Experiencing the Design Difference at SpringHill Suites

November 30, 2009

SHS Contest Page Image Gone are the days of the benign and boring beige box hotels.  It's no longer enough to be consistent, convenient and affordable in our business.  Customers are looking for something special, even in our moderately priced brands, and we aim to please.

I recently had a chance to check out our newest SpringHill Suites in the Arts and Health District of Miami.  It's very close to where the old Orange Bowl was, right on the freeway and very, very close to the University of Miami Hospital.

The new design we're rolling out is a departure from anything we've ever done before.  I know our designers were concerned how I'd react, but leadership is about trusting your people.  After my visit to Miami, I'm glad I trusted our design team.

Our new design is bright and soothing with a beautiful palette of greens, blues and yellows.  The design is very contemporary and there's plenty of room to spread out.

SpringHill Suites has one of the highest guest satisfaction scores in our system, making the brand's patrons some of our most loyal.  I believe the new design will raise those numbers and attract even more loyal customers.  It's already in about ten percent of the brand's 250 hotels, and a lot more are on the way.

The people who market and publicize SpringHill Suites created a fun video memory challenge to show off the new design.  So, take a look at http://videochallenge.spacetoinspire.com.

I'm Bill Marriott and thanks for helping me keep Marriott on the move.

Experiencing the Design Difference at SpringHill Suites

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Hi Mr. Marriott.
I remember when you wrote back in 2007 your first blog about the SpringHill Suites entitled "Springing Forward for Our Guests." Then, I was excited then because I could only see the aesthetic appeal of the brand. Now being two years older and wiser, I am excited because I can see the innovation and willingness for change. SpringHill Suites seems to be designed as more than just a hotel where you just spend the night. It seems to be an experience where relaxation is facilitated by the very way it was constructed; by the modern openness and palette of bright colors. SpringHill Suites are just further proof that you know what your guests want and are willing to provide it to them. Thank you.

What is the difference between a Spring Hill Suite and the Residence Inns or Courtyard Motels? I've stayed at these, but not a Spring Hill Suite yet. Do not know what to expect.

What hotel is the closes to Cowboy stadium?

Mr. Marriott - Great Post - In the spirit of unique design, I read recently about Marriott's upcoming Autograph collection. Can you blog a bit about that? The prospect of being able to stay at some distinctive properties within the Marriott family is very appealing!

SpringHill Suites and all Marriott affliates are the best in the world. There seems to be a trait trail of genuine good reception and caring from the desk at check in to check out. Thank you for enriching our lives when we discover the benefits of choosing Marriott

The new Spring Hill Suites design looks very inviting. Waiting for the new SHS hotel in Irvine to open in...days. It is just a few blocks from work. Will likely give it a try just before the end of the year. As a Marriott shareholder I am continually impressed how Marriott does not rest current success, but keeps forging ahead with new ideas and new designs.

I agree with Bill regarding the quality of design at the Spring Hill properties. I would like to find out the name of the manufacturer of the wall covering used in the lobby of the River North location in Chicago. My home in San Francisco flooded & I must replace the wall covering that was damaged. I think Bill would be pleased to know I admired that design element so much I want to have it in my home. I hope I can provide the information to my designer who can then purchase it. Can someone provide that information to me?

I'm glad to hear of the new designs. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE put functionality and guest comfort first and foremost in all your hotels - instead or in addition to a beautiful palette of greens, blues and yellows. I had to stop staying at many favorite SSH's years ago since it was so poorly constructed that door slams, toilets flushing, guest walking about and TV sounds were clearly audible in one's room. Contemporary is nice but you have to take care of the basic concept of hoteling first, providing a good night rest - on your own terms - first. Thanks.