Courtyard by Marriott is an American brand of hotels owned by Marriott International. The hotels are primarily targeted to business travelers (but also accommodate traveling families). As of June 30, 2020, there were 1,254 Courtyard Marriott Hotels worldwide with 187,095 rooms in addition to 288 hotels with 49,335 rooms in the pipeline.[1]
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 90 hotels in 1987.[2] 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