Checking in is about to take on a whole new meaning at Edmonton International Airport.
A new 184-room hotel, to be built on airport property, means travellers will soon be able to book themselves a room in addition to a flight.
The new Courtyard by Marriott hotel reflects steadily increasing passenger numbers and flight options at the International and will provide a new service that is standard at most international airports, airport officials say.
"This is something our customers want," says Edmonton Airports spokesman Jim Rudolph, pointing to airport surveys asking customers about changes they would like to see. "It has been the No. 1 item they want when it comes to improvements to the airport."
Still in the final design stages, construction on the multi-storey hotel is expected to begin this fall with a 12- to 18- month window for completion. The hotel will rise on land just to the north and east of the original terminal and be situated on what is now primarily employee parking.
After years of trying to land a hotel for the airport, an agreement was finally reached with a hospitality organization familiar with Edmonton. Concord Hospitality Enterprises Co., based in Raleigh, N.C., also operates the city's other Courtyard by Marriott, located downtown and next to the Shaw Conference Centre.
"Based on the last three years we've been involved in Edmonton, we're really bullish on what we've seen," says Haydn Kramer, Concord's vice president of business development. "We think Edmonton has a robust economy ... and we're excited to be connected to an airport that is one of the fastest growing in North America."
Concord, established in 1985 to acquire and develop hotel properties and to provide experienced hotel management to both full-service and limited-service properties, says it pursues the development of hotels in niche markets that have the opportunity to generate investor returns in excess of 20 per cent annually.
The airport Courtyard will be connected to the terminal by a heated walkway. Services will consist of what is being described as a business library, an area featuring individual workstations with high-speed data ports and ergonomic chairs, allowing businesspeople access to computers and faxing services.
Food offerings, based on the Courtyard model, which caters to business travelers, will consist of a 24-hour Market, offering fresh sandwich and salad offerings. There will also be a full-service breakfast, with the potential of lunch and dinner service depending on demand.
Rooms will contain high-speed Internet access and Marriott's upgraded bedding package, along with upgraded bathrooms.
"We think the Courtyard brand best fits the demand for the market," says Kramer. "It's high quality, it's reflective of the pricing for customers that makes sense for the market in Edmonton, and the brand brings the right mix of services and room to the project."
Concord operates 45 hotels with 5,631 rooms in 10 states and Canada, with combined annual revenues of more than $145 million US.
Its hotel brands include Marriott full service, Renaissance, Courtyard, Residence Inn, SpringHill Suites, Fairfield Inn and Suites, Fairfield Inn, Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, MainStay Suites, Comfort Inn, Holiday Inn and Radisson.
Meanwhile, Calgary International Airport has announced its own expansion and renovation plans. The airport authority announced last week a $400 million addition to its B/C concourse, used by international travellers, as well reconfirming plans to expand air cargo and freight capabilities.
A new north-south runway is also on the drawing board as part of the authority's 10-year upgrading plan, officials said.
(Laura Severs ca be reached at laura@businessedge.ca)
