US: A hybrid Residence Inn by Marriott and Courtyard by Marriott has opened on Jekyll Island in Georgia.
The new hotel, which is located oceanfront, includes 209 rooms, 120 of which are Residence Inn by Marriott and 89 of which are Courtyard by Marriott. The hybrid model allows the hotel to meet the needs of all types of guests, from business to leisure.
The Residence Inn rooms are a hybrid space with a focus on technology. The rooms are meant to allow guests to perform a mix of activities, including sleeping, working, getting ready, and more. The spaces are meant to be flexible and include a “Luggage Drop” to store baggage and a “Tech Drop” ledge to plug in electronics to make the rooms more functional.
The Courtyard rooms are one-bedroom suites and studios that are designed for stays of five nights or longer. All Courtyard rooms include a kitchen with a coffee maker, microwave, and other appliances. The rooms also come with internet access, a desk, and an ergonomic chair.
The hybrid property includes an array of amenities for its guests including a fitness centre, event spaces, fire pits, a splash pad, a hot tub, and the largest, heated, freshwater, oceanfront pool on the island.
A variety of dining options are also available, including Shore, an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar that can seat 200. The hotel also houses a bistro for coffee and quick meals and snacks.
The building incorporates environmentally friendly elements, as well, with turtle-friendly lighting and solar panels.
The construction of the hotel, which opened in June, began about two years ago, with delays due to the pandemic.
The new property was developed by LNW Hospitality and New Castle Hotels & Resorts, companies which also developed the Westin and Hampton Inn & Suites on Jekyll Island and are hopeful about the island’s tourism post-covid.
Julian Buffam, a partner at New Castle, said: “It’s something truly, truly special. Walking this property, you can feel how special it is. It’s special because the LNW Hospitality team are passionately committed to Jekyll Island and have always recognized its potential.”
