By Betsy Scheinbart
Courtyard by Marriott opened the first newly build JFK airport hotel in more than 15 years with a jubilant celebration June 26.
The 14-story hotel was developed by Harry Gross, founder of G. Holdings Corporation, and James Sullivan, executive vice president of Marriott International, Inc.
“This new Courtyard by Marriott is a welcome addition to the Queens landscape,” said Borough President Claire Shulman. “Its attractive design, location and range of services, along with the fact that it will provide jobs for area residents, all contribute to its success and popularity.”
The hotel joins others on the North Conduit Avenue strip that serve 33 million domestic and international passengers traveling through John F. Kennedy International Airport every year.
Located at 145-11 North Conduit Ave. and the intersection of 135th and Inwood avenues in South Jamaica, the hotel provides free shuttle service to the airport, which is just a few minutes away. Shuttle access is also offered to midtown Manhattan.
“This new Courtyard is the first Marriott hotel at John F. Kennedy International Airport,” Gross said. “The service and convenience offered at this outstanding new hotel is a fitting complement to Kennedy Airport’s revitalization process and will serve the many business travelers and families who use this great transportation hub.”
The hotel offers 166 rooms, 900 square feet of meeting space accommodating up to 65 people, an exercise room and restaurant and lounge.
“We are pleased to introduce Courtyard hotels in the JFK International Airport area,” Sullivan said. “This new hotel caters to guests seeking moderately priced accommodations for their business or personal travel.”
Courtyard rooms feature either a king-size bed or two queen-size beds, a separate seating area, a large work desk and telephones equipped with two lines and data posts. The new hotel, which opened for business June 7, also features two rooms with refrigerators and microwave ovens.
Other in-room amenities include complimentary coffee, hair dryer, iron with ironing board and cable television with a free premium movie channel.
The hotel was designed for business travelers and features a business library with individual workstations, a “grab and go” food and beverage area and a lounge.
Crossroads Hospitality Company, a subsidiary of Interstate Hotels Corporation, will manage the hotel under a franchise agreement between Marriott International and G. Holdings.
Reach reporter Betsy Scheinbart by e-mail at Timesledger@aol.com or call 229-0300 Ext. 138.
