Free Marriott Courtyard Nights Giveaway to Celebrate Their Redesigned Lobbies

by Gary Leff

Marriott Courtyard is rolling out new re-designed lobbies to appeal especially to business travelers, and they reached out to me to see if I’d be willing to share it with my readers. The offer? I could give away 2 free nights at any Marriott Courtyard in the Continental U.S., and they’d give me free nights for myself as well.

As regular visitors to View from the Wing know, when I get offers like these my first question is, “Do you mind if I just give away those nights to my readers as well?” And the answer is almost universally yes. I’ll wind up checking out the new lobbies in the normal course of my travels, I don’t need the free nights, I much enjoy giving them away to readers instead.

So that’s the offer — I have 2 sets of 2 free nights at any Marriott Courtyard in the Continental U.S. to give away! (With apologies to my international readers with no plans to visit the United States.)

I’m not a Marriott Rewards elite member, but Marriott more than anything else is known for its consistency. They’re everywhere. Many towns, a Marriott Courtyard or similar is the top option in town which makes it really useful and sometimes you just need a reliable place to sleep near a meeting. It’s great to see them being thoughtful about how to be more than just a room while maintaining a mid-level price point (though indeed, in some cities like New York one could hardly consider the price point mid-level, but then it ought to be compared to most other options!).

Here’s Marriott’s 30 second spot promoting their new lobby:

They’re holding events through December 16 at BWI, Houston Intercontinental, and Phoenix airports to promote the lobbies… couches for relaxation, luggage tags to give away.

They’ve renovated about 500 properties with better lobbies to allow groups to congregate, prepare for meetings, etc. Here’s the list of properties that have the new lobbies They have more stations with powerports, and a touch screen information TV. They’ve adopted a standard Bistro coffee/sandwhich place that’s apparently doing well with double digit percentage gains in sales.

Here’s how to enter to win:

  • Leave a comment in this post naming something you especially value in a hotel when on business travel.
  • Normally I say “one entry per person” and more than one will disqualify you. This time we’ll try something new. You may enter as many times as you like, however you may not enter twice in a row meaning that you have to have at least one other person comment after you before adding another comment/entry.
  • The contest will last until 12pm Eastern on December 12. I will draw two winners who will each receive the two free nights with the help of Random.org. Winners will be put in touch with Marriott’s representative to claim their prize.

All interpretations are mine and final and I have no liability in this, all rules imposed by Marriott and their representatives will apply. I’m passing along an opportunity and making this available to my readers, I’ve not taken any compensation for doing so, let’s all treat this in this spirit with which it’s intended. By entering you indicate your agreement. Thanks!

Any questions, ask away!

About Gary Leff

Gary Leff is one of the foremost experts in the field of miles, points, and frequent business travel - a topic he has covered since 2002. Co-founder of frequent flyer community InsideFlyer.com, emcee of the Freddie Awards, and named one of the "World's Top Travel Experts" by Conde' Nast Traveler (2010-Present) Gary has been a guest on most major news media, profiled in several top print publications, and published broadly on the topic of consumer loyalty. More About Gary »

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  2. […] I will not accept free products from companies just to write reviews for.  For example, if I write a review on, say, Expert Flyer or the KVS Tool, I insist on paying my own subscription fee (which I have in this case for the last few years).  I don’t blog for free swag, and if I am offered swag, I will follow Gary’s example and give it away to readers. […]

Comments

  1. The most important thing for me – no doubt – is decent wi-fi. With “decent”, I mean included in the room price, good coverage in all areas of the hotel, no black spots (so no moving chairs up to the door and leaning against the door with your laptop to get coverage) – and that the speed has to be decent, as well.

  11. I enjoy a comfortable lobby where I can peacefully wait for my colleagues or network if I so desire.

  23. I stay at the Marriott Courtyard in Rosslyn (Arlington VA) several times per year and would love to win this. When traveling for business, I value issues being resolved easily, quickly, and without hassle the most. No time for back and forth – quick resolutions appreciated.

  35. I am a Marriott Rewards Lifetime Patinum Member and I treasure ‘friendly and knowledgeable’ front desk staff! Marriot typically has this nailed down!

  47. Like most others, free and fast wifi. (Or at least embed iT into the rate) Also reasonable parking fees

  57. I’ll be contrarian and say in-room coffee setup (and housekeeping that remembers to refresh the materials every day). It amazes me that certain otherwise excellent brands — I’m looking at you, W — insist on making you ask for a coffeemaker.

  59. Room darkening curtains and ones that stay closed, so you don’t have to bring clips with you to keep them closed.

  62. •A working desk (need flat space to spread out) and comfortable chair on wheels.
    •A task lightfor the desk…..Hyatt does a good job with their lamps.

  77. I like a property that’s pro-active about maintaining/adjusting basic things like toilets, door-closing pistons, etc. It’s truly aggravating to a) have to call hotel engineering when the toilet isn’t working and b) keep getting awakened by slamming doors of other rooms because the hotel can’t be bothered to adjust the door-closing mechanisms.

  78. Looks like Wifi tops the list, but I also value an in room coffee maker for my morning boost.

  80. On business travel, since wifi and parking charges would be reimbursed, what I value is sufficient electric outlets, preferably accessible without having to crawl under the desk.

  85. What I value most is a heat/air condition system that does not sound like a jetliner when running

  86. Not just enough electrical outlets, but ones that actuslly stay on. I’ve stayed in some hotels where the outlet in the base of the desk lamp — often the most convenient outlet for charging a laptop/iPod/phone — only has current when the lamp is on. That’s idiotic.

  104. free and fast WIFI

    free breakfast a distant second, with the qualification that is actually edible.

  115. Well, THAT’s ONE way to get a lot of posts.! 🙂

    I have to say, free wifi is now a must, as it has pretty much become except for the most $$ hotels.

  131. Decent sized quality flat screen TV’s and distortion-free cable service. So many hotels TV’s are poor and cable service is often awful.

  143. Easily accessible outlets – not ones where the mattress has to be moved to plug in a laptop when working from bed!

  150. Gotta have free wifi that’s fast – and an HVAC system that doesn’t honk or buzz or moan all night long!

  152. Enough plugs in the room to get all of my electronics charging at the same time. (Maybe I should just stop travelling with two laptops, two phones, and an iPod)

  166. Quiet: Double-paned windows if I’m by a freeway. Sound insulation so I don’t hear doors slam shut all night.

  172. Consistent wifi. Doesn’t have to be free. Just consistent–I hate it when my connection drops!

  173. Refrigerator that doesn’t have this new stupid auto defrost function that constantly ticks. Sounds like you’re sleeping with a bomb.

  178. An HVAC system that can be well adjusted not just a fan blowing cold or hot air in the corner.

  179. Something I especially value in a hotel when on business travel is free wi-fi in the soome.

  189. I was just in one of these new re-designed Marriott Courtyard’s in Denver, it was really nice! The main thing I want in business travel is FREE wifi! I think it’s crazy that we’re forced to pay for it.

  201. I value cleanliness and a decent gym. Most hotel gyms only have two treadmills, the good ones have a few cardio machines, dumbbells, and exercise machines.

  205. Safety. Last time I stayed at a courtyard a bunch of cars were broken into despite the “security”. Two nights might help pay back some of the stuff stolen from the trunk.

  223. The most unusual thing I prize highly is a carpeted elevator landing and quiet elevator bells. For those times that I have a room near the elevator, nothing ruins my night more than echoing talking and “Ding” in the hallway outside my room.

    I’m a Marriott Platinum and have been for years. The consistency of US properties is fantastic, and some of the properties in the UK are stunning (check out Edinburgh, where I stayed in a cottage on the lake overlooking the golf course).

  232. More tv channels. I have like 600 at home. I go to hotels… don’t they have satelite tv? At hotels I get at most 30.

  242. I love Courtyards for the generally consistency and location. They always seem to be where I need a hotel at a price that can’t be beat.

  250. I value most, in the following order, cleanliness, quietness, comfort (e.g. good bed), wifi, good coffee.

    PS I think allowing multiple entries opens the door to abuse.

  252. quiet room – no voices and snoring from the next room, no doors slamming, no ice machine sounds, no elevators, no hvac buzzing

  256. Power supply seems to make a huge difference in my overall satisfaction during business travel hotel stays. Having a power jack on our above the desk level is a huge plus. I can’t stand crawling around underneath the desk to plug in my computer. And I also love having a power jack located on an open wall where I can easily set up the ironing board. It is maddening when the only outlet is behind the bed and I have to try and squeeze in the board somewhere to iron out my shirt before a meeting.

  266. Comfortable bed.

    (BTW, Kind of a cheap ploy for additional website hits by allowing unlimited entries. This feels like one of those classic program “enhancements” that’s really just a devaluation for members…or in this case, readers).

  269. A clean room, and a comfortable bed. Free wi-fi and airport shuttles are also big pluses. For the Courtyard brand, I LOVE the new touchscreens in the lobbies that allow you to search for local businesses such as restaurants, and then print directions straight to a printer located in the lobby as well, have used them several times.

  273. Gary,

    I especially value a comfortable bed while traveling on business. Nothing beats a great night’s sleep while out on the road.

  275. What I value the most is the hotel’s location, and specifically accessibility to transit. If it’s close to where I need to be and saves me the need to rent a car, that’s a huge plus.

  276. fast wireless internet and a healthy breakfast not just corns syrup sweetened yogurt and sugary cereal. Bacon and eggs, maybe even veggies.

  283. free hot breakfast. Some places have a to-go bag ready, great for eating a breakfast sandwich in the car if you’re running late.

  294. I value a good high speed connection in the room, whether wired or wireless. I hate it when the internet is too slow to even load gmail

  311. I value in-room desk space – big enough for not only my laptop and USB mouse, but also a full size keyboard, additional external drives and any cameras I happen to be transferring footage from.

  312. I appreciate lobbies that block out all of the hustle and bustle of checking in or other regular hotel business; a time to relax.

  317. For me, I like to be able to check in early, and check out late to best accomodate my flights.

  319. yes, i also agree with FAST internet. can be wired, wi-fi, free or expensive, as long as it works!

  326. Like others, I’d say fast wifi and free breakfast. For some reason, as an MR Platinum I get free breakfast at the nicer hotels in the chain (Marriott, Rennaissance, JW) and the lower end hotels have free breakfast for everyone (FFI) but I’m SOL at Courtyard, which just seems odd

  327. I like simplicity. I average 50+ nights a year and I know the drill. Clean, Fresh and Simple is a good formula.

  345. A hotel with smart enough IT not to disable my room key at 12pm the second day when it’s a multi-day stay!

  363. An absolutely quiet room–and neighbor rooms where the door doesn’t bang when they arrive at 1:00 a.m.

  369. I wonder if the folks at Marriott will be reading these responses, because the one thing that I value the most is a good, complimentary breakfast, which I receive at full-service Marriotts and not at Courtyards. 🙁

  370. Hmm, odds of winning have decreased for those who only remember to enter once. 🙂

    Free WiFi, that’s my thing! Curse the hotels that only give it to elites – it isn’t my fault if my preferred brand doesn’t have a hotel in City XYZ but the competition does!

  374. A cable package that includes more than just the basic channels, preferably one with HGTV and Food Network.

  384. Valued: consistently fast WiFi.

    Not valued: contests structured so that people who are willing to sit there and hit refresh all day and add new entries have a much better chance of winning. If you’re going to give away two prizes, I suggest you give away one prize accounting for duplicate entries and one prize only allowing one entry per person. (I can help you work out how to implement that reasonably straightforwardly, contact me privately.)

  395. Consistency in info on services/amenities, please. I’ve stayed at properties where basic facts (pool/gym hours, airport shuttle hours/schedule, etc.) varied wildly across the website, in-room services guide, and front desk clerk’s statements.

  401. Male business travelers need to be able to obtain certain personal items — collar stays, basic shirt buttons, needle/thread, dress shoelaces — quickly at times. If the front desk doesn’t offer them at no cost, these things need to be for sale (easily located & at non-extortionate prices) in the hotel gift shop.

    I’m sure women business travelers have their own list of such items, but I can only guess what they are. (Bobby pins? Safety pins?)

  407. Small gym with either a treadmill, elliptical or a bike. It makes my meetings so much better to workout ahead of time, especially if I have changed time zones.

  417. Gary–thanks once again for your very generous offer to your readers. I especially appreciate two things when traveling on business. The free breakfast and a fridge/microwave/stove option. I’m currently Marriott Platinum however my status expires in February 2012. Because I don’t travel extensively for business I will not attempt to re-qualify–I’ll accept Gold status for the next year. Marriott top elite status is terrific for Sunday-Thursday stays. For many this is on the company dime. I actually tend to have more weekend stays for courses/classes/seminars/conferences in my field at my expense.I check your blog daily and enjoy reading about your adventures and truly appreciate your generosity in sharing gifts/perks that you could use for your own travel. Best of luck.

  420. Some hotels now offer online check-in. I like that it allows me to pick my room before I get there… Upgrade if available to me, side of the hotel with a better view, far enough away from the elevator, etc. It let’s me really customize my room selection.

  431. hot breakfast buffet, which most Courtyards do have for a price. But my recent stay in Seattle’s Courtyard didn’t have that! Bummer!!!!

  446. Phones with volume. Often they’re old and completely unusable for guests with moderate hearing impairment.

  448. Love getting a full breakfast. Not just a bad continental offering with ego waffles and white bread toast!

  455. I especially enjoy free, functional WiFi so I can maximize my usage of the time away from my family.

  466. A gym that’s open when I want to use it. Not when they want to open it. 24 hours is a plus.

  481. A window that opens to allow fresh air in, even when I have to stay inside working. (Using the free, high-speed internet, of course!)

  509. when on business, free internet is nice, as well as free printing! So crappy to have to file expense reports for $1.00 printing

  511. when on business, the ability to drop off dry cleaning late and have it ready in the morning!

  517. Free wi-fi in the rooms not just the lobby. Looked at the list of properties in your post. Didn’t know they had a new hotel in Seattle. Would love to check that one out!

  525. Things that matter for me as a business traveler:

    1) Consistent Wifi
    2) Cleanliness
    3) Parking
    4) Breakfast
    5) Friendly Service
    6) A gym
    7) Availability of a newspaper in the morning
    8) Ipod dock
    9) Insulated Walls so that I do not hear guests from the adjoining rooms.
    10) A proper mattress
    11) A conference room and
    12) A business center

  526. I’d like a hotel to give a small list of the most popular radio stations and genres. I hate waking up to the loud beep, or some terrible station I hate.

  577. used to be free wifi.. but after staying in a hotel for a month that stocked single-ply toilet paper, quilted tp has shotted up to the top of the list!

  643. I really like the 24-hours complimentary hot beverage service in the lobby (sadly, many Courtyards have cut this service this year with the beverages only available for a few hours in the morning).

  646. oh and some of the courtyards even offer cookies when you get back to the hotel in the evening. 🙂

  660. Speaking of in-room coffee makers, I like the ones that will keep your coffee or hot water hot for an hour or so and make 4 cups at a time. Now I am seeing them being replaced with one-cup at a time that deliver your lukewarm coffee directly into a paper cup (the warming surface is gone on these coffee makers of course) – methinks that whoever came of with the idea to make this systemwide change (Courtyards and other Marriott brands) needs to work on their customer preference research techniques.

  666. I value healthy food the most. Low carbs and lots of veggies. Most of the time it’s just ober processed food that has long shelf life.

  677. Just became a Marriott member. Love to try their new lobbies. Kudos to their free wifi. Wondering if they have club lounges like Hyatt and Sheraton. Love the free drinks and h’orderves.

  679. When on business, the most important thing is a quiet room allowing for a good night’s rest. You just can’t be at your best unless you’re well rested!

  680. High-speed wireless is the top thing for me — unlike at the lousy and ancient Fairfield Inn I’m in the at the moment where I need to sit at my desk to plug into the ethernet to write an email.

  684. consistent quality amongst all hotels in the chain (including staff, linens, tp, ac/heat controls to moderate room temp, free water/coffee/tea available, high-speed internet, tv channels, water pressure… etc)

  712. Free wi-fi is a must for me to stay on top of work and Ensure that I can read View from the Wing

  713. I love to be treated like a vip. For instance they know my name, know my wants, and try to meet any and all expectations at every chance they get.

  725. You hit the nail on the head — I like their consistency. I know it will be nice and clean, with breakfast and free wi-fi. May help that I am a Marriott Silver Elite too.

  729. I value vouchers for upgrades on my next visit. If I am staying at a marriott on business, and they give me a voucher for a suite up to 3 nights on my next stay, you can bet I’ll be booking a marriott on the next fam vac or romantic getaway…..thx Gary!

  730. I value vouchers for upgrades on my next visit. If I am staying at a marriott on business, and they give me a voucher for a suite up to 3 nights on my next stay, you can bet I’ll be booking a marriott on the next fam vac or romantic getaway.

  731. I value vouchers for upgrades on my next visit. If I am staying at a marriott on business, and they give me a voucher for a suite up to 3 nights on my next stay, you can bet I’ll be booking a marriott.

  735. Freshly baked cookies at lobby desk, complimentary bottled water in room, and good wifi throughout the hotel!

  742. reliable high-speed internet that I don’t have to pay for. This steers me towards certain chains.

  752. A great shower! Always refreshing after a long day of flight and invigorating to start a big business day.

  756. Great giveaway. I value fast, inexpensive (read free) wifi. The only thing worse than going to a business hotel and being tethered by a Ethernet cable or slow speeds is paying $29.95 for the privilege.

  759. I know it’s kind of cliche, but when I’m traveling for business, the most important thing a hotel can offer is *GOOD* coffee. None of that processed, canned stuff…I’m talking fresh beans, freshly roasted, and freshly made. I’m not a morning person–even when traveling for work–so that morning pick-me-up can make a difference between a productive day, and one that just draaaaaags on.

  823. It’s definitely to have a consistently clean and pleasant place and yes, free Wi-fi is helpful!

  854. I really appreciate a room where you can make it really dark, so the light doesn’t wake me too early.

  883. The most important thing for me is a comfortable bed. I need a good nights sleep if I want to perform well the next day.

  901. The new lobbies are a more comfortable place to wind down; but I do miss the buffet breakfast option which is completely gone now with the “Bistro” concept.

  939. Besides the obvious free wifi and accessible electrical outlets… A manager’s reception in the evening – that gives me a convenient excuse (and a reason) to leave work early – you know how it is when you travel on business!! Without that I would continue working late in the evening.

  952. Let’s be honest. Courtyard is a very decent no frill business hotel, with no particular perk that would differentiate it from many of its competitors. One reason why I always stay there because there are no surprises, I know exactly what I am getting. They price their properties competitively and their Internet access is reliable. Enough said…curious if honesty is appreciated.

  969. High quality toiletries… spa brands instead of the regular kind I can get at the drug store. If they’re really nice, yes a few might find their way into my suitcase so they can restock it every day.

  973. One thing which I have noticed is very few hotels recognize your elite status. I may not be getting a room upgrade, but a few words about how thankful the hotel is for having me as their loyal customer works a long way for me.

  1003. A mattress that isn’t as hard as a rock and a variety of pillows so I can pick one that’s the right thickness.

  1017. I value a good remote. The last thing I want to do after a long day of work is have to get up off the bed to change the channel because the remote doesn’t work or the batteries are dead.

  1031. I’d go with a decent, free, hot breakfast. All I want is some juice and some eggs and breakfast meat.

  1068. I enjoy breakfast included. It’s great to be able to eat downstairs and then go off to meetings instead of trying to find places to eat in a new city.

  1073. Increasingly I find myself wanting a decent bed. I’ve settled for aspiring to top-tier status with Marriott instead of Starwood given the former’s ubiquity, but I’d kill for something more than the slab of cardboard offered at many of the older, rural Marriott properties.

  1083. I like a good newspaper in the morning aka not usa today. This way I feel like I know what’s going on.

  1095. Free & Fast Wifi definitely! Like the new private/office space in the lobby from the video. It gives you a private space to work while waiting for your departure

  1099. Who doesn’t love WiFi in a hotel? Should be mandatory EVERYWHERE if they want business travelers 🙂

  1106. Definitely blackout curtains & free wifi.
    Free breakfast, why not?
    Courtyard Marriott is always a safe bet!

  1140. Free wifi . . . it seems like every employer expects you to be on email 24/7 these days. Free breakfast isn’t bad either.

  1149. When I am traveling for business, I especially value personal attention. After a long or hectic day filled with meetings, I need to be able to go to a place of serenity. Getting personal attention including proper wake-up calls, turn down service, complimentary snacks, the newspaper that I like, etc. is critical.

  1156. I really appreciate eye contact when I’m checking in! At least make sure that my face matches my picture on my idea. A little personal touch like that often goes a long way towards me enjoying my stay.

  1163. Free shuttles can be godsends, especially if they’re willing to go within a certain radius, not just to an airport. I’ve been able to forgo rental cars and just tip my way for shuttle rides to meetings, dinners, etc.

  1185. I need a good, fast, reliable Wi-fi connection, and FREE. I was at a Hilton last week and they charged $10 for the Wi-fi! Ridiculous.

  1198. A decent sized pool is always appreciated. Business travel is too much time cramped up on airplanes – feels good to exercise and stretch things out.

  1244. Free wi-fi that is fast enough for me to facetime with my kids. No low-level “high-speed” internet.

  1247. Perhaps the biggest detractor from a hotel room is a poorly designed bathroom. If its dark or crowded with low water pressure or a shower head that sits too low on the wall I start my day on on a negative. That’s not good when im traveling on business.

  1259. Really, the most important thing is the mattress. There are so many other things that are important when I am travelling for work, but all of that pale on the need-scale compared to a great mattress 🙂

  1260. What I want most from a hotel, and which is the most impossible to know in advance, is speedy check-in/check-out service. I can handle stiff beds, soft beds, mediocre showers, thin walls, frumpy pillows, spotty wifi, and mediocre food. What absolutely gets my dander up is having to stand around in line trying to get in and out of the hotel. That’s just plain wasting my time and is very difficult to plan for. If I’m arriving, it’s probably been after a long flight and I don’t want to stand around. If I’m departing, it’s probably to head for the airport and I don’t want to waste time standing around.

    Get me in, get me out. Quick. That’s what I want most.

  1267. Some decent eggs in the morning – so many hotels get this wrong. I love it when they’re done right!

  1290. A high quality heating/air system. One that keeps the entire room a steady temperature not some monstrosity blowing hot or cold air from one corner of the room.

  1298. Speedy check-in is a must. Check out, you get your bill under the door and you just leave when your ready, But it really ticks me off when it takes forever to check in.

  1315. Highspeed internet in the lobby and the room that is included in the price (no $20 charge for checking email in your room), and that should be easily accessible (no five-page click-through with long convoluted passwords that need retyping to get it right)

  1330. I value proximity to where I’m going the next morning. When I’m on business travel, I loathe sitting in rush hour traffic. I’ll pay a hefty premium to be close to my destination.

  1333. Man Gary, you have quite the following…six hours ago, there were 300 fewer comments on this post!

  1337. An actual WORKING, robust, and very high bandwidth internet connection is absolutely key when traveling on business. I like it to be included in the price of the room, but I am okay paying a reasonable extra fee for it (in order to be considered reasonable, this fee MUST be per room, not per device), as long as it WORKS. It needs to work 24 hours a day, and it needs to work for my entire stay. If it breaks, there needs to be 24 hour support to getting it fixed ASAP, not sometime the next day when a person with a particular key arrives. There needs to be clear instructions in the room, or handed to me specifically during check-in, with anything needed in order to connect to the internet, I should not have to call down to the front desk to get a password that they forgot to give me upon check-in. I prefer that both wired and Wi-Fi be available, and complimentary ethernet cables should be available for use.

  1338. wow, longest post ever! I have better chances getting upgraded on UA IAD-SFO or SFO to FFA!

  1346. Preferably, i’d book a place where I have an elite status, even if it may be a tad further. The perks are worth it.

  1353. And reliable wifi – free is best but I’ll pay for it as long as it works. Most hotels in the US can do this, but not nearly all of them abroad.

  1384. Your site is great site, gives lots of amazing tips for all airline programs and hotels etc…..
    Keep up the good work

  1400. I value a speedy check-in process, done by welcoming personnel who understand I’ve travelled a long way over hill and dale before they ever see me.

  1403. It really depends on the purpose of my trips.

    For holiday with family. We want everthing to be the
    best.

    For business trip, wifi and breakfast is enough:)

  1430. An attentive staff that greets with a smile and enthusiasm. Helps me feel re-energized even after a long day!

  1431. I care about a comfortable mattress and cotton linens with a duvet and/or proper blankets..I’ve notived a lot of even nice hotels are doing away with real blankets (in hot climate places) so that you wont use the air conditioner as much but it feels weird having a thin sheet and a paper thin blanket…example Hyatt Palm Springs!

  1510. fruit and tea (not just coffee!) in the lobby during the wee hours. Sometimes I have to leave before the lounge or restaurant opens for breakfast, and I just want a banana and some hot tea to run out the door with.

  1525. In my travels, my basic essential need to that I have a great bathroom for that moment I get in the door then WiFi.

  1553. One of the Marriotts I stayed at had a huge 42 interactive touch screen in the lobby. Used it to look up news and other things… very nice touch.

  1567. accesible outlets near the desk, chairs and bed so you can use your laptop anywhere in the room

  1630. The things I most value on business travel are:
    – a clean quiet room
    – A/C & Heat that work properly and quietly
    – Internet access that works and preferably wifi

  1637. Curtains that close all the way and block out light, good decaf coffee, comfy bed and pillows, complementary wi-fi with a good signal, and a quiet room.

  1660. I’d love to win these. Going to start a long trip in NYC, the most expensive city to stay in a hotel. This would allow me to be able to see NYC a couple of days before I leave. I value the free bottles of water in the room that some (few) hotels offer. Sometimes after a flight you are dehydrated and you haven’t carried a bottle with you from the airport. This is a nice touch.

  1695. customer service. ritz carlton chicago isn’t the best ritz in the world, but their service is incredible

  1696. Good quality rooms at a reasonable price. And good quality means “visually appealing” as well–it shouldn’t look cookie-cutter.

  1729. HBO. It’s cheesy, but my GF and I watch our shows “together,” even when I’m away — makes it easier to be from home.

  1745. I really appreciate when a hotel goes above and beyond the call of duty. I travel M-Th for work and was sick once day, so I worked from my room to keep my team from catching whatever I had. I called the front desk to get a tea packet and they sent up an entire tea service with honey, fresh lemon, hot and cold water and a box of several teas. It really made getting through the day a lot better.

  1753. Wifi that is included in the cost of the hotel, easy to access and quick as lightening is paramount!

  1789. Staff with good recommendations. I hate when I seem to know more about the area than some staff.

  1805. I like a bar/restaurant that is open late and has WiFi for simultaneous eating, working, and libationizing.

  1821. Room layouts where you can watch TV from bed (I’ve been in hotels where this is a problem – The Courtyard Marriot, Rochester, MN). The hotel was great except for that minor issue.

  1825. I think effective (and maybe even free) wifi has to be #1 for the working traveler but right behind that is staff that act, behave and DRESS like professionals. For me, that inspires confidence and earns my repeat business. Bad experiences don;t get a second chance!

  1883. When traveling for business there is nothing more important to me then a cup of fresh black quality coffee. Not Folgers, not something instant. But quality black full flavored full caffeine coffee that goes down smoothly. Maybe it’s my seattle roots, but no coffee = no work

  2005. Overtly sincere interface @the expense of false crest smiles by front desk staff after grueling business meets all day long.

  2068. Great rates are always good! From twitter … RT @CourtyardHotels Consider this an early Xmas gift: Book a wkend at select Courtyards, starting at $89. (Better than fruitcake, right?) http://bit.ly/uw0NnO

  2093. Follow up call by reception to check that all meets or exceeds the guest’s expection of the room quality.

  2148. consistency between hotels (bed quality, hotel amenities, business center with printers) so i know what to expect

  2224. After posting all week on the milepoint contest,,, why not one more :p

    I value GREAT breakfast… Which is why I only stay at Hyatt place,,, if I need a cheap qualifying night,,, or am not planning on getting up for breakfast… Great room value, lousy breakfast… AND no love at breky time for Diamond members…

  2227. I also value a nice desk and workspace… Think if a business hotel were to buy some aeron chairs… 🙂 ok,, ok,, pipe dream,,, but what if 🙂

  2232. How about a nice welcoming lobby with friendly staff that convey the message: You’re welcome here!We want to make your stay as comfortable as possible after a hectic day!

  2236. I value that as an elite member they would rather give me a room and bump someone else if they are sold out or oversold.

  2242. Can’t narrow to just one thing –
    Clean, quiet, stand-alone shower with a decent shelf, decent view

  2267. Hi, people have many priorities when it comes to a good night’s business stay, but what is really important is good rest:
    1)a firm bed (no sagging or ultra soft beds) and
    2)complete darkness in the room (light-blocking curtains.

    Without these basics, incomplete sleep can ruin the next day!

  2334. Love to read your blog, and can’t begin to tell you how much more I would love reading it at the Marriott Courtyard.

  2369. I really value free wifi, and believe it or not, those free bottles of water you get. they’re great after getting in late and you’re just a little parched

  2466. I just stayed at the Hong Kong Marriott (at airport) and after staying in China for 9 days (non-Marriott), I truly thought the bed was oh so PERFECT. Nothing like a really good night’s sleep in comfort; and we tend to take it for granted. Thank you Marriott !!

  2473. Soft pillows, great sheets and quiet surroundings, knowing that I’ll have a good night’s sleep!

  2493. I like a good selection of mini bar drinks. After a long flight, I need to booze it up, especially if I had to fly coach.

  2501. I’m all about a balcony. Even if it’s a bad view. I can’t be sure why, but I like a good solid balcony. Presuming there aren’t any droppings.

  2536. I do like a clean coffee maker. You’d be surprised how many times I’ve gone in and a bit of mystery dirt/crud/whatever you want to call it, is sitting there! Eeww.

  2545. And while we’re on breakfast, real, freshly made bagels. No more of the frozen kind made weeks earlier!

  2551. For those of us that appreciate a fine brew, nope not beer, but real Tabasco sauce on the table for our omelets or scrambled eggs in the AM.

  2553. A small pad of “POST-IT” notes with the always present pen and thin notepad would be very useful for business types.

  2575. Stayed at Courtyard, Independence Ohio, on Tuesday and the staff that greeted us were incredibly pleasant. One vote for great staff.

  2579. Do the Courtyards carry Bibles in the room? Shots of alcohol available at check-in. Odd but surely welcome by some business travelers.

  2634. A bed with nice, clean crisp white sheets and duvet cover. No colorful germ-filled comforters or blankets..yuck!

  2648. Showers where water temperature remains nearly constant and doesn’t change from right to hot to cold and so on.

  2687. It’s simple: Houskeeping that actually shows up every day. My last trip having housekeeping show up was a challenge. It’s just simple.

  2746. Enough electrical outlets in places where they can be used! Not behind the bed or built into lamp bases with odd angles.

  2815. Ability to watch tv while sitting at the desk so you can work and still catch what is on the screen.

  3004. Let’s be honest…if I’m traveling on business I don’t care about free anything (wifi, parking, water, etc…) because it’s all covered by per diems of some sort. I care about opportunities to earn more points or free night. Go Green, skip house keeping, and earn points, skip the welcome amenity at Marriott and get points, etc….

  3019. What’s better than a mini-fridge? I rely on these for keeping my beverages cold and leftovers fresh (or at least edible) on multi-night trips — who has time to hit the ice machine down the hall?

  3044. Consistency between different hotels in the chain as well as different rooms of the same level within a given hotel. (Differences may occur during renovation or construction efforts, but otherwise, I should be able to know what to expect when I book a given room type. Random plusses are fine, but the basics should always be the same so I can book accordingly.)

  3072. Desk clerks who don’t tell you that you’ve been upgraded — and then assign you a standard room.

  3078. I value quiet as well… I am on the 4th floor at the Hyatt Cleveland, and this morning I woke up to a truck backing up,,, about 10 times… I don’t know if he didn’t know how to back up,,, but this was really annoying…

  3225. No surprises…meaning the hotel is on top of their game, the res request is honored (type of room, type of bed), things work the way the are meant to, the room is as it should be (clean and neat)etc. A well run facility is noteworthy by how uneventful the stay was.

  3230. I like a a room which doesn’t have a funky smell created by the cleaning staff. Some room deodorants are worse then the odor they intend to cover up.

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