Hotels go after young business travelers

0 Comments | USA TODAY, August, 2006 | by Barbara De Lollis

Move over Marriott Courtyard and Hilton Garden Inn. Other hoteliers are ramping up to steal a piece of the $135-a-night market that attracts mostly business travelers.

With more than 700 Courtyards, Marriott has dominated the category for more than 20 years. Hilton, with about 280 Garden Inns, has been a strong second. But now, Starwood, Hyatt and others are rushing to develop their own versions, motivated by a chance to tap the next generation of business travelers.

With chains planning about 1,500 new hotels over the next five years or so, consumers will start seeing new hotel brands over the next several months.

Travel marketer Peter Yesawich of YPB&R sees a common thread in the chains: "voltage in the lobby."

The new competitors say professionals...