Courtyard by Marriott in Chicago Completes Lobby Renovation
New Design Features High Tech GoBoard®, Flexible Work and Social Spaces and a 24/7 Food and Beverage Market
Merrillville, IN - March 16, 2012 - White Lodging Services, one of the lodging industry's leading owner/developer/manager is pleased to announce it has completed the renovation to the 85-room Courtyard by Marriott located at 7730 Corinne Drive in Hammond, IN. has completed a major renovation of its lobby and meeting facilities The hotel, owned by RLJ Lodging Trust, now features the brand's new Refreshing Business lobby concept, designed to give travelers the flexibility to work and socialize however they choose while on the road.
“From day one, Courtyard has prided itself as a brand that listens to what travelers want from a hotel,” said Janis Milham, vice president, Global Brand Manager, Courtyard by Marriott. “Guests want more control and choice with services and amenities that create a healthy balance between working and relaxing. We redefined the Courtyard lobby so it invites guests to get out of their rooms to work, socialize or for entertainment, whether traveling alone or with colleagues.”
Located near The Venue at Horseshoe Casino, the hotel makes a great stop after a star-filled night of entertainment. The hotel is also only 29 miles from downtown Chicago's Magnificent Mile and only a short drive from the Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets in Michigan City, to take care of all your shopping needs. The Courtyard by Marriott Chicago Southeast/Hammond is located 29 miles from Chicago Midway Airport, and 50 miles from Chicago O'Hare Airport.
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. Guests may also enjoy Starbucks coffee and drinks in The Bistro.
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.
“Guests cannot believe the transformation,” said general manager Esther White. “Our guests are thrilled to have healthier menu options so they can unwind without having to leave property.”
Green has been Courtyard's signature color since Marriott launched the brand 25 years ago. Now it is even greener with the introduction of a guest recycling program for the environment. Receptacles for paper, glass, plastic and metal will be conveniently located by side exits.
About Courtyard by Marriott Chicago Southeast/Hammond
The three-story hotel features the new Bistro restaurant, 2,304 square feet of totally renovated flexible meeting space that can accommodate 80 people, as well as an indoor swimming pool, a full line of audio visual and catering options, a modernized state-of-the-art fitness center with brand new equipment, guest laundry, business center and The Market, a 24/7 shop for snacks and beverages. For reservations and meeting and group sales call the Courtyard Chicago Southeast/Hammond hotel directly at (219) 845-6350 or visit the website at marriott.com/ chich.
About White Lodging
White Lodging Services Corporation was established in 1985 and is headquartered in Merrillville, Indiana. White Lodging is a fully integrated hotel ownership, development, and operations company - a recognized leader that has defined and cultivated the ability to achieve consistent, sustainable growth among mid- to large-scale hotels across the country. Its current portfolio consists of over 158 hotels in 20 states and encompasses representation of the following leading brands: Marriott International, Inc., Hilton Worldwide, Hyatt Global, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, InterContinental Hotel Group, and Carlson Hotels Worldwide. For more information about White Lodging, please visit www.whitelodging.com or call 219-472-2861.
About RLJ Lodging Trust
RLJ Lodging Trust is a self-advised, publicly traded real estate investment trust focused on acquiring premium-branded, focused service and compact full-service hotels. The Company's portfolio consists of 141 hotels in 20 states and the District of Columbia, with a total of more than 20,600 rooms. Additional information may be found on the Company's website: http://rljlodgingtrust.com
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
