Aug. 28—The Courtyard by Marriott hotel near Texas Tech’s campus opened its doors just in time to get the football travelers.
Located at 308 Ave. V, the 103-room, four-story hotel operates as a Marriott franchise, owned and operated by Insignia Hospitality Group, Inc. of Midland.
Erick Lewis, general manager, said the past few months have been exciting, and everything went as planned on Wednesday’s opening day.
“It’s been smooth,” he said of the opening. “It’s been a wonderful opening and a wonderful experience. We’re glad be part of the community.”
The hotel is located on the north side of the Marsha Sharp Freeway, just east of University Avenue. It employs about 33 people, with rates beginning at $179 per night, according to a release.
Lewis was not hesitant to show off the hotel’s attractions. After entering the hotel, a bistro that serves food, Starbucks Coffee and alcohol is on the left, near a set of tables and chairs. There are also several seating areas with nearby outlets along the front windows.
Straight ahead of the lobby is lounge area, with colorful chairs and sofas.
He said the open space and design are tailored toward a business traveler. They offer a 4,000-square-foot meeting space that can accommodate up to 150 people, including equipment for sounds and visuals.
Lewis said he thought the location was perfect.
“Really being one of the few businesses on this side of the highway, we’re kind of launching this side. It’s a convenient location and in close proximity to the university and the stadium, with the walkway and of course the easy commute down University and plenty of eating options available.”
The hotel was constructed by Lubbock-based Greenstreet, Inc., and designed by Dallas-based architecture firm Mayse & Associates, Inc.
“It was imperative that this hotel open in time for football season, so that our clients could start generating revenue,” Ron Smith, Mayse’s project architect and team leader, said in a release. “The entire project team worked hard to make that happen.”
The rooms offer hybrid zones for working, sleeping and relaxing, but it’s the back patio that will get the football fans excited.
Outside, with a clear view of the stadium, is a fenced off pool, a fire pit, a small putting green and plenty of seating.
The putting green is about 25 feet long with three holes. The fire pit is the shape of Texas Tech’s Double T and is lined with seating. There are also plans to set up a television in the patio and open an outside bar during football games.
Lewis said their rooms are not sold out for Tech football’s opening game against the University of Central Arkansas this weekend, but they’re booked during some of the weekends against more anticipated opponents.
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