Courtyard Hotels: The Courtyard Connections Blog

Book a Stay and Earn Miles for your Next Getaway

November 15th, 2011

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3^rd stay – Earn base miles +1,500 bonus miles
4^th stay – Earn base miles +1,500 bonus miles
5^th stay or more – Earn base miles +2,000 bonus miles

So what are you waiting for? Book a stay at Marriott and start planning your next getaway!

The 10 Best Food Cities in America

November 10th, 2011

[Shrimps & Grits at Luke’s in the Warehouse District, New Orleans: Flickr/Vxla]

If you consider yourself a true foodie, cuisine isn’t just a part of a trip— it’s one of the top reasons to travel. But with so many choices and diverse flavors, where do you go first? Travel+ Leisure readers shared their favorite cities for food across the country. Here’s the tasty top ten:

1. New Orleans is not only a top food city, but also the top city for people-watching – the perfect way to pass the time while waiting for a table at a neighborhood café or spicy ethnic restaurant. Sample inventive cuisine in the Warehouse District like the updated Creole flavors at Meson 923, or Sylvain in the French Quarter.

2. San Francisco is a constantly evolving and innovative foodie location, with sustainable practices, seasonal dishes, and food trucks scattered throughout the Bay Area. Tip: don’t miss Baker and Banker, the band of food wagons in the weekly Off the Grid.

3. Providence, RI, serves sophisticated food fresh from farm and sea, and plenty of casual full-flavored burgers and grilled pizza (a local favorite) at notable hole-in-the-walls. Try Chez Pascal on Hope St, Nick’s, or fresh seafood direct from fisherman in the West End.

4. New York City has every food at any price point. You can find plenty of big-name restaurants, food trucks, street vendors, and more. But be prepared to stand in line at some favorites, like The Dutch in SoHo, or any of the Shake Shack locations. Not interested in waiting? Board the subway and head out to Flushing, Queens for authentic, affordable Chinese.

5. Chicago has burgers, big-name restaurants, and ethnic cuisine to satisfy any craving. And for pizza-lovers, this city is a must-do: the Windy City nabbed the top spot on the list for best pizza. Other favorites: Bring a wet wipe and dig into tasty BBQ at Lillie’s Q, Pork Shoppe, or sample the Japanese variation at Roka Akor and Tokio Pub.

6. Portland, OR boasts fresh farm-to-table dining and well-crafted microbrews. But some of the best Portland nosh comes from one of the 200 food trucks and pods. Treat yourself to unique flavors at Korean-Hawaiian fusion truck, Namu, visit the food pods at Pioneer Courthouse Square or at SE Hawthorne, and don’t miss the deep-fried indulgences at Voodoo Donuts.

7. Seattle is home to flying fish at infamous Pike Place Market, and the world’s first Starbucks. But don’t forget to also check out the ever-expanding repertoire of restaurants in South Lake Union, especially Tom Douglas’ new Tibetan-themed, Ting Momo.

8. Savannah, GA offers coastal-themed fine dining, but it’s the cafes and down-home cooking that grabbed a spot on the list. Taste local flavors like spiced Georgia nuts and pimento cheese at Green Truck Pub.

9. Charleston, SC cooks up “low-country cuisine,” or classic Southern cooking dotted with coastal oysters, crab and shrimp. Peruse the selection of foodie havens like HUSK – the new restaurant led by James Beard Award-winner, Sean Brock.

10. San Antonio, TX is a Tex-Mex hub offering plenty of delicious ethnic fare and BBQ. Get off the grid and go to the gastropub The Monterey, or head to The Friendly Spot for tamales and a vast selection of microbrews.

Ready to book your foodie excursion? Stay with us>> Find a Courtyard location.

America’s 5 Most Dangerous Airports

October 27th, 2011

[Chicago O’Hare Airport: Flickr/Papalars]

Unless you have a fear of flying, a safe take-off and landing are expected to bookend our air travel – and most of the time that’s what happens. But what you may not realize is that many airports rack up high numbers of “close calls” on the runway due troubles in communication and design.

Travel + Leisure took a closer look at these “close calls” and incidents on the runway, and ranked airports on the overall number of occurrences and the severity to create a list of America’s Most Dangerous Airports. But don’t let the list worry you too much –most runway incursions are minor incidents that do not result in collision or causalities. Plus, airports are constantly working to improve safety.

America’s 5 Most Dangerous Airports (See how the other 15 airports on T + L’s list ranked here.).

1. Chicago O’Hare Airport: 75 Runway Incidents

Chicago’s biggest airport has the highest number of runway incidents out of the 35 largest commercial airports in the US. Incidents like a near-collision between a United jet and Atlas cargo plane in 2006 raised the danger score. However, a $6.6 billion modernization plan should have the O’Hare’s runways much safer by 2014.

2. Cleveland Hopkins Airport: 45 Runway Incidents

Back in February 2007, snowy conditions in Cleveland sent a Delta Connection commuter flight skidding off the runway, and into an airport perimeter fence. But CLE Hopkins has already completed an extension of the main runways and eliminated crossover with smaller runways to improve the overall runway safety.

3. Los Angeles International: 60 Runway Incidents

The sixth busiest airport in the world has a lot of air traffic, and as an effect, a greater potential for runway problems. The Federal Aviation Administration has LAX on an “ongoing intensive outreach program” to educate pilots, controllers, and vehicle operators on the best practices and procedures for runway safety.

4. San Francisco International: 55 Runway Incidents

SFO’s crossing runways and the mild, often foggy/rainy causes trouble on the runway. In 2007, two planes avoided a catastrophic collision by only about 30-50 feet. Airport administrators have wanted to improve safety by a realigning the runways and extending the airfield into the bay – but the plan is opposed by environmentalists and windsurfers.

5. Honolulu International: 30 Runways Incidents

The hub for many island getaways – Honolulu International and many other Hawaiian airports are in desperate need of modernization. Narrow taxiways and poor lighting resulted in incidents like military cargo plane taxing into the path of departing commuter jet. But a $2.3 billion project should improve the outdated facilitates soon.

If you had a rough flight (or not) make sure you have a comfy room waiting for you when you land >> Find a Courtyard Location.

Get More Free Nights at Courtyard Hotels

October 27th, 2011

Play more, stay more — on us. Between September 15, 2011 and January 15, 2012, earn a complimentary night when you book two stays using a Visa. Book four stays and you’ll earn two nights for your next trip. Even better, your rewards can be redeemed at over 3,500 Marriott Hotels worldwide between September15, 2011 and May 31, 2012.

Marriott Rewards has been named by best hotel rewards program by readers of Business Traveler, Global Traveler, Executive Travel and BusinessWeek magazines, and it won the Frequent Travel Award in 2011 and 2010. Pair that excellence with over 900 locations worldwide, and you’ll be getting more out of all your travel.

For more information and to register, visit http://www.MarriottRewards.com/Megabonus or call 1-888-MARRIOTT (1-888-627-7468) by October 31, 2011.

Diwali: The Festival of Lights

October 19th, 2011

[Photo: Flickr/Jram23]

October 26^th marks the beginning of Hindu festival, Deepawali or Diwali. Roughly translating to “row of lights” (deep = light, and avali = a row), the four-day festival lights up ground and sky with dazzling array of lights and fireworks.

Traditions of Diwali trace back to ancient India, when it probably celebrated the fall harvest, and marked the coming of winter. The festival also is deeply tied to four important Indian legends – but overall, Diwali is a celebration of the triumph of good over evil to inspire hope, good fortune, and joy.

During Diwali everything is bright and new: small lamps and candles illuminate homes (which are also whitewashed to mark the occasion), new clothes are worn, fireworks light up the sky, and plenty of sweet treats are exchanged. Gambling is also a common tradition—it’s believed that the Goddess Parvati played dice with her husband Lord Shiva on Diwali, and she decreed whoever gambled on Diwali night would prosper throughout the coming year.

Sikhs and Jains also celebrate the festival of Diwali, and it is observed as a national holiday in India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Malaysia, Singapore, and Fiji.

Want to experience the festival of lights firsthand? >> Find a Courtyard nearby

The Best Public Markets in America

October 3rd, 2011

Pike Place Market in Seattle
Photo: Flickr/WordRidden

If you’re in search of authentic local flavor while you’re traveling, a public market is the place to find it. Across the US, public markets feature specialty shops, eateries, local artisans, and regional vendors serving up an eclectic variety of flavors. Here’s a select bunch of public markets from Frommer’s you’ll want to sample sometime soon.

Oxbow Public Market in Napa, California
In 2007, the 40,000 square-foot Oxbow Public Market opened its doors, and the market has been packed ever since. Find international cuisine like Pica Maize Kitchen’s Venezuelan sandwiches, local oysters at Hog Island Oyster Company, and sweet treats like Kara’s Cupcakes. Of course, being Napa, you’ll find a wide selection of fine wines including merlots, zins, and chardonnays.

Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Across the country in Philly, you’ll find the Reading Terminal Market housed in a former train shed. Sample treats straight from Pennsylvania Dutch country including shoofly pie and scrapple., and of course, you also find plenty of Philly favorites like hoagies and cheesesteaks. The market also features a great selection of kitchen wares and cookbooks to help transform all your fresh market finds into the perfect home-cooked meal.

Pike Place Market in Seattle Washington
Open since 1907, Pike Place is arguably America’s most famous market. Overflowing with food, antiques, flowers, bakeries, and shops, the market attracts a mix of both locals and tourists stopping by for a piece of the action. Two of Pike Place’s must-sees are the Pike Place Fish Market—famous for its “flying fish” and the original Starbuck’s coffee, which has called the market home since 1977.

More of America’s Best Public Markets

Market Square in San Antonio, Texas
Los Angeles Farmers Market in Los Angeles, California
Milwaukee Public Market in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Chattanooga Market in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Pittsburgh Public Market in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
West Side Market in Cleveland, Ohio
Eastern Market in Washington, D.C.

Wherever your foodie travels take you, stay with us when you get there. >> Find a Courtyard Location

The Top Five Airport Lounges in the US

October 3rd, 2011

The Lounge at SFO
[Photo: Flickr: crazbabe21]

Waiting at the airport isn’t exactly an enjoyable experience. Finding a place to sit, something good to eat, or a place to relax away from the crowds is tough. But hidden away from the gates and food courts, you’ll find airline lounges—quiet places to escape the hustle.

If you’ve got a first-class or business-class ticket, or you’re a high-level elite frequent flier – access to lounges is usually free. For everyone else, $50 day passes are usually available for admission to the hidden hangouts. Not every lounge is worth the extra price, but the travel experts at Frommer’s agreed that these five lounges are worth every penny:

Houston – The Continental President’s Club in Terminal E at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport has got that “Texas Charm” with high-class perks. The three-story lounge features showers, conference rooms, and work areas, along with free snacks and liquor to pass the time in style. The Houston lounge was a personal favorite of Frommer’s editors, and it was also awarded Priority Pass’s 2010 Lounge of the Year award.

Heading to Houston? Find a Courtyard nearby.

LAX – Coming in tied for second, the International Terminal at LAX has two luxurious lounge options: the OneWorld lounge shared by British Airways and other international carriers, and the ReLAX lounge. OneWorld offers some of the best food that an airport lounge can in addition to showers and comfy seating. The ReLAX is one of the most affordable lounge options out there—for just $15, you won’t find any showers or drinks, but you will have access to the perfect place to relax before your flight.

Going to Los Angeles? Stay with us.

JFK—The Emirates Lounge at JFK’s Terminal 4 is tough to get into, but if you can manage to get admitted it’s a special experience. In addition to the regular amenities, you’ll find a vast assortment of reading materials, massages, and a rich buffet that according to Emirates features “Arabic, Far Eastern, Western or vegetarian cuisine.”

JFK—British Airways’ Terraces lounge features Elemis Travel Spa, which provides complimentary treatments to premier-class passengers. Other passengers are welcome to a “larder” with snacks and soups, free alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and a full restaurant.

Traveling to New York? See Courtyard locations.

SFO – If you happen to have a first-class ticket in San Fran, then you’ve got an all-access pass to the International First Class Lounge in the International Terminal. Showers, free drinks and free sushi that keep on coming – what else could you possibly ask for?

Getting away to San Francisco soon? Stay with us.

See Frommer’s Full List of the Top Airport Lounges in North America

3 of Nature’s Amazing Autumn Displays

September 28th, 2011

[Photo: Flickr/ mricon]

Fall is here, and in some cases, that means it’s the best time to travel. The off-season brings some of the most stunning seasonal attractions–ranging from the best blooms, fall foliage, and harvest seasons—that appear for a limited time only.

Take a look at some of the fall’s most amazing natural displays from Frommer’s:

Fall Foliage in Quebec, Canada
Visit Quebec between September and November for the most breathtaking show of fall foliage. The autumn landscape in this Canadian province is painted with rich reds, yellows, oranges, and gold from the changing leaves of yellow birch and American beech trees mixed with native sugar maples. For the most colorful displays stop by Montreal’s Mont-Royal or Quebec’s Mont Tremblant for the annual Symphony of Colours festival in September and October.

Intrigued by the changing colors of the leaves? Stay with us in Quebec.

Sunflowers in Lop Buri Province, Thailand
Just 96 miles outside of Bangkok is the Thai province of Lop Buri. This historic area is earning an international reputation for its magnificent annual show of sunflowers. Each year between November and January, about 12,000 acres of bright sunflowers transform the hills and valleys of Lop Buri into a vibrant sea of gold. Plan your trip for December to visit the Blooming Bua Tong (Mexican Sunflower) Festival.

Want to be engulfed in golden sunflowers? Stay with us in Bangkok.

Green Season in Costa Rica
If you visit Costa Rica, between May and November, you’ll find positively lush and green scenery in every direction. The rainy season brings the landscape to life – bursting with full plants, flowering orchids, and beautiful rainforests – Costa Rica in the off-season is truly a sight to behold. The rainy season is also the off-season for travel to Costa Rica. So if you’re up for some wet weather you’ll find cheaper airfare and fewer crowds.

Ready for some rain and lush scenery? Stay with us in Costa Rica.

The World’s Most Livable Cities of 2011

September 27th, 2011

[Photo: Flickr/OzMark]

The most livable cities have it all – they’re safe, stable, have impressive culture, clean environment, good education and health care, and strong infrastructure. So if you’re seeking a city that strikes the perfect balance of all these factors –then look no further than Melbourne, Australia. For the first time in decade of livability reporting by the Economist Intelligence Unit, Vancouver, Canada was knocked out of first place and Melbourne happily took over the top position.

Melbourne is the capital, and second most populous city in Australia – and it’s filled with everything any resident (or visitor) could want:

Peruse hidden treasures at the outdoor Rose Street Artist’s Market
Hop from bar to café (and back again) on the eclectic Brunswick Street
Sample international flavors throughout Melbourne’s vibrant food scene
Visit Federation Square. Established in 1999, the square has become a hub for cultural events and exhibits in Melbourne
Or catch a cricket game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground

Check out the nine other cities ranking in the top ten:

What Kind of Business Traveler Are You?

September 20th, 2011

[Photo: Flickr/FormalFallacy]

The number of times a person is in the road for work greatly affects the way they handle travel. For a first-timer, the experience is overwhelming, but the seasoned pro traveler could pass through the airport with his eyes closed. To better understand the goals and habits of business travelers, The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) released a study encompassing five different business travel types. Which type are you?

The Veteran (Most Experienced) – 88% of veterans are over the age of 35, they average about 12 trips per year, and have business travel down to a science: easily managing all their arrangements and expenses. Veterans also quickly adapt to new technologies keeping productive and in touch with those back home.
Road weary (Frequent and most reluctant) – 74% of road weary business travelers are over the age of 35. They take about 15 trips per year, and their top priority is staying safe and being able to stay in touch with people at home.
Wide-eyed and anxious (Less Frequent Travelers Who Experience Travel Challenges) – 89% of wide-eyed and anxious travelers are under 54 years old and average about 11 trips per year. They haven’t traveled much, and worry about navigating new places while keeping track of expenses and policy.
Passionate high-tech (Enthusiastic travelers and early adopters of tech.) – 91% of this type are under the age of 54. They take 13 trips per year and love being on the road for business. They actively seek out new technologies that will keep them productive while traveling and make it easier to stay in touch.
New recruits (Less Experienced Travelers Who Want to Share their Adventures) – 98% of this group are under 54 years old. They take about 14 trips per year, and they’re eager for more. They utilize social media to share their travel experience and most likely to work with computers.

For more information about each type of business traveler, visit the GBTA website.

Heading out on a business trip soon? >>With locations in 900 cities worldwide, check to see if there’s a Courtyard where you’re going next.