Publications & Sites 
Courtyard Oakbrook Terrace gets a makeover
The renovations to the rooms at the Courtyard Marriott include new pillow-top mattresses, furniture, carpet and an accent wall. | Steve Johnston~for Sun-Times Media
Check in
Name: Courtyard Chicago Oakbrook Terrace
Address: 6 Transam Plaza Drive,
Website: www.mariott.com/hotels/travel/chiot-courtyard-chicago-oakbrook-terrace/
Article Extras
Updated: March 22, 2013 6:05AM
OAKBROOK TERRACE — Two years ago, the lobby of the Courtyard Chicago Oakbrook Terrace hotel received a fresh, contemporary makeover, but its rooms remained in the classic style common to chain hotels.
But starting this month, the hotel has taken its look up a notch by completing renovations that tie together the design of the lobby and the rooms.
“It’s such a major difference, so it’s just awesome,’ said the hotel’s general manager Luci Krych. “I think it uplifts the guests’ spirits. They feel good about where they’re staying.”
The hotel typically refreshes its room design every four to six years, but delayed the cycle to about eight years this time because of the recession, Krych said.
“But the guests really haven’t noticed. Some of them have come to us and commented that the rooms look quite well,” she said.
The Courtyard Chicago Oakbrook Terrace hotel was one of the first Marriott properties in the Chicago area to receive a lobby makeover in 2011 but as a result was one of the last to have its rooms updated.
In addition to its fresh, contemporary look, the lobby also now has a Go Board, an electronic concierge that can offer information on local restaurants and attractions and allows guests to check flights and print out boarding passes.
Though the hotel does not have a separate business center, some business amenities are available in the lobby, where guests often are seen working.
“It’s funny when one guest comes down, suddenly four or five people come into the lobby,” Krych said. “It’s so inviting, sometimes I come down and work in the lobby.”
The overall look of the 147 rooms has gone from classic to a contemporary, with a wine-colored accent wall over the bed and round lampshades replaced with square ones. In addition to replacing finishes, including flooring and wallpaper, the comfort of guests is enhanced with new pillow-top mattresses.
The hotel also is expanding its food service options. Operations manager Tim Colston said, similar to other hotels of its type, the Courtyard offered a free buffet breakfast to its guests.
“Now everything is made to order,” he said.
That also means guests are charged according to the meals they order.
Throughout the day, guests now also can enjoy a latte or other Starbucks brand coffee at The Bistro, though food generally is available only for breakfast and dinner, Colston said. After a long day of meetings, guests also can relax with an alcoholic beverage, he said.
“It’s great because it has a little bar atmosphere as well, so if you want some drinks, some mixed drinks, we’re open for that,” he said.
