Originally Posted by
Horace
A typical Courtyard by Marriott in the 1980s was a 2-story "square doughnut" building with an open swimming pool plaza -- or "courtyard" -- in the center. The rooms had glass sliding doors that opened to patios or balconies. The hallways were indoors. The properties usually had just a single elevator, often in a back corner instead of near registration where one would expect it.
There are still plenty of such Courtyard by Marriott properties operating today. Of course, they've typically been renovated multiple times, with newer decor and the features that are now brand standards.
Exactly, they are all over the Northeast. Horrible design. With the bathroom door inches from your sleeping head. And for whatever reason they would only assign me the rooms that overlooked the parking lot like a motel so I would be treated to coming and goings of cars all night.
The world's best & brilliant marketing scheme that they are as successful as they are.