might be time to revisit this brand!

  • Colleen C

    I love it when lobbies have fireplaces in them!

  • http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com Cristina

    Comfortable seating area, clean and pleasant decor, welcoming receptionist, accessible public restroom, free wi-fi access, complimentary coffee, tea, and the current daily newspaper available fresh every day.

  • Soo

    Clean amenities, free wi-fi, friendly staff and nice personalized welcome note adds a nice touch :)

  • FOKXXY

    I love a lobby that has a coffee shop and seating area in it.. a fireplace is a bonus too!

  • mark villanueva

    I love seeing a good coffeeshop in the lobby.

  • http://www.theworkingmomstravels.com Francesca

    I enjoy a hotel lobby that has comfortable seats, is welcoming, and has free wifi! Nearby beverage service is a plus, too :-)

  • http://www.nohelphere.com Sarah

    I’m with Francesca – wifi and comfortable seating is tops. Beverages are a huge benefit (coffee or alcoholic, depending on the time of day…)

    And I liked you on Facebook.

  • http://SpanglishBaby.com Ana L. Flores

    I love it when there´s a nice lounge area that integrates with the lobby, but is not part of it. Easy way to meet up with friends without being too far from the action. Coffee is always great, too!

    Great giveaway!

  • http://www.modernmami.com Melanie ModernMami

    Free wifi is definitely something that’s a plus in a hotel lobby. But, mostly, I enjoy a welcoming and courteous staff.

  • http://www.themexicoreport.com Susie Albin-Najera

    When I arrive in a lobby, I like it to smell clean and crisp, bright, open floor plan – a fireplace is always nice with coffee, wifi. It’s nice to be greeted or acknowledged by friendly staff, I think this is more important than anything – then offered water with lemon or something refreshing as traveling can be exhausting.

  • Silvia

    Big comfortable chairs, open spaces to fit a big group, and free wi-fi!!

    Thanks for the change to win!!!

  • Silvia

    I´m following Stay Adventurous in Facebook!!

  • http://weekendinparis.wordpress.com Priscilla

    I like lobbies that are social but not too loud. Relaxing chairs with individual tv screens so you can catch up on the news while having a bite to eat. Free Wifi a must!

  • Rob P

    I like clean hotel lobbies with no check in lines

  • Kasey

    I love when a lobby feels warm and inviting with nature incorporated throughout the space.

  • http://www.butterflydiary.com Charu

    I need a welcoming reception area, and a coffee station. If there’s a fireplace and it’s winter, that’s a BIG plus.

  • http://www.zipsetgo.com Rachel

    I like hotel lobbies with free wifi and zero check-in lines. Also friendly staff and free java!

  • https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1014131392 jim van matre

    I love a lobby with a big open space with lots of plants and comfy chairs to sit and enjoy.

  • Arun

    I would like free wifi and lots of coffee..

  • MarioTravels

    I actually stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott in Mahwah, NJ for a two-week conference recently. I was really impressed with the food quality at the bistro and the level of customer service by the general staff. I even got a chance to have tea with the GM. It’s becoming one of my favorite brands.

  • kate mayer

    A friendly staff!! And also lots of comfy seating

  • Omar Hasan

    Can’t be free. Customer service is the most important aspect.

  • http://www.twortw.com Daniel

    I’m going with Free Wi-Fi!

  • http://www.driftingfocus.com Kelsey

    A decently comfy area with chairs, a sofa, and coffee. Also, a good breakfast in the morning.

  • Jon Theriault

    A waffle maker!!

  • Maryann

    I look for clean rooms and a comfortable bed.

  • Conrad

    In the lobby I want a friendly face.

  • Mindy Sickle

    Clean, quiet lobby with free coffee/tea, TV and daily newspapers.

  • Al

    I lived out of courtyard hotels for years. My favorite. Boston Copley Place Courtyard. Free Sam Adams on Tuesdays!

  • Nicole

    I look for modern/updated/inviting decor and a decent coffee shop/snack kiosk type offering.

  • Hari

    The new features sounds exiciting. In addition friendly staff at the front desk is definitely a plus plus.

  • http://www.stayadventurous.com Craig Zabransky

    I appreciate all the entries and comments. I never realized how many people love a lobby with fireplace. I wonder if the time of year / season has anything to do with that.

    But, in the series of giving thanks, I want to thank all of you for participating in the contest Thank You. And also I’d like to congratulate Stacey B for winning the two free nights, hopefully you select one that is “kid friendly.”

    As for everyone else, this is just the first contest, there will be others… so stay tuned, and also feel free to return here when you need inspiration to stay adventurous in life. Of course, the an email or RSS subscription is available (for free too)

    stay adventurous, Craig

  • http://twitter.com/slstaffo Stephiie.❤

    I look for a friendly and knowledgable staff, who will let me know any specials or promotions going on! As well as a staff who knows the surrounding area :)

  • http://www.courtyardcarolinabeach.com/ courtyard marriott carolina be

    nice article……