WASHINGTON, D.C.—A new 226-room Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Chevy Chase, Md., on the Maryland/Washington, D.C. border is now open to the public. Grosvenor Americas, the international property development and investment company, has completed a $35 million renovation and re-branding of the original 39-year-old building. The new Courtyard by Marriott Chevy Chase is designed to meet the criteria for the Gold LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED is an internationally recognized certification system that measures how well a building performs across a number of areas that matter most: energy savings, water efficiency, carbon dioxide emissions reduction, improved indoor air quality, stewardship of resources, and sensitivity to environmental impact.
The hotel’s green features include 100 percent renewable energy provided by wind power, which greatly reduces the operational carbon footprint; a reflective roof; energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems that do not use ozone-depleting refrigerants; energy-efficient windows; low-VOC adhesives, paints, carpets, and sealants; low-flow shower heads and dual-flush toilets; an energy management system; special parking for hybrid cars; a bike to work program for employees; a centralized recycling station for on-site sorting; and a solar-powered trash compactor.
“The Chevy Chase Courtyard is a perfect example of Grosvenor’s worldwide commitment to ‘living cities,’” said Mark Darley, senior vice president and general manager of Grosvenor Americas’ Washington, D.C. office. “Over the course of its 300-year history, Grosvenor has developed millions of square feet of retail, hotel, residential, and office space in many of the world’s most vibrant and prestigious urban neighborhoods. Our partnership with Marriott is based on both companies’ international business expertise and commitment to sustainability.”
Ideal Partner for Marriott
“In our effort to bring the new Courtyard concept to Chevy Chase, which is very close to our own headquarters, Marriott has found an excellent partner in Grosvenor Americas,” said Liam Brown, executive vice president, select service and extended stay development for Marriott. “Grosvenor is a company that realizes the potential of mixed-use urban neighborhoods and invests for the long term.”
“From day one, Courtyard has prided itself as a brand that listens to what business travelers want from a hotel,” said Brian King, vice president and global brand manager, Courtyard by Marriott. “Guests want more control and choice with services and amenities that create a healthy balance between working and relaxing. We redefined the Courtyard lobby so it invites guests to get out of their rooms to work, socialize or for entertainment, whether traveling alone or with colleagues.”
Guests are welcomed at the new Courtyard by Marriott Chevy Chase with an open, bright, and contemporary hotel lobby, where the traditional front desk has been replaced with separate welcome pedestals to create more personal and private interactions when guests check in. Inside the lobby, flexible seating options include a communal table, private media booths with high-definition televisions, and a lobby bar.
Last year, Marriott announced its environmental strategy to address climate change, called “Spirit To Preserve.” The plan calls for greening its $10 billion supply chain; further reducing fuel and water consumption by 25 percent per available room and installing solar power at up to 40 hotels by 2017; creating green construction standards for hotel developers to achieve LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council; educating and inspiring employees and guests to support the environment; and helping protect the rainforest. For updates on Marriott’s progress against its green goals, visit www.marriott.com/spirittopreserve.
