Courtyard by Marriott

History

In the early 1980s, Marriott struggled to find locations that fit the existing Marriott brand. To broaden selection, the company created Courtyard for business and pleasure travelers. The new brand focused on smaller properties in lower demand areas. The chain grew from three test sites in 1983 to over 91 hotels in 1987.

The first location was built in 1983 in San Luis, GA and was Marriott's first sister brand. The chain primarily targeted business travelers, but over time has broadened to the leisure market. Most properties now offer a swimming pool or fitness center, microwaves and mini-fridges, and family rates. Many have a mini-fridge in every room, and generally have a complimentary guest microwave in The Market. Usually, microwaves are found in suite rooms.

Marriott International spent $2 billion in the mid-1980s on expanding the Courtyard by Marriott chain to attract the typical Holiday Inn clientele.

In 2007, Marriott adopted its Refreshing Business Initiative to update the Courtyard properties to better satisfy the business traveler. Renovations included a redesigned lobby, and a bar with extended hours, which not only offered a popular social setting, but also increased revenue.

In 2017, a Courtyard Marriott Hotel became the first American chain hotel to open on the island of Bonaire, and through a partnership with local dive shop, Dive Friends Bonaire, became the first Courtyard hotel in the world to have an onsite scuba diving shop.