The Courtyard by Marriott Los Angeles LAX/Century Blvd. completed a multimillion-dollar renovation. The renovation of the public areas and guests rooms of the 190-room property includes two new social distancing salons.
New Spaces
COVID-19 forced a state of emergency in California on March 4 when the property was halfway through the scheduled six-month renovation. In April, the sales department reported requests for “private spaces” to conduct business, as well as to unwind in between flights at the nearby Los Angeles International Airport. With guests congregating less in large public areas, hotel management adapted to new demand with the addition of social distancing salons. The salons are available in “lounge” and “conference” configurations and can be reserved in two-hour time blocks for $89 per salon.
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Initial plans for the two salons called for meeting rooms accommodating 10 guests each. As business changed due to the pandemic, it became clear to the development team that the planned meeting rooms would sit vacant. “Interest in private spaces created a timely opportunity to create social distancing salons ... You’re essentially in the lobby, but in your own intimate space bubble,” said Michael D’Amodio, VP of operations. The salons are reserved in advance, making the entire experience contactless.
Marriott Los Angeles LAX/Century Blvd.
Photo credit: Marriott International
The new 235-square-foot salons are fully enclosed and provide versatile layouts for both business and leisure travelers. Located at the entrance to the lobby, the salons are framed with glass doors for a brighter ambiance than traditional meeting rooms. The salons include 55-inch televisions and can be configured as a mini-lounge for watching TV or conferencing with colleagues. They even come with a supply of masks and sanitizer so guests are prepared for their next flight or activity. The lounges even have thematic artwork: a masked emoji with sunglasses.
Aviation Inspiration
Subtle influences of aviation design are visible in the corridors of the hotel with a geometric pattern inspired by airplane wings in the carpet. Many guestrooms at the hotel have views of the LAX runway and all rooms have custom artwork including an airplane panorama and its contrail. A sofa sleeper features a double-stacked cushion design that is replicated with double-stacked cognac-colored ottomans. New flexible workstations have ergonomic chairs, integrated convenience outlets and new power hubs. All guestrooms have soundproof windows with new blackout shades, as well as new draperies, carpet, wallpaper, bedding and light fixtures. Three new guestrooms were added on the lobby level.
The expanded fitness center has all new equipment ranging from Integrity treadmills and cross-trainers to adjustable benches and Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant equipment.
Denver-based Design Force Corp. oversaw the renovation.