Brampton - The almost two year-old Courtyard Marriott Hotel and Convention Centre in Brampton, is on the cutting edge of what the city needs, according to Brian Dec, Director of Sales and Marketing.

"We've built a brand new beautiful product, I think our service levels are always top notch, this hotel is at the cutting edge of what people are looking for, which is why we've been so successful. We're able to provide everything that the traveler in Brampton needs," said Dec. "Brampton was in need of a brand new product so to speak. In terms of new hotels in the area, there hadn't been any new hotels built in quite some time…Its provided a Marriott experience for people who could not have it in Brampton before."

Targeting mostly business travel, corporate meetings and conferences, the hotel averages about 75 to 80 per cent occupancy during the week, but also caters to leisure and groups on the weekend, offering packages for them to enjoy as well.

According to Dec, there are about 55 hotels under the Marriott portfolio throughout Canada, this one offers some unique aspects for its guests. They are the only Courtyard in the world that has a two-story waterslide for families to enjoy and most Courtyards don't have conference and meeting facilities, which they offer 6500 square feet of space. The space can also be used for parties, weddings and social functions.

With about 80 per cent of their guests being American, Dec says they sometimes struggle with the fluctuation of the Canadian dollar, as it compares to the American one. He said he isn't too worried about it, because it's a struggle for most businesses. Dec said he doesn't see the hotel going anywhere, as along as the economy stays strong.

"As long as the economy continues to cook along and businesses are strong in Brampton, I think we'll see a nice bright future for us."

Dec says there are a lot of great things the hotel offers and that it'd be a wonderful experience for any kind of guest. Some of these include: 10 Jacuzzi rooms, complimentary high-speed internet, and in-room coffee or tea, mini refrigerator, hairdryer, iron and board, TV with their free movie channel, ergonomic work station, and voicemail. They also offer a heated indoor pool, whirlpool, fitness centre, 24 hour Market Express, laundry facilities, a hot buffet breakfast at the Courtyard Café, library lounge with a fireplace, 24 hour business centre, newspaper delivery and local restaurant dinner delivery.

There are many things guests can do outside of the hotel that are at close range, said Dec. The Marriott is about 20 minutes from Wild Water Kingdom, Paramount Canada's Wonderland, Bramalea City Centre Shopping Mall, Square One Shopping Mall and the Woodbine Racetrack and Casino. They are also about 10 minutes from the Brampton Golf Course, Shoppers World Mall and Crystal Bowl. The local movie theatre is in walking distance where various shows play during matinee and evenings.

Dec said the hotel has been having a great success for being so new and is confident that will continue as the city grows and develops.

"We've had a good ramp up, that's for sure, in terms of getting up into sort of full speed ahead now. For the first six months, we were a little slow and off the market in terms of getting established within the community, but now I think we're pretty strongly established."

The hotel is also involved with many community organizations and charities. Some of these partnerships include the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Brampton Board of Trade and the Mayor's office.

"We're just happy to be here and hopefully providing a well needed service within the community that's been looking for a fresh new facility for a long time," said Dec.

For more information on the Courtyard Marriott Hotel and Convention Centre, visit their website at www.marriott.com/yyzbm.

The Lounge at Courtyard Marriott Hotel and Convention Centre in Brampton, ON.

Written by Natasha Fall for The Brampton News
Photo Credit: Natasha Fall
Copyright 2007 Brampton Media Corp