When you have a thriving hotel industry and you’re about to open in what could arguably be among the most visible location along the Interstate 79 corridor in North Central West Virginia, it’s probably not been much of a surprise for the folks at the soon-to-open Courtyard by Marriott what’s been taking place. Despite not being officially open, the new hotel at the White Oaks development is already seeing plenty of traffic.

 

“We have probably 10 to 15 people a day coming here looking to check in,” said General Manager Robert Plutto. “I think you’ll see us getting a lot more once the doors open on Friday.”

 

It’s on Friday that the business will officially open. Although things will start early in the morning, a grand opening celebration will take place at 2 p.m.

 

The new hotel began taking reservations just a few days ago, but Plutto said the hotel is already nearing 55 percent occupancy. He said he’s hoping that number to be at 80 percent or more the first weekend.

 

The Courtyard, which was issued a $7.8 million building permit, will feature 102 rooms and its new lobby and room design. The facility is designed with a business lobby environment. The rooms feature “plush bedding,” functional work space, spacious bathrooms, a separate seating area and complimentary in-room high-speed Internet.  There also media pods, seating zones and space that has been “redefined” that can easily accommodate “pop-up meetings to social gatherings.”

 

Many have already noticed the location situated off the southbound exit ramp of Jerry Dove Drive. The official address is 30 Shaner Drive and, as the name indicated, it will operate as a Marriott franchise. The franchise is owned by Shaner Investments LP and managed by Shaner Hotels of State College, PA

 

The Courtyard is touting its convenient location just off the interstate as well as its location in White Oaks and being near United Hospital Center, the Bridgeport Conference Center, Bridgeport Recreation Complex and the FBI-CJIS Division. For those looking to stay, rates begin at $189 per night.

 

Plutto said he, his staff and all those involved are ready to get started in Bridgeport and North Central West Virginia.

 

“Shaner Investment and Shaner Hotel Group, along with Marriott, are extremely pleased to join the Bridgeport community,” said Plutto. “We’re looking forward to a very successful future here in Bridgeport and we’re looking forward to being a part of this community.”

 

Courtyard caters to business travelers. The company designs its space to make the trip enjoyable and also allow those doing business to get the most of their time, the company stated in a press release.

 

“From day one, Courtyard has prided itself as a brand that listens to what business travelers want from a hotel,” said Janis Milham, vice president and global brand manager, Courtyard. “Guests want more control and choice with services and amenities that create a healthy balance between working and relaxing. The Courtyard lobby invites guests to get out of their rooms to work, socialize or be entertained, whether traveling alone or with colleagues.” 

 

According to the press release sent out today, the dining at the Courtyard “has also been completely redesigned with The Bistro – Eat. Drink. Connect.^®, offering casual, flexible seating; easier access to food and higher quality, healthier menu options for breakfast; and light evening fare, including snacks, cocktails, wine and beer so guests can unwind. Coffee lovers can also enjoy freshly brewed Starbucks coffee. The Market^TM, a 24/7 shop for snacks, beverages and sundries, is always open for late-night cravings or the toothpaste guests may have forgotten to pack.”

 

Also, they state that another “key component of the Courtyard lobby is the newly enhanced GoBoard^®, which presents local information, maps, weather, and headline news on a 55-inch LCD touch screen. Designed with today’s busy traveler in mind, the award-winning GoBoard^® features mobile integration, enabling guests to send directions from the GoBoard^® directly to their smart phones. Guests can also touch the screen for immediate access to detailed flight information for local airports, popular entertainment and local event information, as well as walking directions.”

 

The hotel covers three stories. It features an indoor pool and a spa, a fitness center, guest laundry and 2,200 square feet of meeting space. The meeting space can handle up to 150 people.

 

For information or reservations, contact the Courtyard Bridgeport Clarksburg directly at 304-842-0444, call the Courtyard toll-free number at 800-321-2211, visit www.courtyard.com, become a fan at www.facebook.com/courtyard or follow Courtyard at www.twitter.com/courtyardhotels.