Courtyard Portland Maine

A Maine Lesson

2010-10-28T07:57:00.000-07:00

This video is a good reminder of a great lesson, and reminds me why Maine People are treasures!
Random acts of kindness can cost nothing - give away a smile, hold a door a little longer, or say good morning to a stranger. Your day will be better for it!

Lighthouses

2010-10-07T06:56:00.000-07:00

Lighthouses hold a facination that has made them the basis for decorating schemes, trinkets, and entire vacations. Did you know you can spend your vacation actually being a lighthouse keeper? And Ram Island Lighthouse was just up for sale - you could have owned one!

The Courtyard is located where you can easily travel to several lighthouses in a single day.
The video clip attached gives you a little history of the area and it's lighthouses, if you like to beef up on your history before arriving. If not, just watch so you get an inkling of the splendour you will experience when you visit them.

Lighthouses are beautiful in all 4 seasons, so no need to time your trip to weather conditions. You can choose a quieter time of year, and avoid the crowds. Whenever you decide to come, don't miss our lighthouses.

See you soon!

Dayna

Fall Foliage at it's best

2010-09-16T05:47:00.000-07:00

If Pumpkins aren't your thing, you can't help but be WOW'ed by Maine's fall foliage! National Geographic depicts it best in it's photo's of Acadia National Park like no one but NG can do! I was priviledged to hear a photo journalist for National Geographic speak at a conference once - I was amazed at how many shots it takes to capture the ones that they choose to publish. The ones that "got away" were stunning, and far better than ones I could take, but when you got a glimpse of "the one" you knew there was something different about it - something you can't quantify, but can only experience.Maine State Photo Gallery

Fall in Maine is an experience - not just a list of things to see and do, but the awe and emotional impact of the sights, smells and sounds you experience.

If you can't get all the way to Acadia, you can still experience Maine's foliage. whether it be along the highway, on a scenic Casco Bay Cruise, or from atop Bradbury Mountain. Oh yeah, if you want to spend the night, I can recommend a great spot! One of the Courtyard's of course - South Portland or Bangor.

MSN named Acadia #1 foliage destination - so it's not just my opinion. Hope to see you jumping in a pile of leaves real soon!
Acadia chosen as #1 by MSN

Pumpkin Time Again

2010-09-14T13:22:00.000-07:00

It's September and here are so many good things that we wait all year for! The fresh crisp air in the morning, the warmth of the sun without being hot, Mums, pumpkins, and Shipyard's Pumpkin Head beer.

Come visit and pick out a pumpkin for your yard, visit a corn maze, and go apple picking! You won't regret it -

New Brunswick Visit

2010-04-23T10:31:00.000-07:00

I had the priviledge of visiting our Marriott Regional Reservations Center in Fredricton, NB, Canada this past week. What a valuable experience it was! I got to meet the people who are on the other side of the transfer button, and learn just how talented they really are! They also got to attach faces and personalities to properties too.

Sitting in, and listening to reservation calls was eye opening. Each call from a different property - and they were able to converse with the guest as though they personally intimately familiar with that property, and answer questions with confidence using the information provided to them on screen.

Lots of fabulous prizes were distributed to the associates that visited us throughout the day. One lucky person will be dining on Lobster very soon!

4 of us were there representing MCHG's Marriott properties. Courtyard Bangor, Fairfield Augusta, Fairfield Brunswick, Courtyard Portland, Fairfield Exeter NH, and Towne Place Gilford,NH!

I can't wait to see my new friends again - I am hoping they will come visit me -

April Fool

2010-04-01T11:29:00.000-07:00

The April Fool is anyone who does nottake advantage of this beautiful weather and come to Maine for the weekend! It is too early to be working in your yard, and your house will need cleaning next week too - but the Maine weather is perfect right now!

I am thinking of how I will enjoy the weather and have come up with several ideas:
1) Walk Back Cove - even just half way around
2) Sit on the Eastern Promenade and look at the water
3) Walk around Macworth Island
4) Fill my birdfeeder AGAIN ( those little critters are hungry )
5) Ride in my car with the top down

Dayna

Park and Fly

2010-03-24T10:44:00.000-07:00

We are excited about our new Park and Fly rates! Now you can leave your car with us and have the shuttle van take you to the airport and pick you up - making traveling a little more Hassle -Free. Due to restricted paking, we have limited availability on this great package. Make your reservations early to be assured you can take advantage of tremendous savings.

See You soon!
www.marriott.com/pwmlo

Industry's Future Leaders

2010-03-02T08:39:00.000-08:00

Jamie Courrier a student in Hospitality Management at Widener University took time during her break to visit the Courtyard this morning to gain pervebial wisdom form those who face the challenges of a hospitality career on a daily basis.

It was my pleasure to share my experience and advice with her as she begins her exploration of the Hospitality business. Her goals are to be in event management, and her professional demeanor, and pleasant personality will certainly help her to acheive those goals. My most important piece of advice to anyone wishing to be in the Hospitality business is to gain experience. Line level jobs provide a solid base to grow from. You can more effectively manage when you have experienced.

Yo may end up a manager in Hospitality without a degree, but I doubt you will get a managemnet position without experience. We wish Jamie the best of luck in her future!

A Good Night's Rest makes Champions!

2010-02-25T10:30:00.000-08:00

After spending the night at the Courtyard by Marriott , Grayce Selig a junior at Brandeis won the New England title in the 3,000 meter race. Selig was one of six Brandeis women to earn All-New England honors as the Judges finished in 10th place at the championships with 25 points.

The Courtyard is proud to have been the hotel of choice for this wonderful group of athletes!

http://www.brandeisjudges.com/sports/spring/wtrack/2009-10/news/ned3

Be a travel agent for Courtyard

2010-02-02T10:36:00.000-08:00

Marriott has a great program for those businesses who might refer people to their properties!
Are you a real estate agent, Insurance agent, HR professional, or maybe a wedding consultant?
Just add a link to the Courtyard by Marriott Portland Airport to your page, and receive a commission for any reservations made through that link. Everyhing can be done online to make it even easier -
http://www.marriott.com/marriott.mi?page=affiliateprogram

Give us a call if you have technical difficulties - we will be happy to work with you to get you up and running.

Dayna, Jason & Rob

It's the Holiday Season!

2009-12-22T06:28:00.000-08:00

It is the Holiday Season and everything is pretty quiet, so we have used this opportunity to our advantage!

Our annual Holiday Party was held on Sunday evening with a pot luck feast fit for a King! Every staff member in attendance went home with a gift that ranged from an overnight stay to a gift certificate to a local restaurant. Eli's Root Beer was flowing thanks to a generous donation.

Monday we had the elevator carpet replaced, and repairs done to the carpet in the hallways - Looks great!
Thank you to Billy "the carpet guy" for making this happen.

Travel safely as you visit friends and family!
Happy Holidays!

Dayna

Shop / Dine / Stay Portland, Maine

2009-12-16T06:17:00.000-08:00

Check out this great video if you need inspiration as the shopping season comes full swing! Combining a night away and a great meal with shopping can help you get through buying those last gifts -

And what better place to stay than the Courtyard in South Portland, Maine

See you soon!

Dayna

Dining Package

2009-11-18T10:48:00.000-08:00

It only made sense to create a package that included a Gift Certificate to Sebago Brewing Company when they moved in across the street! Included with your lodging you recieve a $30 gift certificate to use for your dining during your stay.

If you prefer to choose where you dine on the spur of the moment,check out our other special packages on our deals page. We are happy to recommend places to dine,and sights to see while you are in our area.

Travel Well,

Dayna

Thank You for Serving Our Country

2009-11-11T07:42:00.000-08:00

The Courtyard Management and staff wishes everyone a safe Veteran's Day. We thank all who serve our country in every way, but today we take the time to say thank you especially to those who put their lives on the line to secure our freedom. We respect and admire your dedication to perserving our way of life. May we never take your service for granted.

Dayna

Pumpkin Waffle

2009-11-04T09:54:00.000-08:00

Business has taken a slower pace lately allowing us to be a little creative. This week Maryann experimented with pumpkin, and I dutifully sampled her creations.
I wish she hadn't gotten it right so quickly!! The pumpkin waffle mix starts teasing your taste buds as soon as you place it on the iron to cook - if only I could stop with the smell, I'd be several pounds lighter.

Our regular corporate guests really love the pumpkin bread, I am hoping they will be adventurous enough to try the new waffle flavor. YUM - what will she come up with next?

Here4U

2009-10-10T08:20:00.000-07:00

Inspired by one of our daily meetings, we held a vanity plate contest a while back.
Come up with a plate that represents Courtyard Service. Tami won the contest, and I procrastinated about actually getting the plate. Well we finally have it and it is on the van!
They all thought I was crazy when I said I wanted a "fun" photo - and proceeded to climb up on the hood of the van. Thank you to Victor for taking the photo of the Management team minus Rob - who must have been out on a sales call - and Tami.

Have a wonderful Fall weekend! the Foliage is beautiful -

Dayna

Facebook - be our Fan

2009-10-01T12:37:00.000-07:00

Ok, I have avioded facebook like the plague on a personal level, but not having a presence there kept me from finding out information that I wanted to know! So I finally gave in and joined today. Probably the last person on earth to do so -

Not having a presence on Facebook as a business has become almost like not putting a sign on your building. I know of one business that never had a sign, but was busy from word of mouth and repeat customers. They really worked hard at providing a service that would make people seek them out, and not require them to have a sign. It was a lumber yard of all things!

Well, I don't want to chance people not finding us, so the Courtyard has a page on Facebook, a lens on Squidoo,and this blog.I started writing this blog and realized I don't have the web address for our Facebook page - I'll add that tomorrow, when I figure out how to find it...

Until next time...

Dayna

Housekeeper Appreciation - You Bet!

2009-09-22T13:12:00.000-07:00

This past week we celebrated Housekeeper Appreciation week. These hardworking staff members who are mostly behind the scenes,don't often get the recognition they deserve. My first job when I graduated from college and was looking for a teaching position, was as a housekeeper in a hotel on the beach in Kennebunkport.
I am ashamed to say looking back now, that I don't think I was anywhere as good as the people who work here at the Courtyard!

Our room cleanliness scores are exceptional, and it is due to the backbreaking work of these individuals. Cleaning up to 16 rooms a day on a regular basis is not a job for the weak of heart.

Nest time you stay in a hotel, remember to thank your housekeeper. A note, a smile, and yes - a tip, would be very appreciated.

Thank you to Housekeepers everywhere, but especially to those who make the Courtyard in Portland, Maine one of the cleanest places to stay.

www.marriott.com/pwmlo

Travel Well!

Dayna

Check out our lens on Squidoo

2009-09-16T08:16:00.000-07:00

I have been exploring Squidoo this past week, and developing a Lens for the Courtyard. It has been and still is an interesting process and site - you can start exploring at our page or "Lens" www.squidoo.com/courtyardportlandmaine

This blog is featured on the page, as well as a quick poll on Hotel Pet Peeves, and area photos-
I would love to have you visit and give feedback -

Thanks for exploring!

Bug Light, Spring Point Ledge & Portland Head Light

2009-09-14T12:41:00.000-07:00

White Cedar Inn Today: Bug Light, Spring Point Ledge & Portland Head Light

I though this was well written and something our Courtyard guests would enjoy!
Courtyard by Marriott in South Portland is about a 15 minute drive from these two lighthouses - check them out!

Bake Sale at Courtyard

2009-09-09T13:11:00.000-07:00

The staff at the Courtyard by Marriott will be holding a bake sale on Tuesday September 15,to raise funds to contribute to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
The effort is being spearheaded by Tracy Rickett a guest service agent who has been with us since opening just 2 years ago.

Wanting to help raise bail to help Dayna with her efforts,( see previous blog )
the staff has banned together in this effort. Tuesday's are the peak night of the week, when all of our regular guests will be here. I am hoping the staff doesn't buy all the goodies before our guests arrive! We know how much they look foward to their arrival cookies - maybe they will treat themselves to a special treat this week and help a good cause too.

Stop by if you are in the area, and get a sweet treat to go with your afternoon coffee -

Dayna

Fall Packages

2009-08-26T06:47:00.001-07:00

Fall is just around the corner: kids are back in school, cooler nights, no traffic...the perfect time for traveling,and do we have a deal for you!
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-deals/pwmlo-courtyard-portland-airport/

Our packages are designed to save you money, and include the things you would use while here anyway! One of the most popular packages is our Gas and Go package -included in your rate is a $25 gift card to a local gas station.

If you are here to shop, the Savvy Shopper package may be for you - it wraps up your room, breakfast, a gift certificate to Sebago Brew Company, and a gift certificate to the Christmas Tree Shops into one.
www.sebagobrewing.com

If you like to "keep it simple", maybe the Dining Package is for you. It simply includes a $30 gift certificate to Sebago Brew Company Restaurant in your rate.

We look foward to seeing you this Fall, make your reservations early - I hear the Foliage should be spectacular this year!

See you soon!

Dayna

HELP - or I'm going to Jail

2009-08-20T07:01:00.000-07:00

It seems as though someone has turned me in to the MDA - they are currently under witness protection, but I will find out who they are on Sept 16 when they come arrest me and take me away! I have learned they will be in jail at the same time as me....

My goal is to raise $1600 dollars for Muscular Distrophy by then. The Courtyard staff and guests will be raising funds, but we need your help too! No matter how much you would like to see me locked up, please for the benefit of research and support for those who's lives have been touched by this disease, log on to my page and donate. https://www.joinmda.org/southportlandlockup0909/Dayna

Help us help our community -

Dayna

Last days of Summer Activities

2009-08-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

Only a few short weeks left to do the "summer" thing. There are certain things that become a summer tradition in every household, do you have room to squeeze in one more?

Have you been to Fun Town and ridden the rollercoaster http://www.funtownsplashtownusa.com/ ? How about Old Orchard Pier Fries? I haven't made it to the homemade icecream stand yet, I may need to skip dinner and head to Toots http://www.tootsicecream.net/ this week. I have been meaning to do one of LLBean's walk on adventures www.llbean.com/ods . The farmers markets have so much fresh produce...I haven't had enough corn on the cob yet, www.meliving.com/farmersmarkets/portland.shtml . Maybe just sit by the water and enjoy a good book...

Oh no, the list is getting longer and I have a wedding to attend this week... Can we extend summer just a few more weeks please?

Travel Well,

Dayna

Rain into Lemonade

2009-07-29T11:56:00.000-07:00

Top Ten Reasons to be Grateful for all the Rain in Maine

10) A free Car wash every day or so..

9) Reduced Electric Bills from not using air conditioners

8) Low Fire Hazzard

7) No threat of Drought - feel free to water your lawn or wash your car as often as you like

6) No need to water your lawn

5) No need to fell guilty for going to a movie instead of the beach

4) No crowds on Casco Bay Cruises

3) Great time to visit Portland's Museums

2) The Courtyard has an INDOOR pool ! www.marriott.com/pwmlo

1) We have a chance to make the history books and break records

Travel Well - Dayna

Everyone is a Concierge

2009-07-22T06:35:00.000-07:00

One of the best parts of working at a hotel is helping others enjoy the things we get to see and do everyday! Seeing the joy and excitement on someones face when they return from a great meal, or a visit to Portland Headlight, just reinforces that I have chosen one of the best places on earth to live - despite the winters.

Here at the Courtyard, we encourage every staff member to be a concierge. We don't just send you to the place that delivers cookies to us - we find out what YOU are looking for and tailor our recommendations to give you the best individualized experience. That is one reason why we do not have brochure racks in our lobby!

On our website, www.marriott.com/pwmlo you can find links to many area events, attractions, and restaurants - so you can do some exploring on your own before you get here! You might find you need to visit more than once...

Travel Well,

Dayna

Clam Festival Weekend

2009-07-15T11:28:00.000-07:00

I can hardly wait - it is Clam Festival time again, and the weather forecast is looking good! http://www.clamfestival.com/
We still have a few rooms left for this coming weekend, but I am expecting them to go quickly as people realize this will be a great weekend to get away!

The Courtyard by Marriott in South Portland is just 20 miles from Yarmouth the home of the festival. Stop by the Royal River Chorus Clam booth and visit with me on Friday! or come see us perform on Sunday afternoon on the NYA lawn - Better Together, my quartet will be singing at the performance. http://www.royalriver.org/

Come back to your spacious room and comfy bed at the Courtyard, perhaps stopping by the lounge to have a nightcap and a little conversation with Harry or Matt before turning in for the night. Yup - this is the way life should be! make your reservation at www.marriott.com/pwmlo

Travel Safely!

Dayna