Courtyard By Marriott to Open in Gulfport

Upscale Hotel Was to Begin Transformation One Day before Hurricane Katrina Hit Land

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. October 14, 2008

FEBRUARY 6, 2008. The soon-to-be Courtyard(R) by Marriott(R) Gulfport, located at 1600 East Beach Blvd. in Gulfport, MS, is nearing final completion of its renovation and conversion from the independent Gulfport Beachfront Hotel, and is scheduled to open May 1, 2008. The hotel - owned by Gulfview LLC and managed by Lane Hospitality of Northbrook, IL - was to begin its $9.6 million conversion on August 28, 2005, the day before Hurricane Katrina reached land.

"Our team is proud to finally have the opportunity to bring this world- class hotel brand to Gulfport," said Bill DeForrest, President and CEO of Lane Hospitality. "We look forward to exceeding guests' expectations, providing an upscale hotel experience, and giving back to the community that has supported us for so long.

"With fully refurbished guestrooms, upgraded and expanded meeting space, and a new regional restaurant concept, the Courtyard by Marriott Gulfport will welcome guests with an upscale experience unmatched by any hotel along the Gulfport coast," DeForrest added.

The 100% non-smoking Courtyard by Marriott Gulfport will feature 148 spacious all-new guestrooms, including five two-room suites, and over 6,000 square feet of flexible event and catering space. With the capability to host both small and large events, and the latest in audio and visual technology, the hotel's stylish 4,048 square foot Coastal Ballroom will accommodate 325 (ballroom seating) to 550 (classroom seating) guests. There will also be a Gulfview Boardroom, two meeting rooms and 24-hour business center.

Each guestroom will feature new furniture with a convenient work desk area with ergonomic chair and complimentary high speed Internet access, Marriott's luxury bedding package with crisp white triple sheeting, thicker mattress and abundance of pillows, new 32" flat panel TV and MP3 clock radio (iPod compatible), refrigerator and coffee maker, and two line speakerphones.

Guests will enjoy a new 1,000 square foot fitness center with the latest in cardiovascular machines and free weights, an outdoor pool, and adjacent Gulf Coast beach with numerous water activities. The upscale hotel experience will be complete with the Shrimper's Cafe, a new regional restaurant concept and bar offering the best in Bay Area fare.

Located seven miles on the coast from downtown Biloxi, the hotel is minutes from Gulfport businesses, attractions and casinos, making it an optimal destination for both leisure and business travelers. On-site parking is complimentary.

Marriott introduced its Courtyard brand in 1983. Since then, it has grown to the company's largest brand and the world's 13th largest lodging chain with nearly 800 hotels worldwide.