Courtyard Philadelphia Downtown Hotel in Historic District Renovates Meeting Space and Ballroom

Philadelphia, PA - August 2007 - The Courtyard by Marriott Philadelphia Downtown hotel has completed a $7 million renovation; it was announced by Jim Gratton, General Manager. The renovation encompassed the entire hotel including all guest rooms, public areas, the ballroom, restaurants, and fitness center. The property, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, originally opened in 1926. According to Mr. Gratton, the renovation has preserved the grandeur and historic style of the landmark property while enhancing all of the services and amenities that road warriors of 2007 need.

DETAILS OF THE RENOVATION
Guests of the Courtyard by Marriott Philadelphia Downtown hotel will now find restored architectural details, new furniture and carpeting, a high-tech Fitness Center, designer Revive® bedding by Marriott with plush mattresses and 300 thread-count linens, artwork by local artisans, upgraded bathrooms, and soft seating. Approximately 50 of the hotel's 498 non-smoking guest rooms and suites feature a striking mural of historic Philadelphia

Sixty-one of the historic hotel's suites and Executive Kings also have 42" LCD televisions with Marriott's new connectivity (plug and play) panel and separate sitting area.

According to Mr. Gratton, "Our renovation enhanced our flexibility and added a vibrant, up-to-date decor and color scheme to our brightly lit spaces. Additionally, we now offer the things guests truly want when staying at our hotel: a high-tech fitness center, Internet connectivity (wireless in the public spaces and wired in the guest rooms and meeting rooms), and guest rooms where they can truly relax and get comfortable."

NEARLY 10,000 SQUARE FEET OF MEETING AND EVENT SPACE
With its prime location just one block from the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia Hall, and minutes from the financial and art districts, the hotel is one of the city's favorite venues for meetings, weddings, and social events. The hotel features a total of 10,000 square feet of meeting space divided among 11 rooms. The largest meeting space is the Grand Ballroom at 3,000 square feet and a maximum seating capacity of 400. There are also 10 breakout rooms.

For more information on planning a meeting or booking an intimate wedding in Philadelphia, call 1-215-496-3200.

ABOUT THE COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT PHILADELPHIA DOWNTOWN
Situated at 21 N Juniper Street in Philadelphia, PA, the Courtyard by Marriott Philadelphia Downtown used to be the Annex to City Hall. Today it is a completely renovated 18-story hotel and with its prime location it welcomes both business and leisure travelers from around the world.

The hotel offers a fitness center and indoor swimming pool and two restaurants (Junipers on the Mezzanine Level for breakfast and The Annex Grille and Lounge for lunch and dinner) in addition to Courtyard Room Service.

For additional information, call 215-496-3200 or toll-free at 800-321-2211. To visit the hotel's website, go to www.PhiladelphiaDowntownCourtyard.com