Courtyard By Marriott Opens Today in Canfield
CANFIELD, Ohio – The new Courtyard By Marriott at the Westford Lifestyle Community opens for business today, featuring “the best of both worlds,” says Randy Budd, vice president and principal of Radius Hospitality Management of Canton, which manages the hotel.
The Courtyard brand, Budd begins, has a special focus on the needs of the business traveler, but its location within Westford and its proximity to the Kennsington Golf Club make it a destination spot for weekend outings and events.
“There’s not another Marriot Courtyard within 45 minutes from here,” he says. “We’re in a leisure setting with amateur sports, golf packages, weddings and groups.”
The newest hotel in Canfield Township “breaks the mold,” he continues. “Marriott is cutting edge, and does a great job of engaging the customers on what they want to do and what they want out of their hotel experience.”
One change is noticed as soon as you enter the lobby. Instead of a full-service restaurant – once a staple in the hospitality industry – this Courtyard features a bistro that serves Starbucks coffee and more healthful foods. The dining area is more open and inviting to interaction with business associates and friends. “Courtyard has put a lot of thought into this,” Budd says.
Business travelers today are looking for much faster service rather than a sit-down meal, he explains. “This is the prototype that’s out there now. All the Courtyards have it but we are the newest. We’re really excited about it.”
Radius President Scott Yeager says that Courtyard “blazes the trail” with the new, sleek look of the hotel. For the last two years or so, the brand has changed its concept of what a lobby should offer in its effort to accommodate a new generation of travelers.
“Everything is changing from full-service to more of a quick service,” Yeager says. “It’s been a huge change and customers have responded.”
Because the hotel overlooks Kennsington Golf Club and is next door to the Kennsington Grille, guests still have the option of a sit-down meal in a scenic setting. For those looking for a quick, microwaved meal, a small market is available 24/7.
Even the front desk is no longer the long barrier behind which staff greeted guests, Yeager says. Instead, Courtyard has trimmed the size of the check-in counter, allowing for a more open and inviting atmosphere when customers arrive.
Media pods are set up along the far side of the lobby at semicircular booths “perfect for a quick business meeting,” Budd relates.
One attribute special to Marriott is the “Go Board,” a touch screen that displays information on entertainment options, the menu and upcoming events within the region.
Another area just off the lobby is equipped with computers for guest use, while customers have access to a fitness room and indoor pool on the first floor.
Work on the hotel started late last summer under the direction of CTW Development, which developed the more than 400 acres at Westford. Today, Westford is home to the Kennsington Golf Club, single-family houses, condominiums, villas, retail businesses, restaurants and office buildings.
The five-story hotel, which offers 110 rooms (seven of them suites), is expected to employ 30, says Chuck Whitman, president of CTW.
Among the amenities is a water system that continuously circulates throughout the building and provides instant hot water to bathrooms throughout the hotel. “We’re on the fifth floor,” Whitman demonstrates as he turns on a bathroom faucet. “In less than five seconds, you have hot water.”
Each room offers a 42-inch television and stylish portable desks on wheels that can be moved to a spot where the guest feels most comfortable, Budd adds.
“They’re contemporary rooms, and have hybrid areas for sleeping, relaxing, getting ready and doing business,” he says. “You can get in a room and work or relax.”
Pictured: Radius Hospitality Management executives Scott Yeager, president of the Canton-based company, and Randy Budd, vice president and principal.
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
