Courtyard by Marriott Opens in Cranberry

After months of construction, the new Courtyard by Marriott hotel officially opens Friday, Dec. 7, in Cranberry.

Located just behind the already-established (and larger) Marriott Pittsburgh North off Route 228 in the Cranberry Woods business park, the five-story Courtyard by Marriott has 125 rooms. Winegardner & Hammons of Cincinnati, OH and Eagle Realty Group developed it on behalf of its parent company, Western & Southern Financial Group.

Designed with business travelers in mind, the hotel features an always-open food and beverage market, “media pods,” Wi-Fi, a fitness center, an indoor pool and an outdoor fire pit.

It also offers the enhanced GoBoard® 4.0, a 55-inch LCD touch screen that shows local information, maps, weather and headline news.

The board allows guests to send directions directly to their smart phones and also gives them immediate access to detailed flight information for local airports and popular entertainment, according to a statement from Janis Milham, vice president and global brand manager of Courtyard by Marriott.

“From day one, Courtyard has prided itself as a brand that listens to what business travelers want from a hotel,” she said. “Guests want more control and choice with services and amenities that create a healthy balance between working and relaxing."

The Courtyard hotel also is home to 16 suites with refrigerators and microwave ovens for those on an extended stay.

Instead of a traditional front desk, the hotel has separate “welcome pedestals” that create more personal and private interactions when guests check in, according to the Marriott.

The lobby also has a communal table as well as private media booths with high-definition televisions, plus a semi-enclosed lounge area.

For dining, there is The Bistro, a casual restaurant offering breakfast and light evening fare, including snacks, cocktails, wine and beer. For caffeine lovers, there’s Starbucks coffee available.

The hotel also takes part in a guest recycling program. Receptacles for paper, glass, plastic and metal are located by building’s side exits.

Tell us, are you excited for the new hotel's opening? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.